NCERT Class 4 Arts Bansuri - I (Hindi): Chapter 1 — पंचतंत्र
This chapter introduces Panchatantra, a collection of Sanskrit stories written over two thousand years ago by the renowned scholar Vishnu Sharma. The name 'Panchatantra' combines 'Panch' (five) and 'Tantra' (compilation or principles), reflecting its division into five groups of tales. These stories aim to teach morality and values in a friendly manner, especially to children. They have been popular for centuries, translated into numerous Indian and foreign languages. The chapter then presents the story 'The Rabbit and the Lion' (खरगोश और शेर), illustrating how animals devised a plan to save themselves from a cruel lion that hunted excessively. The story highlights themes of courage, planning, and the consequences of greed and cruelty, offering valuable lessons for young learners.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri - I (Hindi) |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — पंचतंत्र |
| Language | Hindi |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 323 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the origin and significance of Panchatantra stories.
- Learn about the meaning of 'Panchatantra'.
- Identify the moral and ethical values conveyed through stories.
- Develop reading comprehension skills in Hindi.
- Appreciate the cultural heritage of Sanskrit literature.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| पंचतंत्र | A collection of five books of stories |
| संस्कृत | An ancient Indo-Aryan language |
| विद्वान | Scholar |
| नैतिकता | Morality |
| मूल्य | Values |
| संहिता | Compilation |
| सिद्धांत | Principles |
| लोकप्रिय | Popular |
| अनुवाद | Translation |
| निर्दयी | Cruel |
| योजना | Plan |
| प्रस्ताव | Proposal |
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Practice questions
- पंचतंत्र की कहानियाँ किस भाषा में लिखी गई हैं? Answer: पंचतंत्र की कहानियाँ संस्कृत भाषा में लिखी गई हैं।
- पंचतंत्र का अर्थ क्या है? Answer: पंच का अर्थ है पाँच और तंत्र का अर्थ है संहिता या सिद्धांत।
- पंचतंत्र की रचना किसने की थी? Answer: पंचतंत्र की रचना प्रसिद्ध संस्कृत विद्वान विष्णु शर्मा ने की थी।
- खरगोश और शेर कहानी में जंगल में कौन रहता था? Answer: जंगल में भासुरका नाम का एक निर्दयी शेर रहता था।
- जानवरों ने शेर से बचने के लिए क्या योजना बनाई? Answer: जानवरों ने योजना बनाई कि वे हर दिन शेर के पास एक जानवर को भेजेंगे।
Frequently asked questions
What is Panchatantra?
Panchatantra is a collection of stories written in Sanskrit over two thousand years ago, aimed at teaching morality and values.
Who wrote the Panchatantra?
The Panchatantra was compiled by the famous Sanskrit scholar Vishnu Sharma.
What does the name 'Panchatantra' mean?
'Panch' means five and 'Tantra' means compilation or principles. The stories are divided into five groups.
Why were the Panchatantra stories written?
They were written to teach morality and values to people, especially children, in a friendly manner.
What is the story presented in this chapter?
This chapter presents the story 'The Rabbit and the Lion', about how animals planned to deal with a cruel lion.
How old are the Panchatantra stories?
The Panchatantra stories are over two thousand years old.
Related resources
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NCERT Class 4 Arts — Bansuri - I (Hindi) — Chapter 1 — पंचतंत्र. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.