NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Shemushi: Chapter 9 — शेमुषी- द्वितीयो भाग:
This chapter, 'भूकम्पविभीषिका' (The Terror of Earthquakes) from NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Shemushi, discusses the devastating impact of natural calamities, particularly earthquakes. It highlights how natural disasters like storms, earthquakes, floods, droughts, and volcanic eruptions cause immense suffering and disrupt human life. The text recounts the horrific earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, which reduced Bhuj to rubble and caused widespread destruction. It also mentions the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir and Pakistan. The chapter explains the scientific reasons behind earthquakes, attributing them to the breaking of large rock plates within the Earth and volcanic activity. While acknowledging that humans are still limited in controlling nature's fury, it suggests preventive measures like avoiding multi-story buildings and accumulating large amounts of river water to mitigate earthquake risks. The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in nature for well-being.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Shemushi |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — शेमुषी- द्वितीयो भाग: |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 275 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the destructive nature of earthquakes and other natural calamities.
- Learn about significant earthquake events in India and neighboring regions.
- Grasp the scientific explanations for the occurrence of earthquakes.
- Identify potential preventive measures against earthquake-related destruction.
- Appreciate the power of nature and the need for balance.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| भूकम्पविभीषिका | The terror/devastation of earthquakes |
| प्रकोपेषु | Among calamities/disasters |
| आपद: | Disasters/calamities |
| सत्रासयन्ति | Terrify/intimidate |
| जलोपप्लव: | Flood |
| अतिवृष्: | Excessive rainfall/downpour |
| अनावृष्: | Drought/lack of rain |
| शिलास्खलनम् | Landslide |
| ज्वालामुखस्पफोट: | Volcanic eruption |
| दारुणविभीषिकात: | From terrible devastation |
| गणतन्त्रा-र्दिणि | On Republic Day |
| धाराशायीनि | Fallen to the ground |
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Practice questions
- गुजरात-राज्ये भूकम्पः कदा अभवत्? Answer: गुजरात-राज्ये एकांेत्तरद्विसहड्डतमे ईस्वीये वर्षे (2001 ईस्वीये वर्षे) भूकम्पः अभवत्।
- भूकम्पस्य केन्द्रभूतं भुजनगरं कथं जातम्? Answer: भूकम्पस्य केन्द्रभूतं भुजनगरं मृत्तिकाक्रीडनकमिव खण्डखण्डं जातम्।
- वैज्ञानिकानुसारं पृथ्वी कस्मात् प्रकम्पते? Answer: वैज्ञानिकानुसारं पृथिव्याः अर्भे विद्यमानाः बृहत्यः पाषाण-शिलाः यदा संणवशात् त्राुट्यन्ति तदा भूकम्पो जायते।
- भूकम्पस्य सम्भावनां न्यूनीकर्तुं किं न करणीयम्? Answer: भूकम्पस्य सम्भावनां न्यूनीकर्तुं बहुभूमिकभवननिर्माणं न करणीयम् तथा च बृहन्मात्रां नदीजलमपि नैकस्मिन स्थले पुञ्जीकरणीयम्।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'भूकम्पविभीषिका'?
The chapter discusses the devastating impact of earthquakes and other natural calamities, their causes, and preventive measures.
When did the major earthquake occur in Gujarat, India?
A major earthquake occurred in Gujarat in the year 2001 (एकाेत्तरद्विसहड्डतमे ईस्वीये वर्षे).
What are the scientific reasons for earthquakes mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter explains that earthquakes occur due to the breaking of large rock plates within the Earth or due to volcanic eruptions.
What preventive measures are suggested in the chapter to reduce earthquake risks?
The chapter suggests avoiding the construction of multi-story buildings and not accumulating large amounts of river water in one place.
Besides earthquakes, what other natural disasters are mentioned?
Other natural disasters mentioned include storms (झ×झावात:), floods (जलोपप्लव:), excessive rain (अतिवृष्:ि), drought (अनावृष्:ि), landslides (शिलास्खलनम्), and volcanic eruptions (ज्वालामुखस्पफोट:).
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NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit — Shemushi — Chapter 9 — शेमुषी- द्वितीयो भाग:. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.