NCERT Class 8 Arts Kriti: Chapter 14 — A Presentation of Dance and Choreography
This chapter introduces students to the concepts of dance and choreography, building upon their familiarity with Nāṭyaśhāstra and Abhinaya Darpaṇam. It delves into the origins of dance, referencing the Grade 6 Arts textbook and the Abhinaya Darpanam for stories about its birth. The chapter explains the creation of the Nāṭya Veda, or the fifth Veda, by Brahma Deva from the four Vedas. Bharata Muni is highlighted as the Rishi who mastered the three aspects of dance: nr̥tta, nr̥itya, and nāṭya. The text recounts Bharata Muni's first performance with Gandharvas and Apsarās, and how the rigorous tandava dance was taught to sages by Mahadeva's gana, Tandu, eventually reaching humans. This chapter provides foundational knowledge for understanding the historical and mythological roots of Indian dance forms.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — A Presentation of Dance and Choreography |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 130 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical context of dance terms like nr̥tta, nr̥itya, and nāṭya.
- Learn about the mythological origin of dance and the Nāṭya Veda.
- Identify key figures like Brahma Deva, Bharata Muni, and Mahadeva in the context of dance.
- Recognize the significance of tandava dance and its transmission.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nāṭyaśhāstra | An ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, including dance, drama, and music. |
| Abhinaya Darpaṇam | An ancient Indian text on the art of acting and dance, focusing on gestures and expressions. |
| nr̥tta | Pure dance, focusing on rhythm and movement without expressive storytelling. |
| nr̥itya | Expressive dance, conveying emotions and stories through gestures and movements. |
| nāṭya | Dance-drama, a theatrical performance combining dance, music, and dialogue. |
| Gandharvas | Celestial musicians in Hindu mythology. |
| Apsarās | Celestial dancers in Hindu mythology. |
| tandava | A vigorous, dynamic dance form associated with Lord Shiva. |
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Practice questions
- What were the ancient terms for dance and dance-drama mentioned in the chapter? Answer: The ancient terms were nr̥tta, nr̥itya, or nartana for dance, and nāṭya for dance-drama.
- Who is credited with creating the Nāṭya Veda? Answer: Brahma Deva is credited with creating the Nāṭya Veda.
- Who mastered the three aspects of dance (nr̥tta, nr̥itya, and nāṭya)? Answer: Bharata Muni mastered the three aspects of dance.
- What is the rigorous form of dancing taught by Mahadeva's gana, Tandu? Answer: The rigorous form of dancing is called tandava.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nāṭya Veda?
The Nāṭya Veda, often referred to as the fifth Veda, is said to have been created by Brahma Deva from the four Vedas.
Who was Bharata Muni?
Bharata Muni was a Rishi who studied and mastered the three aspects of dance: nr̥tta, nr̥itya, and nāṭya, and is credited with presenting the first performance of the Nāṭya Veda.
What is the difference between nr̥tta, nr̥itya, and nāṭya?
Nr̥tta is pure dance, nr̥itya is expressive dance, and nāṭya is dance-drama.
How did the tandava dance originate?
The tandava dance was taught by Mahadeva's gana, Tandu, to the sages, who then taught it to humans.
What ancient texts are mentioned in relation to dance?
The Nāṭyaśhāstra and the Abhinaya Darpaṇam are mentioned.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 14 — A Presentation of Dance and Choreography. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.