NCERT textbooks introduce Indian art forms , Pg12

Key Highlights:

• NCERT introduced Indian art forms in new textbooks for Classes 3 to 8, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP).
• The new arts education textbook, Kriti, for Class 8 in academic year 2025-26, covers classical Indian music's components like swar, laya, and shabd.
• Students will be exposed to Indian dance forms, including Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya.
• The textbooks, Bansuri (Classes 3-5) and Kriti (Classes 6-8), aim to introduce Indian art forms in an age-appropriate manner.

Detailed Insights:

• The initiative aims to root education in the Indian ethos, as emphasized by the National Education Policy.
• Kriti includes recitation of shlokas in Sanskrit through swar and laya patterns, folk songs in regional languages, and patterns of seven notes in different layas.
• The curriculum focuses on renditions of ragas from both Hindustani and Carnatic music styles.
• The textbook draws from ancient texts like Natyashastra, Brihaddeshi, Sangita Damodara, and Abhinaya Darpanam.
• The goal is to expose students to classical art forms, not to develop expertise, but to appreciate performances with background knowledge.
• Basic hasta mudras (hand gestures) are photographically depicted for incorporation in dance or theatre performances.
• NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani notes that Kriti infuses rich Indian Knowledge systems, artistic and cultural heritage, and values rooted in Bharat.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Swar: A musical note in Indian classical music.
• Laya: The tempo or rhythm in Indian music.
• Shabd: The word or lyrics in a song.
• Raga: A melodic framework for improvisation in Indian classical music.