Fine Arts · Class 9

Active learning ideas

Indian Folk Theatre: Ramlila and Nautanki

Active learning helps students grasp the cultural depth of Ramlila and Nautanki by moving beyond textbooks. When students embody characters or compare performance styles, they connect emotionally with the oral traditions that have shaped these art forms for centuries.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• NCERT Art Education Syllabus for Classes IX and X: Performing Arts - Dance, Introduction to the basic concepts of Indian dance.
• CBSE Secondary Curriculum, Dance (Kathak/Bharatanatyam): Theory, Understanding the concept of Abhinaya and its types.
• NEP 2020: Promotion of Indian Languages, Arts, and Culture, Learning the expressive language of Indian classical dance.

• 25–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Case Study Analysis
• 45 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Ramlila Scene Enactment

Divide class into groups of 4-5. Assign iconic scenes like Rama's exile or Lanka Dahan. Groups rehearse dialogues, movements, and simple props from recycled materials for 20 minutes, then perform for peers with feedback. Record performances for self-review.

How do folk theatre forms connect with local communities and traditions?

Facilitation Tip

During Ramlila Scene Enactment, assign roles based on student interest but rotate performers to ensure everyone participates in both acting and observation.

What to look for

Ask students to write down two distinct differences between Ramlila and Nautanki in terms of performance style or narrative focus. Then, have them identify one element common to both forms.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 02

• Case Study Analysis
• 30 min · Pairs

Pairs: Nautanki vs Ramlila Comparison

Pairs research one form each using class notes or visuals. Create Venn diagrams noting shared elements like music and unique aspects such as Ramlila's religious fervour versus Nautanki's secular tales. Present findings in 2-minute talks.

Compare the narrative techniques and performance elements of Ramlila and Nautanki.

Facilitation Tip

For Nautanki vs Ramlila Comparison, provide a two-column chart with visual examples (costumes, instruments) to anchor their analysis.

What to look for

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'How do the music and dance elements in Ramlila and Nautanki contribute to the audience's emotional connection to the story? Provide specific examples from your learning.'

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Case Study Analysis
• 40 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Folk Music and Dance Fusion

Play sample audio clips of Ramlila bhajans and Nautanki dohas. Class learns basic steps and rhythms together, then integrates them into a group storytelling sequence on a folktale. Perform as a chorus line.

Analyze the role of music and dance in enhancing the storytelling in Indian folk theatre.

Facilitation Tip

In Folk Music and Dance Fusion, start with simple clapping or footwork patterns before adding instruments to build confidence.

What to look for

Present students with short video clips or images of folk theatre performances. Ask them to identify whether the clip represents Ramlila or Nautanki and briefly explain their reasoning based on visual or auditory cues.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 04

• Case Study Analysis
• 25 min · Individual

Individual: Community Connection Journal

Students note local folk theatre experiences or festivals. Sketch performance elements observed or imagined, linking to Ramlila or Nautanki features. Share one entry in a class gallery walk.

How do folk theatre forms connect with local communities and traditions?

Facilitation Tip

Have students keep Community Connection Journal entries in a shared folder where peers can read and comment on each other’s reflections.

What to look for

Ask students to write down two distinct differences between Ramlila and Nautanki in terms of performance style or narrative focus. Then, have them identify one element common to both forms.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers should approach this topic as a bridge between heritage and creativity. Avoid treating folk theatre as a static museum piece by encouraging students to experiment with modern twists. Research shows that when students physically engage with rhythms and dialogues, they retain cultural nuances better than through lectures alone. Invite local artists or show archival videos to ground the learning in authenticity while allowing room for student voice.

Successful learning looks like students confidently distinguishing Ramlila’s devotional focus from Nautanki’s secular themes and demonstrating how music, dance, and dialogue shape storytelling. They should also articulate why these forms remain relevant in modern communities.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Nautanki vs Ramlila Comparison activity, watch for students assuming both forms use identical costumes and music styles.

  While doing the comparison activity, ask students to highlight specific visual and auditory cues in the provided resources. Have them mark differences in attire (e.g., Ramlila’s royal robes vs Nautanki’s bright, minimalist outfits) and instruments (e.g., Ramlila’s bhajans vs Nautanki’s dholak beats) on their charts before discussing.

• During Folk Music and Dance Fusion activity, watch for students believing folk theatre relies only on acting.

  During the rhythm workshop, pause after each exercise to ask students which emotions or story beats the music and movement conveyed. Use their responses to connect back to how these elements drive the narrative in both Ramlila and Nautanki.

• During Ramlila Scene Enactment activity, watch for students thinking folk theatre is outdated due to cinema.

  After the enactment, facilitate a reflection where students discuss how modern storytelling (films, web series) borrows techniques from folk theatre. Ask them to identify one element from their scene that could inspire contemporary media.

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Methods used in this brief

• Case Study Analysis