NCERT Class 2 Mathematics Joyful-Mathematics (Sanskrit): Chapter 4 — छाया-कथा (तोगलु) (द्विदिशालिका: आकृतयः)
This chapter, "Chhaya-Katha (Togalu)" from NCERT's Joyful Mathematics for Class 2, introduces children to the fascinating world of shadows. The chapter begins with Nakul and his friends being captivated by a shadow puppet show called 'Togalu Gombeyata' at a village fair. Inspired, they learn to create various animal shadows using their fingers on walls. The text encourages students to explore shadow formation by observing objects with a torchlight, noting how the shape and size of shadows change with the light source's position. It prompts discussions about when shadows are longest and shortest, relating these observations to different times of the day. The chapter aims to foster curiosity and understanding of light and shadow phenomena, connecting it to traditional Indian puppetry.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 2 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Joyful-Mathematics (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — छाया-कथा (तोगलु) (द्विदिशालिका: आकृतयः) |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 175 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand how shadows are formed.
- Observe and describe the changes in shadow size and shape.
- Relate shadow observations to the position of the light source.
- Engage with traditional Indian shadow puppetry ('Togalu Gombeyata').
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| छाया | Shadow |
| तोगलु गोम्बेयाटा | A traditional shadow puppet show from Karnataka |
| नाटकं | Play/Drama |
| अङ्गुलीभिः | With fingers |
| पशुछायाः | Animal shadows |
| करदीपस्य | Of the torchlight |
| आकारम् | Shape/Size |
| विलुप्ता | Disappears/Vanishes |
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Practice questions
- छायाः कथं रच्यन्ते? Answer: छायाः प्रकाशस्य अवरोधेन रच्यन्ते।
- भवन्तः छायां कदा पश्यन्ति? Answer: वयं प्रकाशे छायां पश्यामः।
- करदीपस्य स्थितिः परिवर्तिता भवति तदा छायायाः आकारः परिवर्तते वा? Answer: आम्, करदीपस्य स्थितिः परिवर्तिता भवति तदा छायायाः आकारः अपि परिवर्तते।
- तोगलु गोम्बेयाटा इति कस्य देशस्य कला अस्ति? Answer: तोगलु गोम्बेयाटा इति कर्नाटकदेशस्य कला अस्ति।
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Togalu Gombeyata'?
'Togalu Gombeyata' is a traditional shadow puppet art form famous in Karnataka.
How can children create shadows?
Children can create shadows using their fingers on walls, as shown in the chapter.
What happens to a shadow when the light source moves?
When the position of the light source (like a torchlight) changes, the size and shape of the shadow also change.
When is a shadow the longest?
A shadow is typically longest in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky.
When is a shadow the shortest?
A shadow is usually shortest around noon when the sun is directly overhead.
What does the chapter encourage students to do?
The chapter encourages students to observe shadows, create their own shadow plays, and discuss their observations.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 2 Mathematics — Joyful-Mathematics (Sanskrit) — Chapter 4 — छाया-कथा (तोगलु) (द्विदिशालिका: आकृतयः). Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.