NCERT Introduces Indian Classical Art Forms in School Curriculum (Classes 3–8)

In a bid to reorient Classes 3 through 8 with new textbooks, the Indian ethos aligns to the commitments of the National Education Policy and includes Indian classical music, dance, theatre and visual arts. The new curriculum, Bansuri (Classes 335), and Kriti (Classes 68), introduce the students to swar, laya, ragas, taals, and traditional storytelling. The classical dance styles such as Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, and Odissi are also introduced at elementary levels of hand gestures and movements. The material is formed on old Sanskrit treatises such as Natyashastra and Abhinaya Darpanam. Mastery is not the intent but appreciation and cultural exposure.

News in Brief 

• NCERT releases the Bansuri and kriti textbooks to incorporate the Indian classical arts into school education.

• Students will learn the fundamentals of ragas, taals, hand movements, narration, and folk tradition.

• It is an exposure in culture rather than training in a profession.

Key Points

Curriculum and Structure

• Bansuri (Classes 3- 5) and Kriti (Classes 6-8).

• Introduces swar, laya, shabd, ragas, taals, shlokas and folk songs.

• Dance forms included: Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Sattriya.

Source of Knowledge

• Natyashastra, Brahaddesi, Sangita Damodara and Abhinaya Darpanam.

• Introduces ancient theories into easy child-friendly illustrations and games.

Pedagogical Approach

• Training in story telling, abhinaya, hand-gesture, low-jumps, leaps, and shapes.

• Promotes the use of classical art elements on the projects of the students.

• Improves the value of performances through simple cultural knowledge.

Conclusion

This move by the NCERT establishes a balance between the traditional culture and the contemporary school education and makes the children become culturally aware. It exposes in an age-appropriate way to the rich artistic traditions of India. This move enhances the bonding between education and the traditional ethnocentric culture in India.