NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Shashwati: Chapter 7 — विज्ञाननौका
This chapter, Vigyan Nauka (Science Boat), from the collection 'Tadev Gaganam Saiv Dhara' by Prof. Srinivas Rath, warns against the modern world's excessive fascination with mechanization and artificiality. It highlights that humanity should not be overwhelmed by new technological advancements, forgetting essential life values. The poem critiques the neglect of natural beauty and traditional knowledge in favor of superficial progress. It points out the destruction of peace and the rise of destructive tendencies, urging a re-evaluation of our priorities. The chapter emphasizes that true progress lies not just in scientific advancement but in preserving human values and natural harmony, which is crucial for CBSE students' holistic understanding.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Shashwati |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — विज्ञाननौका |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 187 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the poem's critique of excessive mechanization.
- Analyze the conflict between technological advancement and human values.
- Appreciate the importance of preserving natural beauty and traditional knowledge.
- Reflect on the poem's message regarding peace and destruction.
- Develop critical thinking about the direction of modern society.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| विज्ञाननौका | Science Boat |
| ज्ञानगङ्गा | River of Knowledge |
| संस्कृतोद्यान | Sanskrit Garden |
| कण्टकिन्याहिता | Pricked by thorns |
| पुष्पितानां | Of the blooming ones |
| वाटिका | Garden |
| राजनीतिश्मशानेषु | In the cremation grounds of politics |
| दुर्निमित्तैव | As an ill omen |
| विध्वंसबीजं | Seed of destruction |
| तारकायुध | Star weapon |
| विश्वसंहारनीति | Policy of world destruction |
| जीवरक्षा | Protection of life |
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Practice questions
- कवि आधुनिक विश्व में किस मोह के प्रति सचेत कर रहा है? Answer: कवि आधुनिक विश्व में यान्त्रिकता और कृत्रिमता के प्रति बढ़ते मोह के प्रति सचेत कर रहा है।
- जीवन मूल्यों को भुलाकर क्या नहीं होना चाहिए? Answer: जीवन मूल्यों को भुलाकर नई भौतिक तकनीकी से मानव को अभिभूत नहीं होना चाहिए।
- प्रस्तुत पाठ किस कवि द्वारा रचित है? Answer: प्रस्तुत पाठ प्रो. श्रीनिवास रथ द्वारा रचित है।
- कवि के अनुसार शांति कहाँ दिखाई देती है? Answer: कवि के अनुसार शांति जहाँ कहीं भी दिखाई देती है, वहाँ विध्वंस का बीज भी समायोजन किया जाता है।
Practice MCQs
Q1. प्रस्तुत पाठ 'विज्ञाननौका' किस काव्य-संग्रह से लिया गया है?
Explanation: The chapter 'Vigyan Nauka' is collected from the poetry collection 'Tadev Gaganam Saiv Dhara'.
Q2. प्रो. श्रीनिवास रथ का जन्म कहाँ हुआ था?
Explanation: Prof. Srinivas Rath was born in Puri, Odisha.
Q3. पाठ में किस मोह के प्रति सचेत किया गया है?
Explanation: The chapter warns against the growing fascination with mechanization and artificiality in the modern world.
Q4. पाठ के अनुसार, नई भौतिक तकनीकी से मानव को क्या नहीं करना चाहिए?
Explanation: The poem suggests that humans should not be overwhelmed by new technological advancements, forgetting life values.
Q5. राजनीति के श्मशान में क्या नहीं जाना जाता?
Explanation: The poem implies that in the 'cremation grounds of politics', the cry of peace is not understood or heard.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of the poem 'Vigyan Nauka'?
The poem 'Vigyan Nauka' is by Prof. Srinivas Rath.
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Vigyan Nauka'?
The main theme is a warning against excessive fascination with mechanization and artificiality, urging not to forget life values.
Where was Prof. Srinivas Rath born?
Prof. Srinivas Rath was born in Puri, Odisha.
What does the poem suggest about technological advancement?
The poem suggests that while technology is advancing, humanity should not be overwhelmed by it and should remember essential life values and natural harmony.
What is the significance of 'Vigyan Nauka'?
'Vigyan Nauka' (Science Boat) symbolizes the journey of humanity through scientific progress, questioning whether it leads to true well-being or destruction.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit — Shashwati — Chapter 7 — विज्ञाननौका. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.