NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Bhaswati: Chapter 6 — भव्य: सत्याग्रहाश्रम: 33
This chapter, "Bhavya: Satyagrahashram:" (The Grand Satyagraha Ashram), is an excerpt from "Satyagraha Geeta" by Smt. Kshamarao. It highlights the Sabarmati Ashram and Mahatma Gandhi's conduct. The poet aims to present these themes in Sanskrit poetry, addressing the contemporary rise of terrorism and the use of cruel methods for achieving goals, which are detrimental to the nation. The chapter emphasizes the need for everyone to become a 'Gandhi' in resisting injustice, embracing truth, non-violence, and righteousness for the welfare of humanity. It describes the establishment of the Satyagraha Ashram by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing truth as its foundation. The core principles of the ashram, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, dedication to self-rule, fearlessness, and self-control, are presented as vows. The chapter also touches upon the upliftment of the untouchables and Gandhi's commitment to these ideals. It portrays Gandhi as a beacon of truth, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and delusion from the hearts of his countrymen, and asserts that truth is superior to strength. The text concludes by stating that those rulers and subjects who follow righteousness prosper, while others face destruction, and mentions Gandhi and his followers' adherence to these principles.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Bhaswati |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — भव्य: सत्याग्रहाश्रम: 33 |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 207 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the significance of Satyagraha Ashram and Mahatma Gandhi's principles.
- Identify the core vows and ideals associated with the Satyagraha Ashram.
- Appreciate the role of truth and non-violence in national progress.
- Analyze the contemporary relevance of Gandhi's teachings in resisting injustice.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सत्याग्रहाश्रम: | Satyagraha Ashram (a place dedicated to the principles of Satyagraha) |
| सत्यमेव | Only truth |
| अहिंसा | Non-violence |
| अस्तेयं | Non-stealing |
| ब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहौ | Celibacy and non-possession |
| स्वदेशवस्तुनिष्ठा | Dedication to one's own country's goods/self-rule |
| निर्भीती | Fearlessness |
| उचिसंयम: | Self-control |
| अन्त्यजानां | Of the untouchables |
| समु(ारो | Upliftment |
| सत्यप्रदीपो | Lamp of truth |
| मोहजं तम: | Darkness of delusion |
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Practice questions
- Who is the author of the excerpt 'Satyagraha Geeta'? Answer: Smt. Kshamarao.
- What is the main purpose of the Satyagraha Ashram mentioned in the text? Answer: To uphold principles of truth, non-violence, and righteousness.
- What are the five vows mentioned in verse 3? Answer: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
- According to the text, what is superior to strength? Answer: Truth is superior to strength.
- What happens to those who follow righteousness, according to verse 9? Answer: They prosper.
Practice MCQs
Q1. From which work is the chapter 'Bhavya: Satyagrahashram:' an excerpt?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the chapter is an excerpt from 'Satyagraha Geeta' by Smt. Kshamarao.
Q2. Who established the Satyagraha Ashram mentioned in the chapter?
Explanation: Verse 1 clearly states that Mahatma established the Ashram.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT listed as a vow of the Ashram in verse 3?
Explanation: The vows listed are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
Q4. What does the chapter suggest is detrimental to the nation?
Explanation: The text mentions that the spread of terrorism and the use of cruel methods for achieving goals are fatal to the nation.
Q5. What is described as the 'lamp of truth' in verse 7?
Explanation: Verse 7 refers to Mahatma as the 'lamp of truth' illuminating all of India.
Q6. According to the chapter, who prospers?
Explanation: Verse 9 states that those who practice righteousness, whether subjects or rulers, prosper.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit chapter 'Bhavya: Satyagrahashram:'?
The chapter highlights the significance of the Satyagraha Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing his principles of truth, non-violence, and righteousness as a means to resist injustice and promote national welfare.
Who is the author of the excerpt 'Satyagraha Geeta' from which this chapter is taken?
The chapter is an excerpt from 'Satyagraha Geeta' written by Smt. Kshamarao.
What are the core principles or vows associated with the Satyagraha Ashram as described in the chapter?
The core vows include non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), non-possession (aparigraha), dedication to self-rule (swadeshvastunishtha), fearlessness (nirbhiti), and self-control (uchisanyam).
What message does the chapter convey about dealing with injustice?
The chapter urges everyone to become like Gandhi, to stand against injustice, and to adopt the path of truth, non-violence, and righteousness.
According to the text, what is the relationship between truth and strength?
The chapter asserts that truth is superior to strength, and a person who is truthful is considered more powerful than one who is merely strong but lacks truth.
What is the ultimate outcome for rulers and subjects who follow righteousness, as stated in the chapter?
The chapter states that rulers and subjects who follow righteousness prosper, while others are destined for destruction.
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NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit — Bhaswati — Chapter 6 — भव्य: सत्याग्रहाश्रम: 33. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.