NCERT Class 3 Mathematics Maths Mela (Sanskrit): Chapter 3 — अस्माकं संख्यायाः कथा
This chapter, 'Our Story of Numbers,' from the NCERT Class 3 Mathematics textbook 'Maths Mela' in Sanskrit, delves into the historical development of numbers and counting. It explains how ancient civilizations used symbols and groups of numbers like five, ten, and twenty to record their possessions. The chapter highlights the significant contribution of ancient Indians in developing a decimal system using ten digits (0-9) to represent any number, a system that revolutionized human history and enabled the invention of modern technologies like television, computers, and telephones. The pivotal role of 'zero' (0) as a concept of 'nothing' is emphasized for making the number system practical. The chapter also includes activities for students to estimate and count objects and play a number game on a snakes and ladders board, reinforcing their understanding of number sequences and basic arithmetic.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 3 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Maths Mela (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — अस्माकं संख्यायाः कथा |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 404 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical origins of counting and number systems.
- Recognize the significance of the decimal system and the digit zero.
- Practice estimating and counting various objects.
- Reinforce number sequence recognition through a game.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| गणनां | counting |
| चिह्नानि | symbols |
| समूहानां | groups |
| संख्याः | numbers |
| पद्धतिमेकाम् | a system |
| आविष्कारो | invention |
| शून्यम् | zero |
| वास्तविकीम् | practical/real |
| अनुमाय | estimating |
| लुप्तसङ्ख्याः | missing numbers |
| सर्प-आरोहणी-फलकम् | snakes and ladders board |
| प्रश्नान् | questions |
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Practice questions
- Estimate the number of oranges shown in the picture. Answer: Students need to visually estimate and write the number.
- Fill in the missing numbers on the snakes and ladders board. Answer: Students need to identify and write the sequential numbers.
- If you take 13 steps, what number do you reach? Answer: The answer depends on the starting point, assumed to be 0, so 13.
- If you land on a snake at number 25, which number will you reach? Answer: The text implies landing on a snake's head at 25, which leads down. The specific number is not provided in the text, but the question asks what number you will reach (implying a lower number).
- If you are at position 96, what number on the dice will make you fall at the snake's mouth? Answer: The text does not specify which dice number leads to a snake from 96. This question requires visual inspection of the board.
Frequently asked questions
When did people start counting?
People started counting thousands of years ago.
How did ancient people keep records?
They made marks on cave walls and trees.
What significant contribution did ancient Indians make to mathematics?
Ancient Indians created a system based on ten digits (0-9) to form any number.
What is the meaning of '0' (zero)?
Zero (0) means 'nothing'.
Why is the invention of zero important?
The invention and use of zero made the number system practical and enabled the development of modern technologies.
What game is used in the chapter to practice numbers?
The chapter uses a Snakes and Ladders board game to practice numbers and sequences.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 3 Mathematics — Maths Mela (Sanskrit) — Chapter 3 — अस्माकं संख्यायाः कथा. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.