NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Shemushi: Chapter 8 — सूक्तय: 67
This chapter, "सूक्तय:" (Subhāsitas), from the NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit textbook Shemushi, presents a collection of wise sayings and ethical teachings. The chapter introduces the "Tirukkural," a significant Tamil text considered the "Veda of the Tamil language," authored by Tiruvalluvar in the first century. The text is divided into sections on Dharma and Kama, offering practical life truths through accessible verses. The chapter includes eight verses that impart moral and ethical guidance. Key themes include gratitude towards parents for education, the importance of simplicity in speech and thought, speaking kindly, the value of true sight (wisdom) versus physical eyes, discerning truth from falsehood, the power of eloquent speech, the pursuit of personal welfare without harming others, and the paramount importance of good conduct (Achar). This chapter aims to instill moral values and ethical understanding in students, crucial for their overall development and CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Shemushi |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — सूक्तय: 67 |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 262 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the significance of the Tirukkural and its author.
- Appreciate the importance of gratitude, simplicity, and kindness in speech.
- Differentiate between true wisdom and superficial knowledge.
- Recognize the power of eloquent speech and good conduct.
- Apply ethical principles to personal life and social interactions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| तेपे | तपस्याम अकरोत् (Performed penance) |
| अवक्रता | न वक्रता (सरलता) (Simplicity) |
| वाचि | वाण्याम् (वाणी में) (In the speech) |
| तथ्यत: | यर्थारूपेण (वास्तव में) (Actually) |
| परफषाम् | कठोराम् (कठोर) (Harsh) |
| अभ्युदीरयेत् | वदेत् (बोलना चाहिए) (He/she may say) |
| विमूढधी: | मूढ/बुद्ध्हिीन: (अज्ञानी/नासमझ) (A fool) |
| वाक्पटु: | वाचि/सम्भाषणे पटु: (सम्भाषण/वार्तालाप में चतुर) (Eloquent) |
| चक्षुष्मन्त: | नेत्रावन्त: (नेत्रों से युक्त) (Having eyes) |
| वदने | आनने/मुखे (मुख पर) (On the face) |
| ईरित: | कथित: (कहा गया) (Said) |
| परिभूयते | तिरस्क्रियते/अवमान्यते (अपमानित किया जाता है) (Gets insulted) |
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Practice questions
- तिरुन्नड्ढ°रल्य ग्रन्थस्य प्रणेता क: अस्ति? Answer: तिरुन्नड्ढ°रल्य ग्रन्थस्य प्रणेता तिरुवलर्लुते अस्ति।
- पिता पुत्राय बाल्ये किं यच्छति? Answer: पिता पुत्राय बाल्ये विद्याधनं महत् यच्छति।
- समत्वं कथं भवति? Answer: यथा चित्ते अवक्रता भवति तथा वाचि अपि यदि भवेत्, तदा तत् समत्वं भवति।
- विद्वान्स: लोके किदृशा: प्रकीर्तिता:? Answer: विद्वान्स: लोके चक्षुष्मन्त: प्रकीर्तिता:।
- आत्मन: श्रेय: इच्छता परेभ्य: किं न कर्तव्यम्? Answer: आत्मन: श्रेय: इच्छता परेभ्य: अहितं कदापि न कर्तव्यम्।
Frequently asked questions
What is the "Tirukkural"?
The Tirukkural is a significant Tamil text, considered the "Veda of the Tamil language," authored by Tiruvalluvar in the first century.
Who is the author of the Tirukkural?
The author of the Tirukkural is Tiruvalluvar.
What is the meaning of the word "Tirukkural"?
The word 'Tiru' means 'divine' or 'sacred,' and 'Kural' refers to short couplets. Thus, Tirukkural means 'sacred couplets'.
What are the main themes covered in the chapter 'सूक्तय:'?
The chapter covers themes like gratitude, simplicity in speech and thought, kindness, wisdom, discerning truth, eloquence, personal welfare, and good conduct.
What does the chapter emphasize regarding speech?
The chapter emphasizes speaking truthfully, avoiding harsh words, and the importance of eloquent and kind speech.
What is considered true sight according to the chapter?
According to the chapter, true sight is possessed by scholars (vidwans), implying wisdom and understanding, rather than just physical eyes.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit — Shemushi — Chapter 8 — सूक्तय: 67. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.