Complete Solutions and Summary of Discovering the Elements of Music – NCERT Class 8, Arts, Chapter 5 – Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions
Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 5 ‘Discovering the Elements of Music’ with all question answers, extra questions, and solutions from NCERT Class VIII, Arts (Kriti).
Updated: 18 hours ago

Discovering the Elements of Music
Chapter 5: Music
Complete Study Guide with Interactive Learning
Chapter Overview
What You'll Learn
Elements of Music
Understanding melody (raga), rhythm (tala), and lyrics (sahitya) and how they integrate in songs.
Vocal Exercises
Practices for range, flexibility, harmony, and rhythm using swaras and konnakkol.
Rhythm and Metre
Exploring Sanskrit verses, konnakkol in adi tala, and tabla patterns in Hindustani music.
Ensemble and Performance
Leading ensembles, patriotic songs, and understanding group collaboration in music.
Historical Context
This chapter begins with a quote from Matanga’s Brihaddeshi (Chapter 3, Verse 264) defining raga as aesthetically structured sound with swar and varna. It emphasizes music's integral role in life and encourages exploration of themes, tunes, and rhythms.
Key Highlights
Focus on developing voice through exercises in mandra and tara saptak, harmony via canons, and rhythm via konnakkol and Sanskrit chhand. Includes activities like Saraswati Paran in ektaal and the patriotic song "Jayati Jayati Bharata Mata."
Comprehensive Chapter Summary
1. Introduction to Music Elements
The chapter opens with a Sanskrit quote from Brihaddeshi defining raga as pleasant sound structured with swar and varna. It introduces main elements: melody (raga), rhythm (tala), and lyrics (sahitya), and how they combine in songs.
2. Note to Teachers
Role of Music in Life
Music enriches lives; encourage exploration of themes, lyrical beauty, tunes, rhythms, and diverse voices. Assessments should be relaxed, observational, and provide qualitative feedback.
Competencies Overview
CG1: Openness to express through arts. CG2: Imagination in music. CG3: Artistic elements and techniques. CG4: Regional arts familiarity.
Assessment Guidelines
Formative assessments via classroom observation; summative at section end. Aim: Check competencies and provide support.
3. Vocal Exercises
Range (Activity 5.1)
Practice mandra saptak patterns like S, SṆS to extend lower register. Create similar for tara saptak.
Flexibility (Activity 5.2)
Sargam in teentala: Sing patterns like SRSG slowly, increasing tempo for voice flexibility.
Warmups in Harmony (Activity 5.3)
Sing in groups: Warmup in thirds, e.g., Group 1: SRG, Group 2: GMP. Explores collaboration like jugalbandi.
4. Sanskrit Verses and Rhythm
Shloka and Chhand (Activity 5.4)
Recite Omkaaram Bindu-Samyuktam in anushtup chhand (pattern of 4) to understand rhythm.
5. Tala, Konnakkol, and Swaras
Konnakkol in Adi Tala (Activity 5.5)
Recite ThaKaDhiMi ThaKaJhaNu in 1st, 2nd, 3rd speeds. Relates to math: Proportionate syllable changes.
Swaras in Adi Tala (Activity 5.6)
Similar to konnakkol but with swaras like S R G M. Create own patterns.
6. Tabla Patterns in Hindustani Music
Recollect ektaal bols; recite Saraswati Paran by Swami Pagal Das. Patterns: Ek gun (1 bol/beat), Dugun (2), Tigun (3), Chaugun (4).
7. Ensemble and Patriotic Song
Activity 5.9: Lead ensemble with roles like conductor, lead singer. Song: Jayati Jayati Bharata Mata, highlighting Maihar Band's harmonious blend.
8. Assessment
Chapter assessment on understanding rhythm/metre, singing songs, and harmony patterns.
Key Concepts and Definitions
Raga
Aesthetically structured sound with swar and varna, pleasant to ears.
Tala
Rhythm structure, e.g., adi tala with 8 beats.
Konnakkol
Rhythm language of Carnatic music using syllables like ThaKaDhiMi.
Harmony
Singing different notes simultaneously for pleasant effect.
Chhand
Metre in Sanskrit verses, e.g., anushtup (pattern of 4).
Ensemble
Group performance with roles like conductor and singers.
Important Facts and Figures
Questions and Answers from Chapter
Short Questions
Q1. What is raga according to Brihaddeshi?
Q2. What are the main elements of music?
Q3. What is vocal range?
Q4. What is harmony?
Q5. What is konnakkol?
Q6. What is adi tala?
Q7. What is chhand?
Q8. What is anushtup chhand?
Q9. What is ek gun?
Q10. Who composed Saraswati Paran?
Q11. What is mandra saptak?
Q12. What is tara saptak?
Q13. What is jugalbandi?
Q14. What is the Maihar Band known for?
Q15. What is the patriotic song in the chapter?
Medium Questions
Q1. Explain the importance of vocal range exercises.
Q2. Describe flexibility exercises in sargam.
Q3. How to practice warmups in harmony?
Q4. What is the role of Sanskrit verses in rhythm?
Q5. Explain konnakkol in adi tala.
Q6. How to use swaras in adi tala?
Q7. What are tabla patterns in Hindustani music?
Q8. Describe Saraswati Paran.
Q9. How to lead an ensemble?
Q10. What is the meaning of the shloka Omkaaram?
Q11. Explain the mathematical concept in konnakkol speeds.
Q12. What are CG1 competencies?
Q13. Describe CG2 competencies.
Q14. What are CG3 competencies?
Q15. Explain CG4 competencies.
Long Questions
Q1. Discuss the definition of raga from Brihaddeshi and its elements.
Q2. Explain the note to teachers on music's role and assessments.
Q3. Describe vocal range exercises and their benefits.
Q4. Analyze flexibility exercises using sargam in teentala.
Q5. Discuss warmups in harmony and collaboration.
Q6. Explain Sanskrit verses and rhythm with example.
Q7. Describe konnakkol in adi tala and math relation.
Q8. How to practice swaras in adi tala?
Q9. Discuss tabla patterns in Hindustani music.
Q10. Explain Saraswati Paran composition.
Q11. Describe leading and participating in ensemble.
Q12. What is the patriotic song and its significance?
Q13. Explain the assessment for the chapter.
Q14. Discuss CG1 and CG2 competencies.
Q15. Explain CG3 and CG4 competencies.
Interactive Knowledge Quiz
Test your understanding of Discovering the Elements of Music
Quick Revision Notes
Elements
- Raga: Melody
- Tala: Rhythm
- Sahitya: Lyrics
Vocal Exercises
- Range: Mandra/Tara
- Flexibility: Sargam
- Harmony: Thirds
Rhythm
- Konnakkol: Adi Tala
- Chhand: Anushtup
- Tabla: Ektaal
Ensemble
- Roles: Conductor
- Song: Patriotic
- Maihar Band
Exam Strategy Tips
- Practice patterns
- Understand definitions
- Relate to activities
- Focus on competencies
- Recite rhythms
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