NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Shashwati: Chapter 3 — तृतीय: पाठ: मानो हि महतां ध्नम्
This chapter, compiled from the Mahabharata, features Kunti advising her son, who has been defeated by the Sindhuraja and is disheartened. Kunti urges him to shed his cowardice, regain his self-respect, and rise again. The verses emphasize the importance of lineage, self-strength, and the noble nature of benevolence. Kunti highlights that true wealth for great people is self-respect (मान). She advises her son to cultivate courage and self-respect, reminding him that his actions reflect upon his entire family. The chapter stresses that a person who lives by their own strength earns fame and a good destiny. The son, inspired by his mother's words, resolves to follow her teachings. This chapter instills values of courage, self-reliance, and the significance of honour in CBSE Class 11 students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Shashwati |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — तृतीय: पाठ: मानो हि महतां ध्नम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 177 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of self-respect (मान) as the true wealth of great people.
- Learn about the virtues of courage, self-reliance, and benevolence.
- Analyze Kunti's advice to her son on overcoming defeat and regaining honour.
- Appreciate the ethical teachings from the Mahabharata.
- Improve Sanskrit vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| क्षान्तरता | One who is engaged in forbearance/patience |
| दीर्घदर्शिनी | One who has foresight/vision |
| विश्रुता | Famous, renowned |
| राजसंसत्सु | In royal assemblies |
| श्रुतवाक्या | One whose words are heard/followed; wise |
| बहुश्रुता | Learned, knowledgeable |
| पुत्रामौरसम् | Legitimate son |
| दीनचेतसम् | Of a dejected/miserable mind |
| कापुरुष | Coward, unmanly person |
| निर्मानः | Without self-respect, disgraced |
| पौरुषम् | Manliness, valour, effort |
| कीर्तिम् | Fame, glory |
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Practice questions
- Who is the author of the original text from which this chapter is compiled? Answer: Maharshi Vedavyas.
- What is the main advice Kunti gives to her son? Answer: Kunti advises her son to give up cowardice, regain his self-respect, and rise again.
- According to the chapter, what is the true wealth of great people? Answer: Self-respect (मान) is the true wealth of great people.
- What does a person who relies on their own strength achieve in the world? Answer: A person who relies on their own strength earns fame and a good destiny.
- What does the chapter emphasize regarding lineage and self-effort? Answer: The chapter emphasizes the upliftment of lineage (कुल) through self-effort (आत्मबल) and courage.
Practice MCQs
Q1. From which epic is the chapter 'मानो हि महतां धनम्' compiled?
Explanation: The chapter is compiled from the Mahabharata, specifically from chapters 131 and 134 of the Udyoga Parva.
Q2. Who is advising the dejected son in this chapter?
Explanation: Kunti is the mother who advises her son to overcome his dejection and cowardice.
Q3. What does 'मानो हि महतां धनम्' translate to?
Explanation: The phrase directly translates to 'Self-respect (मान) is indeed the wealth (धनम्) of the great (महताम्)'.
Q4. The son is described as being defeated by whom?
Explanation: The text mentions that the son was defeated by the Sindhuraja.
Q5. What quality does Kunti urge her son to abandon?
Explanation: Kunti explicitly tells her son to stop being a 'कापुरुष' (coward) and to abandon his dejected state.
Q6. What is the consequence of living by one's own strength, according to the chapter?
Explanation: The chapter states that one who relies on their own strength ('स्वबाहुबल') gains fame ('कीर्तिम्') and a good destiny ('शुभां गतिम्') in this world and the next.
Frequently asked questions
What is the central theme of NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Shashwati Chapter 3?
The central theme is that self-respect (मान) is the greatest wealth for noble individuals, and one should overcome cowardice and dejection through courage and self-reliance.
Who are the main characters involved in the dialogue in this chapter?
The main characters are Kunti, who gives advice, and her son, who has been defeated and is dejected.
From where is the text of 'मानो हि महतां धनम्' taken?
It is compiled from chapters 131 and 134 of the Udyoga Parva of the Mahabharata, attributed to Maharshi Vedavyas.
What does Kunti mean when she says 'मानो हि महतां धनम्'?
She means that for great people, their honour and self-respect are their most valuable possessions, more important than any material wealth.
What lesson does the chapter teach about facing defeat?
It teaches that defeat should not lead to despair or cowardice, but should be an impetus to regain self-respect and strive again with courage and self-reliance.
What is the significance of 'स्वबाहुबल' mentioned in the chapter?
'स्वबाहुबल' refers to one's own strength and effort. The chapter emphasizes that relying on one's own strength leads to fame and a good destiny.
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NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit — Shashwati — Chapter 3 — तृतीय: पाठ: मानो हि महतां ध्नम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.