NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Bhaswati: Chapter 11 — भास्वती
This chapter, 'Ath Shiksham Pravakshyami' (Now I shall teach Shiksha), from the NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit textbook 'Bhaswati', emphasizes the crucial role of Vedangas in preserving and enriching Vedic knowledge. It highlights Shiksha as the foremost Vedanga, essential for correct pronunciation and understanding of Vedic mantras. The text explains the etymology of 'Shiksha' and discusses the phonetic aspects of Sanskrit, including vowels, consonants, and their articulation points. It references Panini's 'Shiksha Granth' as a primary source for maintaining Vedic tradition. The chapter details the classification of sounds based on pitch, duration, place of articulation, and effort, and provides guidance on the proper method of reciting Vedic texts, cautioning against improper pronunciation and delivery. This chapter is vital for students seeking a deep understanding of Vedic phonetics and tradition within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Bhaswati |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — भास्वती |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 297 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of Vedangas, especially Shiksha.
- Learn the phonetic principles of Sanskrit pronunciation.
- Identify different classes of sounds (vowels, consonants) and their articulation points.
- Appreciate the significance of correct Vedic recitation.
- Recognize the role of Shiksha in preserving Vedic tradition.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| वेदांग | Six auxiliary disciplines of the Vedas |
| शिक्षा | Phonetics, the first Vedanga |
| कल्प | Ritual |
| व्याकरण | Grammar |
| निरुक्त | Etymology |
| छन्द | Prosody |
| ज्योतिष | Astronomy |
| उच्चारण | Pronunciation |
| मंत्र | Vedic hymn |
| स्वर | Vowel/Tone |
| स्पर्श | Consonant |
| अनुस्वार | Anusvara (nasal sound) |
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Practice questions
- वेदों के बोध, रक्षा एवं परंपरा को समृद्ध बनाए रखने के लिए किसका महत्त्वर्पू स्थान है? Answer: वेदांगों का।
- वेदांग कितने हैं और उनके नाम क्या हैं? Answer: छ: वेदांग हैं: शिक्षा, कल्प, व्याकरण, निरुक्त, छन्द और ज्योतिष।
- वेदों में शिक्षा को कौन सा स्थान दिया गया है? Answer: शिक्षा को प्रथम स्थान दिया गया है - 'शिक्षा घ्राणं तु वेदस्य'।
- वर्णों के उच्चारण के लिए कितने स्थान बताए गए हैं? Answer: वर्णों के उच्चारण के लिए आठ स्थान बताए गए हैं: उर:, कण्ठ:, शिर:, जिह्वामूलं, दन्त:, नासिकोष्ठौ, तालु।
- वेदमन्त्रों के उच्चारण तथा अध्ययन के लिए क्या जानना आवश्यक है? Answer: वर्णोच्चारणादि का ज्ञान जानना आवश्यक है।
Practice MCQs
Q1. शिक्षा को वेदों का क्या कहा गया है?
Explanation: The text states 'शिक्षा घ्राणं तु वेदस्य', meaning Shiksha is the nose of the Vedas, implying its role in sensing and understanding.
Q2. निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा एक वेदांग नहीं है?
Explanation: The chapter lists six Vedangas: Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, and Jyotisha. Purana is not among them.
Q3. पाणिनि द्वारा रचित प्रामाणिक शिक्षाग्रन्थ किसे माना गया है?
Explanation: The text mentions that Panini's grammar is complemented by the 'Paniniya Shiksha' as a probable authentic text.
Q4. स्वर कितने प्रकार के होते हैं?
Explanation: The chapter mentions three types of swaras: Udātta (high), Anudātta (low), and Svarita (modulated).
Q5. वर्णों के उच्चारण का एक स्थान 'तालु' है। तालव्य वर्णों में कौन से आते हैं?
Explanation: The text states that 'इचुयशास्तालव्याः', indicating that 'इ', 'उ', 'य', and 'श' are pronounced from the palate (तालु).
Q6. व्याघ्री यथा हरेत्पुत्रान्' - यह उदाहरण किस बात को समझाने के लिए दिया गया है?
Explanation: This analogy illustrates the careful and gentle method required for pronouncing sounds, similar to how a tigress carries her cubs without harming them.
Frequently asked questions
What are Vedangas and why are they important?
Vedangas are six auxiliary disciplines of the Vedas that are essential for understanding, preserving, and enriching Vedic knowledge and tradition.
Which Vedanga is considered the most important, and why?
Shiksha is considered the most important Vedanga, as it deals with the correct pronunciation of Vedic mantras, which is crucial for their proper understanding and efficacy.
What does the chapter 'Ath Shiksham Pravakshyami' primarily focus on?
This chapter focuses on the principles of Shiksha, the science of phonetic pronunciation, explaining the articulation points of Sanskrit sounds and the correct method of recitation.
How many types of vowels (Swaras) are mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions three types of vowels: Udātta (high pitch), Anudātta (low pitch), and Svarita (modulated pitch).
What is the significance of the analogy 'Vyaghri Yatha Hare Putran'?
This analogy illustrates the careful and gentle manner in which Vedic sounds should be pronounced, akin to a tigress carrying her cubs without harming them.
Which text is considered a primary source for Shiksha according to the chapter?
The chapter suggests that the 'Paniniya Shiksha' is considered a primary and authentic text for the study of Shiksha, complementing Panini's grammar.
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NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit — Bhaswati — Chapter 11 — भास्वती. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.