NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Bhaswati: Chapter 2 — सूत्तिफसुध 9
This chapter, Suktisudha, from the NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit textbook 'Bhaswati', compiles verses from Chanakya's Chanakyaniti and Narayan Pandit's Hitopadesha. It focuses on ethical teachings and practical wisdom for a meaningful life. The verses cover essential aspects like choosing a place to reside, identifying true friends, the importance of virtues, and the benefits of associating with learned people. It also highlights six vices to be abandoned by those seeking prosperity: sleep, drowsiness, fear, anger, laziness, and procrastination. The chapter emphasizes that true wealth lies not just in material gains but also in good health, a loving spouse, obedient children, and knowledge. These नीतिपरक (ethical) verses and हितकारी (beneficial) teachings aim to cultivate a cultured and purposeful life, aiding students in their CBSE Sanskrit studies.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Bhaswati |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — सूत्तिफसुध 9 |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 365 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of choosing a suitable place to live.
- Identify true friends and the significance of virtues.
- Recognize the six vices that hinder prosperity.
- Appreciate the elements of a happy and successful life.
- Learn ethical principles for personal and social conduct.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| वृत्ति | Livelihood, profession |
| बान्धवा: | Relatives, kinsmen |
| आतुरे | In distress, during illness |
| व्यसने | In calamity, adversity |
| शत्रुसंकटे | In danger from enemies |
| व्यवसायिनाम् | For the enterprising, for those engaged in business |
| सत्संगति | Good company, association with the virtuous |
| प्रवीणताम् | Expertise, skill |
| उत्सृजेत् | Should abandon, should give up |
| निद्रा | Sleep |
| तन्द्रा | Drowsiness, lethargy |
| आलस्यं | Laziness |
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Practice questions
- Where should one not reside? Answer: One should not reside in a place where there is no respect, no livelihood, and no acquisition of knowledge.
- Who is considered a true relative? Answer: One who stands by you in distress, calamity, famine, enemy attack, at the king's court, or in a cremation ground is a true relative.
- What is the effect of associating with good people on a foolish person? Answer: Just as glass acquires the lustre of a ruby by contact with gold, a foolish person attains expertise by associating with virtuous people.
- List the six vices that a person seeking prosperity should abandon. Answer: The six vices are sleep, drowsiness, fear, anger, laziness, and procrastination.
- What are considered the six pleasures of the world? Answer: The six pleasures are acquisition of wealth, constant good health, a beloved wife, a wife who speaks pleasantly, obedient children, and knowledge that yields wealth.
Practice MCQs
Q1. From which two texts are the verses in this chapter compiled?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states that the verses are compiled from Chanakya's Chanakyaniti and Narayan Pandit's Hitopadesha.
Q2. According to the first verse, what is a condition for not residing in a place?
Explanation: The verse states that one should not reside where there is no respect (सम्मानो), no livelihood (वृत्ति), and no acquisition of knowledge (विद्यागम:).
Q3. Who is considered a true 'bandhava' (relative)?
Explanation: The second verse defines a true relative as one who remains present during calamities like illness, famine, enemy attack, or at the king's court and cremation ground.
Q4. What quality is associated with 'vyavasayinah' (enterprising people)?
Explanation: The third verse asks 'What is far for the enterprising?', implying that for them, no place is too far or inaccessible.
Q5. How does a foolish person gain expertise?
Explanation: Verse 4 compares a foolish person gaining expertise through good company to glass acquiring the lustre of ruby through contact with gold.
Q6. Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the six vices?
Explanation: Verse 7 lists sleep, drowsiness, fear, anger, laziness, and procrastination as the six vices to be abandoned.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit chapter 'Suktisudha'?
The chapter 'Suktisudha' focuses on ethical teachings and practical wisdom for a meaningful life, compiled from Chanakya's Chanakyaniti and Narayan Pandit's Hitopadesha.
Which two classical texts are the source for the verses in Suktisudha?
The verses are compiled from Chanakya's Chanakyaniti and Narayan Pandit's Hitopadesha.
What advice does the chapter give regarding residence?
It advises against residing in a place where one lacks respect, livelihood, and opportunities for learning.
How does the chapter define a true relative?
A true relative is defined as someone who supports and remains present during times of distress, crisis, or significant life events.
What are the six vices mentioned in the chapter that hinder prosperity?
The six vices are sleep, drowsiness, fear, anger, laziness, and procrastination.
What are considered the six pleasures of life according to the text?
The six pleasures are wealth acquisition, good health, a loving and pleasant-speaking wife, and obedient children who are knowledgeable.
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NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit — Bhaswati — Chapter 2 — सूत्तिफसुध 9. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.