NCERT Textbook: Arts of the People, With the People, For the People | Arts (Kriti) Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

 Page 1


18 
ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE 
PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
Art has been a part of human life 
since prehistoric times. Every 
artefact carries the voice and 
touch of other humans, forging a 
connection between them and us 
across the time. Just as innovations in materials, tools 
and technology in??uence arts processes; changes in 
social values, ideas and behaviour in??uence creative 
thoughts and expressions. It is fascinating to learn about 
the lives and work of artists. They take us into their 
world of imagination, trigger many di??erent emotions 
that make us re??ect on our lives and actions. 
Art is a part of our everyday life. From the clothes 
we wear to the plate we eat from, all is a piece of art. 
In this chapter, you will be introduced to a variety of 
art practices that primarily use everyday materials like 
thread, paper and cloth to create beautiful objects, and 
artwork. You will learn how these materials are crafted 
using speci??c techniques, and in the process, you will 
be able to appreciate the hard work, patience and 
dedication of hundreds of artists, who have kept these 
traditions alive.
CH-18_VA.indd   198 CH-18_VA.indd   198 18-06-2025   16:07:57 18-06-2025   16:07:57
Page 2


18 
ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE 
PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
Art has been a part of human life 
since prehistoric times. Every 
artefact carries the voice and 
touch of other humans, forging a 
connection between them and us 
across the time. Just as innovations in materials, tools 
and technology in??uence arts processes; changes in 
social values, ideas and behaviour in??uence creative 
thoughts and expressions. It is fascinating to learn about 
the lives and work of artists. They take us into their 
world of imagination, trigger many di??erent emotions 
that make us re??ect on our lives and actions. 
Art is a part of our everyday life. From the clothes 
we wear to the plate we eat from, all is a piece of art. 
In this chapter, you will be introduced to a variety of 
art practices that primarily use everyday materials like 
thread, paper and cloth to create beautiful objects, and 
artwork. You will learn how these materials are crafted 
using speci??c techniques, and in the process, you will 
be able to appreciate the hard work, patience and 
dedication of hundreds of artists, who have kept these 
traditions alive.
CH-18_VA.indd   198 CH-18_VA.indd   198 18-06-2025   16:07:57 18-06-2025   16:07:57
199  |  ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
 ACTIVITY 18.1: TIE AND LINK
Nature has fascinating networks that connect all living beings to 
one another. 
Even though you don’t usually see the roots of plants and trees, 
you know that they sustain life. Some trees like the banyan have 
roots that grow out of their branches above the ground.
In Meghalaya, the Indian rubber tree has very strong secondary 
roots that grow above the ground. The people of the region have 
trained these living roots to form long bridges across streams and 
rivers. 
It takes a lot of time for 
these bridges to form. They 
are gently twisted onto one 
another and tied in di??erent 
places for support. The 
bridges get stronger over 
time as the roots grow. 
Twisting, knotting, 
crocheting, knitting and 
weaving  are some  techniques 
used by artists in di??erent 
Note to the Teacher: Highlight the connection that human 
societies have with nature and the importance of sustainable 
choices across art practices.
Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
parts of our country. Baskets, handloom 
fabric, fans and even charpoy are 
created using these techniques. These 
are everyday objects created for daily 
use by the people, for the people.
Find ropes made of cotton, jute or 
any other natural ??bre that is easily 
available in your region and create a 
small artwork yourself.
Jute Baskets
CH-18_VA.indd   199 CH-18_VA.indd   199 18-06-2025   16:08:00 18-06-2025   16:08:00
Page 3


18 
ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE 
PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
Art has been a part of human life 
since prehistoric times. Every 
artefact carries the voice and 
touch of other humans, forging a 
connection between them and us 
across the time. Just as innovations in materials, tools 
and technology in??uence arts processes; changes in 
social values, ideas and behaviour in??uence creative 
thoughts and expressions. It is fascinating to learn about 
the lives and work of artists. They take us into their 
world of imagination, trigger many di??erent emotions 
that make us re??ect on our lives and actions. 
Art is a part of our everyday life. From the clothes 
we wear to the plate we eat from, all is a piece of art. 
In this chapter, you will be introduced to a variety of 
art practices that primarily use everyday materials like 
thread, paper and cloth to create beautiful objects, and 
artwork. You will learn how these materials are crafted 
using speci??c techniques, and in the process, you will 
be able to appreciate the hard work, patience and 
dedication of hundreds of artists, who have kept these 
traditions alive.
CH-18_VA.indd   198 CH-18_VA.indd   198 18-06-2025   16:07:57 18-06-2025   16:07:57
199  |  ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
 ACTIVITY 18.1: TIE AND LINK
Nature has fascinating networks that connect all living beings to 
one another. 
Even though you don’t usually see the roots of plants and trees, 
you know that they sustain life. Some trees like the banyan have 
roots that grow out of their branches above the ground.
In Meghalaya, the Indian rubber tree has very strong secondary 
roots that grow above the ground. The people of the region have 
trained these living roots to form long bridges across streams and 
rivers. 
It takes a lot of time for 
these bridges to form. They 
are gently twisted onto one 
another and tied in di??erent 
places for support. The 
bridges get stronger over 
time as the roots grow. 
Twisting, knotting, 
crocheting, knitting and 
weaving  are some  techniques 
used by artists in di??erent 
Note to the Teacher: Highlight the connection that human 
societies have with nature and the importance of sustainable 
choices across art practices.
Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
parts of our country. Baskets, handloom 
fabric, fans and even charpoy are 
created using these techniques. These 
are everyday objects created for daily 
use by the people, for the people.
Find ropes made of cotton, jute or 
any other natural ??bre that is easily 
available in your region and create a 
small artwork yourself.
Jute Baskets
CH-18_VA.indd   199 CH-18_VA.indd   199 18-06-2025   16:08:00 18-06-2025   16:08:00
200  |  Kriti
LEARN THE ART OF KNOTTING
Work in small groups for this activity. Follow 
these steps to learn basic knots. Knots can 
be confusing. So, look around and 
help one another as you work. You 
can add coloured beads or other 
decorations, or make it in tricolour. 
Follow Steps 1 to 6 to create 
a friendship band, wrist band  
or rakhi and send it to our soldiers 
to show your appreciation.
1 2
3 4
5 6
CH-18_VA.indd   200 CH-18_VA.indd   200 18-06-2025   16:08:01 18-06-2025   16:08:01
Page 4


18 
ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE 
PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
Art has been a part of human life 
since prehistoric times. Every 
artefact carries the voice and 
touch of other humans, forging a 
connection between them and us 
across the time. Just as innovations in materials, tools 
and technology in??uence arts processes; changes in 
social values, ideas and behaviour in??uence creative 
thoughts and expressions. It is fascinating to learn about 
the lives and work of artists. They take us into their 
world of imagination, trigger many di??erent emotions 
that make us re??ect on our lives and actions. 
Art is a part of our everyday life. From the clothes 
we wear to the plate we eat from, all is a piece of art. 
In this chapter, you will be introduced to a variety of 
art practices that primarily use everyday materials like 
thread, paper and cloth to create beautiful objects, and 
artwork. You will learn how these materials are crafted 
using speci??c techniques, and in the process, you will 
be able to appreciate the hard work, patience and 
dedication of hundreds of artists, who have kept these 
traditions alive.
CH-18_VA.indd   198 CH-18_VA.indd   198 18-06-2025   16:07:57 18-06-2025   16:07:57
199  |  ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
 ACTIVITY 18.1: TIE AND LINK
Nature has fascinating networks that connect all living beings to 
one another. 
Even though you don’t usually see the roots of plants and trees, 
you know that they sustain life. Some trees like the banyan have 
roots that grow out of their branches above the ground.
In Meghalaya, the Indian rubber tree has very strong secondary 
roots that grow above the ground. The people of the region have 
trained these living roots to form long bridges across streams and 
rivers. 
It takes a lot of time for 
these bridges to form. They 
are gently twisted onto one 
another and tied in di??erent 
places for support. The 
bridges get stronger over 
time as the roots grow. 
Twisting, knotting, 
crocheting, knitting and 
weaving  are some  techniques 
used by artists in di??erent 
Note to the Teacher: Highlight the connection that human 
societies have with nature and the importance of sustainable 
choices across art practices.
Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
parts of our country. Baskets, handloom 
fabric, fans and even charpoy are 
created using these techniques. These 
are everyday objects created for daily 
use by the people, for the people.
Find ropes made of cotton, jute or 
any other natural ??bre that is easily 
available in your region and create a 
small artwork yourself.
Jute Baskets
CH-18_VA.indd   199 CH-18_VA.indd   199 18-06-2025   16:08:00 18-06-2025   16:08:00
200  |  Kriti
LEARN THE ART OF KNOTTING
Work in small groups for this activity. Follow 
these steps to learn basic knots. Knots can 
be confusing. So, look around and 
help one another as you work. You 
can add coloured beads or other 
decorations, or make it in tricolour. 
Follow Steps 1 to 6 to create 
a friendship band, wrist band  
or rakhi and send it to our soldiers 
to show your appreciation.
1 2
3 4
5 6
CH-18_VA.indd   200 CH-18_VA.indd   200 18-06-2025   16:08:01 18-06-2025   16:08:01
201  |  ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
7 8
11
9 10
Work in groups and continue through Step 11 to create larger pieces like wall hangings, torans, and so on.
CH-18_VA.indd   201 CH-18_VA.indd   201 18-06-2025   16:08:03 18-06-2025   16:08:03
Page 5


18 
ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE 
PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
Art has been a part of human life 
since prehistoric times. Every 
artefact carries the voice and 
touch of other humans, forging a 
connection between them and us 
across the time. Just as innovations in materials, tools 
and technology in??uence arts processes; changes in 
social values, ideas and behaviour in??uence creative 
thoughts and expressions. It is fascinating to learn about 
the lives and work of artists. They take us into their 
world of imagination, trigger many di??erent emotions 
that make us re??ect on our lives and actions. 
Art is a part of our everyday life. From the clothes 
we wear to the plate we eat from, all is a piece of art. 
In this chapter, you will be introduced to a variety of 
art practices that primarily use everyday materials like 
thread, paper and cloth to create beautiful objects, and 
artwork. You will learn how these materials are crafted 
using speci??c techniques, and in the process, you will 
be able to appreciate the hard work, patience and 
dedication of hundreds of artists, who have kept these 
traditions alive.
CH-18_VA.indd   198 CH-18_VA.indd   198 18-06-2025   16:07:57 18-06-2025   16:07:57
199  |  ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
 ACTIVITY 18.1: TIE AND LINK
Nature has fascinating networks that connect all living beings to 
one another. 
Even though you don’t usually see the roots of plants and trees, 
you know that they sustain life. Some trees like the banyan have 
roots that grow out of their branches above the ground.
In Meghalaya, the Indian rubber tree has very strong secondary 
roots that grow above the ground. The people of the region have 
trained these living roots to form long bridges across streams and 
rivers. 
It takes a lot of time for 
these bridges to form. They 
are gently twisted onto one 
another and tied in di??erent 
places for support. The 
bridges get stronger over 
time as the roots grow. 
Twisting, knotting, 
crocheting, knitting and 
weaving  are some  techniques 
used by artists in di??erent 
Note to the Teacher: Highlight the connection that human 
societies have with nature and the importance of sustainable 
choices across art practices.
Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
parts of our country. Baskets, handloom 
fabric, fans and even charpoy are 
created using these techniques. These 
are everyday objects created for daily 
use by the people, for the people.
Find ropes made of cotton, jute or 
any other natural ??bre that is easily 
available in your region and create a 
small artwork yourself.
Jute Baskets
CH-18_VA.indd   199 CH-18_VA.indd   199 18-06-2025   16:08:00 18-06-2025   16:08:00
200  |  Kriti
LEARN THE ART OF KNOTTING
Work in small groups for this activity. Follow 
these steps to learn basic knots. Knots can 
be confusing. So, look around and 
help one another as you work. You 
can add coloured beads or other 
decorations, or make it in tricolour. 
Follow Steps 1 to 6 to create 
a friendship band, wrist band  
or rakhi and send it to our soldiers 
to show your appreciation.
1 2
3 4
5 6
CH-18_VA.indd   200 CH-18_VA.indd   200 18-06-2025   16:08:01 18-06-2025   16:08:01
201  |  ARTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
7 8
11
9 10
Work in groups and continue through Step 11 to create larger pieces like wall hangings, torans, and so on.
CH-18_VA.indd   201 CH-18_VA.indd   201 18-06-2025   16:08:03 18-06-2025   16:08:03
202  |  Kriti
 ACTIVITY 18.2: PATCH AND MATCH
Have you ever wondered what happens to the clothes you 
don’t use anymore? 
Fabrics have a long life. Patchwork is a technique used in many 
parts of the world, where small pieces of fabric are joined and 
sewn together to create a large piece of fabric. They are made into 
blankets, cradles, bags, cushion covers, table mats, dhurries, 
and so on. In many parts of India, women bring fragments 
of old fabric that each of them collect and quilt it together. 
These patchwork 
quilts are like the 
symbols of shared 
memories. 
Imagine our 
society as a 
patchwork 
quilt. Each 
individual 
plays an 
equally 
important 
role in 
creating 
the overall 
picture. 
Anything one 
person does or 
creates has the 
power to change 
the picture of 
their entire 
society.
Patchwork
CH-18_VA.indd   202 CH-18_VA.indd   202 18-06-2025   16:08:07 18-06-2025   16:08:07