NCERT Textbook: The Music of the People

 Page 1


1 3
2
4 5
8
The MUSIC of 
the people
Our country’s music is incredibly diverse, 
re??ecting the unique cultural heritage of 
each state, shaped by the creativity of its 
people. This diversity also exists in other art 
forms like visual arts, dance and theatre.
You may have listened to music that belongs to different regions  
of our country. Just tick (
?? ) or strike (
?? ) in the given columns. 
1.   The tune of every song is almost the same. 
2.   The rhythmic structure of every composition is varied. 
3.   The songs do not have any theme. 
4.   The songs tell us about life and nature in those regions.
 
Lok means the people. Hence, lok sangeet is the music of and 
by the people of our country. Lok sangeet expresses different 
emotions or rasas and informs you about festivals, rituals, 
traditions, occupations, beliefs, faith, etc., through the lyrics. 
1. Vilavel   2. Sarangi and Damru 
3. Desi saxophone   4. Ektara and Gopi jantra   5. Chenda 
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Page 2


1 3
2
4 5
8
The MUSIC of 
the people
Our country’s music is incredibly diverse, 
re??ecting the unique cultural heritage of 
each state, shaped by the creativity of its 
people. This diversity also exists in other art 
forms like visual arts, dance and theatre.
You may have listened to music that belongs to different regions  
of our country. Just tick (
?? ) or strike (
?? ) in the given columns. 
1.   The tune of every song is almost the same. 
2.   The rhythmic structure of every composition is varied. 
3.   The songs do not have any theme. 
4.   The songs tell us about life and nature in those regions.
 
Lok means the people. Hence, lok sangeet is the music of and 
by the people of our country. Lok sangeet expresses different 
emotions or rasas and informs you about festivals, rituals, 
traditions, occupations, beliefs, faith, etc., through the lyrics. 
1. Vilavel   2. Sarangi and Damru 
3. Desi saxophone   4. Ektara and Gopi jantra   5. Chenda 
8_Music.indd   86 8_Music.indd   86 25-04-2025   15:03:08 25-04-2025   15:03:08
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87  | The MUSIC of the people
FOLK SONGS AND COMMUNITY
Let us listen to this song given below. It 
is an Assamese song and its form is Bihu. 
What is a form? We have discussed this 
in the previous classes. A form in music 
refers to the style of singing or playing 
musical instruments.
 Sing the song but ??rst of all, try to read 
all the words properly. Clap while singing, 
this will help you understand the rhythm 
of the song. You can all stand and dance in 
Bihu style.
Song: Bihu bihu lagise gaat
Assamese song by Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu bihu lagise gaat bihu maro ahana 
Uru uru korise mon epak naso ahana 
Sinu sinu lage tomar naam ki tomar kuana 
Bihu maro ahana epak naso ahana 
Naam ki tomar kuana jaan
O …nasani ye naasi jaa 
Bihu geet epaki gaa bihu epaki gaa 
Chiyuri mahare pepaki gateelo 
Ahotor talate roy ukhal makhal lohalo 
Nasaniye naasi jaay bihu geet epaki gaay
O …Bohagare akakhote naase 
Korekoye bijuri ulahere  
Meghore aare aare
O ...Daore jen dhol bojaye taale taale 
Botajoke bihure geet gaare 
ohol paare paare 
Hurr runjhun moina gun gun moina guri 
guri jaa naasana
SONG SUMMARY 
This Bihu geet, captures the spirit of Bohag 
Bihu, a popular festival. The lyrics express 
joy, celebration, and a deep connection to 
nature, rhythm and tradition. 
You can ??nd more information about Bihu 
and the associated festivities in your Grade 6 
Hindi textbook — Malhar.
Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu dancers
8_Music.indd   87 8_Music.indd   87 25-04-2025   15:03:09 25-04-2025   15:03:09
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Page 3


1 3
2
4 5
8
The MUSIC of 
the people
Our country’s music is incredibly diverse, 
re??ecting the unique cultural heritage of 
each state, shaped by the creativity of its 
people. This diversity also exists in other art 
forms like visual arts, dance and theatre.
You may have listened to music that belongs to different regions  
of our country. Just tick (
?? ) or strike (
?? ) in the given columns. 
1.   The tune of every song is almost the same. 
2.   The rhythmic structure of every composition is varied. 
3.   The songs do not have any theme. 
4.   The songs tell us about life and nature in those regions.
 
Lok means the people. Hence, lok sangeet is the music of and 
by the people of our country. Lok sangeet expresses different 
emotions or rasas and informs you about festivals, rituals, 
traditions, occupations, beliefs, faith, etc., through the lyrics. 
1. Vilavel   2. Sarangi and Damru 
3. Desi saxophone   4. Ektara and Gopi jantra   5. Chenda 
8_Music.indd   86 8_Music.indd   86 25-04-2025   15:03:08 25-04-2025   15:03:08
Reprint 2026-27
87  | The MUSIC of the people
FOLK SONGS AND COMMUNITY
Let us listen to this song given below. It 
is an Assamese song and its form is Bihu. 
What is a form? We have discussed this 
in the previous classes. A form in music 
refers to the style of singing or playing 
musical instruments.
 Sing the song but ??rst of all, try to read 
all the words properly. Clap while singing, 
this will help you understand the rhythm 
of the song. You can all stand and dance in 
Bihu style.
Song: Bihu bihu lagise gaat
Assamese song by Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu bihu lagise gaat bihu maro ahana 
Uru uru korise mon epak naso ahana 
Sinu sinu lage tomar naam ki tomar kuana 
Bihu maro ahana epak naso ahana 
Naam ki tomar kuana jaan
O …nasani ye naasi jaa 
Bihu geet epaki gaa bihu epaki gaa 
Chiyuri mahare pepaki gateelo 
Ahotor talate roy ukhal makhal lohalo 
Nasaniye naasi jaay bihu geet epaki gaay
O …Bohagare akakhote naase 
Korekoye bijuri ulahere  
Meghore aare aare
O ...Daore jen dhol bojaye taale taale 
Botajoke bihure geet gaare 
ohol paare paare 
Hurr runjhun moina gun gun moina guri 
guri jaa naasana
SONG SUMMARY 
This Bihu geet, captures the spirit of Bohag 
Bihu, a popular festival. The lyrics express 
joy, celebration, and a deep connection to 
nature, rhythm and tradition. 
You can ??nd more information about Bihu 
and the associated festivities in your Grade 6 
Hindi textbook — Malhar.
Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu dancers
8_Music.indd   87 8_Music.indd   87 25-04-2025   15:03:09 25-04-2025   15:03:09
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88  |  KRITI
ACTIVITY 8.1 
Just like the Assamese folk song you previously 
learnt, there are different folk songs sung by people 
of different regions. Do you know any folk song of 
your region? 
 ? Learn a folk song or a song of celebration from 
your region. 
 ? Think about the background of the song and 
the purpose it serves in the community. 
 ? What are the musical instruments used in the 
regional song? Identify them with their names 
and sound. 
 ? Sing this song in the class and present the same 
in the school assembly. 
 ? Also make a presentation about the special 
elements in the song, the people or the 
community that sing it. 
 ? Record the song through a mobile phone and 
share it with your friends.
 ? Listen to a similar song from a different region 
of India. 
 ? Use appropriate movements along with the 
song. 
People of Jharkhand playing the Nagada
Note to the Teacher: Share such projects with other 
schools in your cluster. Also during bagless days, 
have both, discussion and presentation by 
the students. Encourage the students to listen 
to other songs composed by Sri Bhupen 
Hazarika, who has been awarded the 
Bharat Ratna for his music. 
8_Music.indd   88 8_Music.indd   88 25-04-2025   15:03:10 25-04-2025   15:03:10
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Page 4


1 3
2
4 5
8
The MUSIC of 
the people
Our country’s music is incredibly diverse, 
re??ecting the unique cultural heritage of 
each state, shaped by the creativity of its 
people. This diversity also exists in other art 
forms like visual arts, dance and theatre.
You may have listened to music that belongs to different regions  
of our country. Just tick (
?? ) or strike (
?? ) in the given columns. 
1.   The tune of every song is almost the same. 
2.   The rhythmic structure of every composition is varied. 
3.   The songs do not have any theme. 
4.   The songs tell us about life and nature in those regions.
 
Lok means the people. Hence, lok sangeet is the music of and 
by the people of our country. Lok sangeet expresses different 
emotions or rasas and informs you about festivals, rituals, 
traditions, occupations, beliefs, faith, etc., through the lyrics. 
1. Vilavel   2. Sarangi and Damru 
3. Desi saxophone   4. Ektara and Gopi jantra   5. Chenda 
8_Music.indd   86 8_Music.indd   86 25-04-2025   15:03:08 25-04-2025   15:03:08
Reprint 2026-27
87  | The MUSIC of the people
FOLK SONGS AND COMMUNITY
Let us listen to this song given below. It 
is an Assamese song and its form is Bihu. 
What is a form? We have discussed this 
in the previous classes. A form in music 
refers to the style of singing or playing 
musical instruments.
 Sing the song but ??rst of all, try to read 
all the words properly. Clap while singing, 
this will help you understand the rhythm 
of the song. You can all stand and dance in 
Bihu style.
Song: Bihu bihu lagise gaat
Assamese song by Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu bihu lagise gaat bihu maro ahana 
Uru uru korise mon epak naso ahana 
Sinu sinu lage tomar naam ki tomar kuana 
Bihu maro ahana epak naso ahana 
Naam ki tomar kuana jaan
O …nasani ye naasi jaa 
Bihu geet epaki gaa bihu epaki gaa 
Chiyuri mahare pepaki gateelo 
Ahotor talate roy ukhal makhal lohalo 
Nasaniye naasi jaay bihu geet epaki gaay
O …Bohagare akakhote naase 
Korekoye bijuri ulahere  
Meghore aare aare
O ...Daore jen dhol bojaye taale taale 
Botajoke bihure geet gaare 
ohol paare paare 
Hurr runjhun moina gun gun moina guri 
guri jaa naasana
SONG SUMMARY 
This Bihu geet, captures the spirit of Bohag 
Bihu, a popular festival. The lyrics express 
joy, celebration, and a deep connection to 
nature, rhythm and tradition. 
You can ??nd more information about Bihu 
and the associated festivities in your Grade 6 
Hindi textbook — Malhar.
Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu dancers
8_Music.indd   87 8_Music.indd   87 25-04-2025   15:03:09 25-04-2025   15:03:09
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88  |  KRITI
ACTIVITY 8.1 
Just like the Assamese folk song you previously 
learnt, there are different folk songs sung by people 
of different regions. Do you know any folk song of 
your region? 
 ? Learn a folk song or a song of celebration from 
your region. 
 ? Think about the background of the song and 
the purpose it serves in the community. 
 ? What are the musical instruments used in the 
regional song? Identify them with their names 
and sound. 
 ? Sing this song in the class and present the same 
in the school assembly. 
 ? Also make a presentation about the special 
elements in the song, the people or the 
community that sing it. 
 ? Record the song through a mobile phone and 
share it with your friends.
 ? Listen to a similar song from a different region 
of India. 
 ? Use appropriate movements along with the 
song. 
People of Jharkhand playing the Nagada
Note to the Teacher: Share such projects with other 
schools in your cluster. Also during bagless days, 
have both, discussion and presentation by 
the students. Encourage the students to listen 
to other songs composed by Sri Bhupen 
Hazarika, who has been awarded the 
Bharat Ratna for his music. 
8_Music.indd   88 8_Music.indd   88 25-04-2025   15:03:10 25-04-2025   15:03:10
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89  | The MUSIC of the people
 ? Listen carefully to the voices of your friends in the 
classroom. Are they all unique, or do some sound 
similar? Probably not! You will hear a variety 
of tones — sharp 
and clear, rich and 
deep, and soft and 
gentle. Just like our 
appearances, each 
voice is unique and 
distinct. No two 
people look exactly 
alike and similarly, 
no two voices 
sound exactly the 
same.
 ? Have you ever wondered about the difference 
between a male and a female voice? We often 
assume that male voices are low-pitched and 
female voices are high-pitched. However, this 
is not  always true. You will get a fair idea of 
different types of voices when you listen to the 
voices of your classmates. 
ACTIVITY 8.2: UNCONVENTIONAL SINGERS
UNIQUE VOICES
Here are some examples of male and female 
voices that are unconventional or unusual. Many 
renowned artists have unconventional voices, 
and this is what makes them unique and special. 
Listen to their music online.
Kumar Gandharv
Usha Uthup Teejan Bai
D K Pattammal
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Page 5


1 3
2
4 5
8
The MUSIC of 
the people
Our country’s music is incredibly diverse, 
re??ecting the unique cultural heritage of 
each state, shaped by the creativity of its 
people. This diversity also exists in other art 
forms like visual arts, dance and theatre.
You may have listened to music that belongs to different regions  
of our country. Just tick (
?? ) or strike (
?? ) in the given columns. 
1.   The tune of every song is almost the same. 
2.   The rhythmic structure of every composition is varied. 
3.   The songs do not have any theme. 
4.   The songs tell us about life and nature in those regions.
 
Lok means the people. Hence, lok sangeet is the music of and 
by the people of our country. Lok sangeet expresses different 
emotions or rasas and informs you about festivals, rituals, 
traditions, occupations, beliefs, faith, etc., through the lyrics. 
1. Vilavel   2. Sarangi and Damru 
3. Desi saxophone   4. Ektara and Gopi jantra   5. Chenda 
8_Music.indd   86 8_Music.indd   86 25-04-2025   15:03:08 25-04-2025   15:03:08
Reprint 2026-27
87  | The MUSIC of the people
FOLK SONGS AND COMMUNITY
Let us listen to this song given below. It 
is an Assamese song and its form is Bihu. 
What is a form? We have discussed this 
in the previous classes. A form in music 
refers to the style of singing or playing 
musical instruments.
 Sing the song but ??rst of all, try to read 
all the words properly. Clap while singing, 
this will help you understand the rhythm 
of the song. You can all stand and dance in 
Bihu style.
Song: Bihu bihu lagise gaat
Assamese song by Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu bihu lagise gaat bihu maro ahana 
Uru uru korise mon epak naso ahana 
Sinu sinu lage tomar naam ki tomar kuana 
Bihu maro ahana epak naso ahana 
Naam ki tomar kuana jaan
O …nasani ye naasi jaa 
Bihu geet epaki gaa bihu epaki gaa 
Chiyuri mahare pepaki gateelo 
Ahotor talate roy ukhal makhal lohalo 
Nasaniye naasi jaay bihu geet epaki gaay
O …Bohagare akakhote naase 
Korekoye bijuri ulahere  
Meghore aare aare
O ...Daore jen dhol bojaye taale taale 
Botajoke bihure geet gaare 
ohol paare paare 
Hurr runjhun moina gun gun moina guri 
guri jaa naasana
SONG SUMMARY 
This Bihu geet, captures the spirit of Bohag 
Bihu, a popular festival. The lyrics express 
joy, celebration, and a deep connection to 
nature, rhythm and tradition. 
You can ??nd more information about Bihu 
and the associated festivities in your Grade 6 
Hindi textbook — Malhar.
Bhupen Hazarika
Bihu dancers
8_Music.indd   87 8_Music.indd   87 25-04-2025   15:03:09 25-04-2025   15:03:09
Reprint 2026-27
88  |  KRITI
ACTIVITY 8.1 
Just like the Assamese folk song you previously 
learnt, there are different folk songs sung by people 
of different regions. Do you know any folk song of 
your region? 
 ? Learn a folk song or a song of celebration from 
your region. 
 ? Think about the background of the song and 
the purpose it serves in the community. 
 ? What are the musical instruments used in the 
regional song? Identify them with their names 
and sound. 
 ? Sing this song in the class and present the same 
in the school assembly. 
 ? Also make a presentation about the special 
elements in the song, the people or the 
community that sing it. 
 ? Record the song through a mobile phone and 
share it with your friends.
 ? Listen to a similar song from a different region 
of India. 
 ? Use appropriate movements along with the 
song. 
People of Jharkhand playing the Nagada
Note to the Teacher: Share such projects with other 
schools in your cluster. Also during bagless days, 
have both, discussion and presentation by 
the students. Encourage the students to listen 
to other songs composed by Sri Bhupen 
Hazarika, who has been awarded the 
Bharat Ratna for his music. 
8_Music.indd   88 8_Music.indd   88 25-04-2025   15:03:10 25-04-2025   15:03:10
Reprint 2026-27
89  | The MUSIC of the people
 ? Listen carefully to the voices of your friends in the 
classroom. Are they all unique, or do some sound 
similar? Probably not! You will hear a variety 
of tones — sharp 
and clear, rich and 
deep, and soft and 
gentle. Just like our 
appearances, each 
voice is unique and 
distinct. No two 
people look exactly 
alike and similarly, 
no two voices 
sound exactly the 
same.
 ? Have you ever wondered about the difference 
between a male and a female voice? We often 
assume that male voices are low-pitched and 
female voices are high-pitched. However, this 
is not  always true. You will get a fair idea of 
different types of voices when you listen to the 
voices of your classmates. 
ACTIVITY 8.2: UNCONVENTIONAL SINGERS
UNIQUE VOICES
Here are some examples of male and female 
voices that are unconventional or unusual. Many 
renowned artists have unconventional voices, 
and this is what makes them unique and special. 
Listen to their music online.
Kumar Gandharv
Usha Uthup Teejan Bai
D K Pattammal
8_Music.indd   89 8_Music.indd   89 25-04-2025   15:03:11 25-04-2025   15:03:11
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90  |  KRITI
ACTIVITY 8.3
 ? Learn a lullaby from the members of your family. 
 ? Ask your parents or grandparents whether you had a favourite one 
when you were a baby. 
 ? Make a note of the words and the speci??c tune of the lullaby. 
 ? There is a lyrical lullaby, which was sung by a famous singer Geeta Dutt 
for ??lms. The song was Nanhee kali soney chali hawa dheerey aana, 
Neend bharey pankh liye jhoolaa jhoola jaana. Listen to this song online.
ACTIVITY 8.4
 ? Let us listen to a qawwali. A qawwali is a form of devotional 
music that is related to the Su?? Islamic tradition. Traditionally, 
qawwalis have been performed by a group of male musicians, 
however today, many female musicians perform 
qawwali, showing how musical forms can evolve 
and adapt over time. 
 ? Some famous female qawwali singers include 
Roshanara Begum, who was born in Kolkata.
 ? Find and listen to a performance by a female 
qawwali group online.
 ? Learn a qawwali. So learn from a recording or 
from an artist, who is in your vicinity.
Roshanara Begum
Now let us sing another type 
of song — A lullaby or a lori.
A lullaby is a song sung to 
help a child fall asleep. While 
a lullaby is usually sung by a 
mother, can you think of other 
people in the family who can 
sing a lullaby for a baby?
BREAKING 
STEREOTYPES
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