Understanding Emotions – Class 7 Arts Chapter 1 Notes & NCERT PDF

Introduction

The Theatre section of Kriti opens with a line from the Tamil epic Silappadikaram by Ilango Adigal (Arangetram Kaathai, Sangam literature):

Ulladu nigazhum kurippu kanippukku erpada udambil nigazum verupaadu.

When an actor expresses emotions of a character, it evokes equivalent changes within the actor's body and mind.

Chapter 1 then quotes Bharata Muni's Natyashastra (Ch. VII):

Evam Rasāśca Bhāvāśca Nāṭake Smṛtāḥ, Ya Evametān Jānāti Sa Gacchet Siddhimuttamām.

In the performance of a play, feelings, sentiments, mood, thoughts and state of mind need to be created. Only when one knows this well, the play will attain success.

In this chapter you learn about emotions in different intensities, the two styles of acting — Lokadharmi and Natyadharmi — and how emotions are represented in ancient architecture.

Key Ideas

Quick recap from Grade 6

Bharata Muni concluded there are eight predominant emotional experiences; a ninth was added later, making the Navarasa.

Levels of intensity

Intensity is the measurable quality or degree of a property or condition.

One rasa can be felt at different levels. The book's example for Roudra (anger): mild anger → very angry → rage.

For happiness, the book gives four levels:

There is no single correct list: each class discusses and names its own levels.

Exploring expression styles

The same emotion can be shown in different ways. In fear (Bhayanaka), one person closes the eyes tightly while another opens them wide.

Styles of acting

Acting styles often grow out of local culture (costume, props, music, stories differ across Japan, South-East Asia and parts of India). Some styles, like Brecht style and method acting, are based on techniques and can be applied to any script anywhere.

Bharata Muni named two styles:

The Natyashastra (Chapter VI) says: Lokadharmī Nāṭyadharmī Dharmīti Tu Dvividhāḥ Smṛitaḥ — practice of representation (dharmi) is twofold: Lokadharmi (realistic) and Natyadharmi (theatrical).

Emotions in ancient architecture

Indian sculpture is a timeless gallery of the Navarasas in stone:

Dedication of a lifetime

Master craftsman Jakaṇachārī was asked by the Hoysaḷa king to build a grand temple. A young artist spotted a flaw in one statue: a cavity in the navel where a frog was living. Jakaṇachārī cut off his hands as he had promised. The young artist turned out to be his own son, Daṅkaṇāchāri. The story (believed to be true) shows the wholehearted dedication of the artists who built the temple at Belur.

Activities in the Chapter

Key Terms

Artists & Traditions Mentioned

Connect to Your Life

Different people express the same feeling differently — some smile when nervous, others go silent when sad. Understanding this builds empathy and emotional intelligence. All emotions are equal and should be accepted and expressed freely — but, as in theatre, without over-doing anything.

Common Mistakes

Let's Reflect