NCERT Class 12 Sanskrit Bhaswati: Chapter 2 — मातुराज्ञा गरीयसी
NCERT Class 12 Sanskrit Bhaswati Chapter 2, "मातुराज्ञा गरीयसी" (Mother's Command is Greater), explores the profound respect for parents and elders in Indian culture, drawing parallels from Upanishadic times and the Mahabharata. The chapter, excerpted from Mahakavi Bhasa's "Pratima-Nataka," highlights Rama's unwavering loyalty and respect towards his stepmother, Kaikeyi. Despite knowing Kaikeyi's role in his exile, Rama considers her command beneficial, demonstrating an unparalleled ideal of filial duty. The text includes dialogues where Rama discusses the situation with his attendant, emphasizing his understanding of his father's affection, his brothers' well-being, and the concept of duty over personal gain. This chapter serves as a valuable lesson for CBSE students on cultural values, respect, and ethical conduct.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Bhaswati |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — द्वितीय: पाठ: |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 307 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the cultural importance of respecting parental commands in Indian tradition.
- Analyze Rama's character and his exemplary filial devotion.
- Appreciate the literary significance of Mahakavi Bhasa's works.
- Learn about the concept of duty and righteousness in challenging situations.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ग्रीयसी | Greater |
| उपनिषत | Upanishad (philosophical texts) |
| महत्ता | Importance, significance |
| आज्ञापालन | Obedience to command |
| यक्षोपाख्यान | Tale of the Yaksha |
| गुरुतर | Weightier, more important |
| महाकवि | Great poet |
| विरचित | Composed, written |
| निष्ठा | Loyalty, devotion |
| आदरभावना | Feeling of respect |
| राज्याभिषेक | Coronation |
| वनवास | Exile to the forest |
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Practice questions
- भारतीय संस्कृति में किसे पूजनीय माना गया है? Answer: भारतीय संस्कृति में माता-पिता तथा गुरु को पूजनीय माना गया है।
- महाभारत के यक्षोपाख्यान में किसे गुरुतर बतलाया गया है? Answer: महाभारत के यक्षोपाख्यान में माता को भूमि से भी गुरुतर बतलाया गया है।
- प्रस्तुत पाठ किस नाटक से लिया गया है? Answer: प्रस्तुत पाठ महाकवि भास विरचित प्रतिमा-नाटक से लिया गया है।
- राम कैकेयी की आज्ञा को क्या मानते हैं? Answer: राम कैकेयी की आज्ञा को भी हितकारिणी ही मानते हैं।
- राम के अनुसार स्वजन शरीर के किस अंग के समान है? Answer: राम के अनुसार स्वजन हृदय के समान है जो शरीर में रहते हुए भी प्रहार कर सकता है।
Practice MCQs
Q1. भारतीय संस्कृति माता-पिता के अतिरिक्त किसे देवतुल्य मानती है?
Explanation: भारतीय संस्कृति में माता-पिता तथा गुरु को देवता की तरह पूजनीय एवं देवतुल्य माना गया है।
Q2. महाकवि भास के किस नाटक से यह पाठ लिया गया है?
Explanation: प्रस्तुत पाठ महाकवि भास विरचित प्रतिमा-नाटक से लिया गया है।
Q3. राम के राज्याभिषेक न होने देने तथा वनवास दिलाने में मुख्य कारण कौन थी?
Explanation: राम के राज्याभिषेक न होने देने तथा उन्हें वनवास दिलाने में कैकेयी कारण है।
Q4. राम के अनुसार, स्वजन शब्द किसे लज्जा उत्पन्न कराता है?
Explanation: राम कहते हैं कि स्वजन शब्द लज्जा उत्पन्न करता है क्योंकि वह हृदय में प्रहार करता है।
Q5. कैकेयी के वचन से किसका अभिषेक निवृत्त हुआ?
Explanation: कैकेयी के वचन के कारण राम का अभिषेक निवृत्त हुआ।
Q6. राम के अनुसार, उनके भाइयों का क्या स्थान है?
Explanation: राम कहते हैं कि उनके भाइयों के राज्य के भोग में कोई चिंता नहीं है।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'मातुराज्ञा गरीयसी'?
The main theme is the supreme importance of a mother's command and the exemplary filial devotion shown by Rama towards his stepmother, Kaikeyi, reflecting deep-rooted Indian cultural values.
From which play is this chapter taken?
This chapter is an excerpt from the 'Pratima-Nataka', a play by the renowned Sanskrit dramatist Mahakavi Bhasa.
How does Rama view Kaikeyi's command?
Despite knowing Kaikeyi's role in his exile, Rama views her command as beneficial ('हितकारिणी') and upholds it with utmost respect and loyalty.
What does the chapter teach about Indian culture?
It highlights the traditional Indian value of revering parents and elders as divine beings and the significance of obedience to their commands.
What is the significance of the dialogue between Rama and the attendant?
The dialogue reveals Rama's understanding of his father's affection, his brothers' well-being, and his own duty, emphasizing that personal gain is secondary to righteousness and family honor.
Who is considered 'greater than the earth' in the Mahabharata reference?
In the Mahabharata's Yakshopakhyana, the mother is described as being 'greater than the earth' ('भूमि से भी गुरुतर'), underscoring her profound importance.
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NCERT Class 12 Sanskrit — Bhaswati — Chapter 2 — द्वितीय: पाठ:. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.