NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti: Chapter 17 — People in Places
This chapter, 'People in Places,' introduces the concept of perspective in art, a technique used to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. It explains how parallel lines appear to converge in the distance, a phenomenon observed in everyday sights like roads and railway tracks. The chapter details the key elements of perspective: the horizon line, which aligns with the viewer's eye level, and the vanishing point, where converging lines meet, also at eye level. It guides students on visualizing these elements by imagining their eyeball as a circle with the vanishing point at its center and the horizon line across it. The importance of identifying the horizon line, visualizing the vanishing point, and observing the angles of converging lines is emphasized for drawing realistic representations of buildings and architectural monuments. The chapter uses the example of Rani ki Vav stepwell to illustrate how lines converge at the vanishing point, enhancing the understanding of perspective for CBSE Class 8 Arts students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 17 — People in Places |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 381 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of perspective in art.
- Identify the horizon line and vanishing point in visual scenes.
- Learn how to create an illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface.
- Apply perspective techniques to draw realistic architectural elements.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Perspective | The technique of showing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. |
| Converge | To meet or come together at a common point. |
| Horizon line | The line that aligns with the eye level of the viewer. |
| Vanishing point | The point where parallel lines appear to converge in the distance. |
| Illusion | A deceptive appearance or impression. |
| Two-dimensional | Having or appearing to have only length and width. |
| Three-dimensional | Having or appearing to have length, width, and depth. |
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Practice questions
- What is perspective in art? Answer: Perspective is the technique of showing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface, creating an illusion of distance and depth.
- What are the two main elements used in perspective drawing? Answer: The two main elements are the horizon line and the vanishing point.
- Where is the horizon line usually located in a drawing? Answer: The horizon line aligns with the eye level of the viewer.
- What happens to parallel lines when drawn in perspective? Answer: Parallel lines appear to converge at a vanishing point in the distance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of perspective in drawing?
The main purpose of perspective is to create an illusion of depth and distance on a flat surface, making drawings appear three-dimensional.
How does the horizon line relate to the viewer?
The horizon line is always at the eye level of the viewer.
Where is the vanishing point located in relation to the horizon line?
The vanishing point is located on the horizon line.
Can perspective be used to draw things other than buildings?
Yes, perspective can be used to draw any scene or object to give it a sense of depth and realism.
What happens to objects as they get further away in a perspective drawing?
Objects appear smaller and have fewer details as they get further away.
What is the significance of the Rani ki Vav example?
The Rani ki Vav example illustrates how the lines of architectural structures converge at the vanishing point, demonstrating the practical application of perspective.
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NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 17 — People in Places. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.