NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Shashwati: Chapter 4 — शाश्वती
This chapter, 'Mricchakatikam' from the NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit Shashwati textbook, presents an excerpt from Mahakavi Shudrak's play. It highlights the innocence and desires of children, focusing on Rohasen, the son of the poor Brahmin Charudatta. Upon seeing his wealthy neighbor's golden toy cart, Rohasen becomes distressed. The maid, Radanika, tries to console him with a clay cart, but he insists on a golden one. Radanika takes him to Vasantsena, a courtesan, who, moved by the child's plea and recognizing his father's resemblance, generously gives him her ornaments to have a golden cart made. The excerpt beautifully portrays the pure heart of a child and the compassionate nature of a loving woman, reflecting societal issues of the time.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Shashwati |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — शाश्वती |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 351 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the theme of childhood innocence and desire.
- Analyze the character of Vasantsena and her compassion.
- Appreciate the literary significance of the play 'Mricchakatikam'.
- Learn about societal conditions depicted in the play.
- Enhance Sanskrit reading and comprehension skills.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| प्रणयकथा | love story |
| अराजकता | anarchy |
| द्यूतव्यसन | gambling addiction |
| स्वैराचार | licentiousness, misbehavior |
| बालसुलभ | childlike |
| पुफसलाने | to coax, to persuade |
| वत्सलता | affection, tenderness |
| नि:श्वस्य | sighing |
| विनोदयाम्येनम् | I will entertain him |
| आभूषण | ornaments |
| प्रातिवेशिक | neighboring |
| परसम्पत्त्या | by the wealth of others |
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Practice questions
- Who is the author of the play Mricchakatikam? Answer: Mahakavi Shudrak.
- What makes Rohasen upset? Answer: Seeing his wealthy neighbor's son playing with a golden toy cart.
- What does Radanika offer Rohasen to console him? Answer: A clay toy cart.
- Who is Vasantsena? Answer: A courtesan of Ujjaini and Charudatta's beloved.
- What does Vasantsena give to Rohasen? Answer: Her ornaments to make a golden toy cart.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The play Mricchakatikam is based on the love story of which characters?
Explanation: The play is based on the love story of the poor Brahmin Charudatta and the courtesan Vasantsena.
Q2. What is the meaning of 'Mricchakatikam'?
Explanation: Mricchakatikam literally translates to 'The Little Clay Cart'.
Q3. Who is the son of Charudatta mentioned in the excerpt?
Explanation: Rohasen is the son of Charudatta and Vasantsena.
Q4. What does Rohasen desire when he sees his neighbor's cart?
Explanation: Rohasen becomes upset and insists on having a golden cart like his neighbor's.
Q5. What societal issues are mentioned as being depicted in the play?
Explanation: The play is noted for presenting the anarchy, social evils, gambling addiction, and judicial bias prevalent in society.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the excerpt from Mricchakatikam?
The excerpt highlights childhood innocence, the desire for toys, and the compassionate nature of Vasantsena.
Who wrote the play Mricchakatikam?
The play Mricchakatikam was written by Mahakavi Shudrak.
Why does Rohasen cry in the chapter?
Rohasen cries because he sees his wealthy neighbor's son playing with a golden toy cart and wants one too.
How does Vasantsena help Rohasen?
Vasantsena, moved by Rohasen's plight, gives him her ornaments so he can have a golden toy cart made.
What does the chapter reveal about Vasantsena?
It reveals her compassionate and maternal nature (vatsalata) towards children.
What societal aspects does Mricchakatikam portray?
The play portrays aspects like anarchy, social evils, gambling addiction, and bias in the judicial system of that era.
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NCERT Class 11 Sanskrit — Shashwati — Chapter 4 — शाश्वती. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.