NCERT Class 10 Hindi Kritika: Chapter 1 — माता का आँचल

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026 · Last updated 10 Aug 2026 · Reading time 2 minutes

This chapter, 'लड़कों का संग' from NCERT's Kritika book for Class 10 Hindi, is an excerpt from Shivpujan Sahay's writing. It vividly portrays the author's childhood experiences and his close relationship with his father. The narrative begins with the father's strict routine of waking up early, bathing, and performing puja. The author, as a child, was inseparable from his father, sharing the same sleeping space and participating in the morning rituals. He describes how he would pester his father to apply 'bhasma' (sacred ash) on his forehead, which, combined with his long, matted hair, made him look like a 'Bhole-Nath' (a form of Lord Shiva). His father affectionately called him 'Bholanath', though his real name was Tarkeshwarnath. The chapter also touches upon the father's devotional practices, such as reading the Ramayana and writing 'Ram-Ram' numerous times in a special notebook. The text highlights the simple joys and observations of childhood, set against a backdrop of traditional family life and religious practices, offering insights into the author's early life and his bond with his father.

Quick info

Learning outcomes

• Understand the author's childhood relationship with his father.
• Identify the significance of traditional morning rituals and devotional practices.
• Appreciate the descriptive language used to portray childhood innocence and appearance.
• Recognize the cultural context of the early 20th century in India.
• Analyze the author's affectionate nickname and its connection to his appearance.

Vocabulary

Practice questions

1. लेखक के पिता सुबह उठकर क्या करते थे? Answer: लेखक के पिता सुबह उठकर निबट-नहाकर पूजा करने बैठ जाते थे।
2. लेखक को उनके पिता प्यार से क्या कहकर पुकारते थे? Answer: लेखक को उनके पिता प्यार से 'भोलानाथ' कहकर पुकारते थे।
3. लेखक का असली नाम क्या था? Answer: लेखक का असली नाम तारकेश्वरनाथ था।
4. लेखक अपने पिता से भभूत का तिलक लगाने के लिए क्यों कहते थे? Answer: लेखक भभूत का तिलक लगाकर 'बम-भोला' जैसे दिखते थे, जो उन्हें पसंद था।
5. पिताजी 'रामनामा बही' पर क्या लिखते थे? Answer: पिताजी 'रामनामा बही' पर हशार (हजारों) राम-नाम लिखते थे।

Frequently asked questions

Related resources

• NCERT Books
• Class 10 Hindi
• Editorial Team and update policy
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Topics covered

NCERT Class 10 Hindi — Kritika — Chapter 1 — माता का आँचल. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.