NCERT Class 4 Arts Bansuri - I (Sanskrit): Chapter 1 — पञ्चतन्त्रम्
This chapter introduces 'Panchatantram', a collection of Sanskrit stories composed over two thousand years ago by the renowned scholar Shri Vishnu Sharma. The book aims to impart moral values and ethics, especially to children, through various rich tales presented in a simple and engaging manner. The word 'Pancha' means five, and 'Tantra' signifies a principle or doctrine. The Panchatantram stories are divided into five sections and are famous worldwide, having been studied by children for centuries. They have been translated into numerous Indian and foreign languages, including English, German, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, and Spanish. The chapter then presents the first story, 'The Rabbit and the Lion', which illustrates the consequences of a cruel lion's excessive hunting and the animals' clever plan to ensure their survival.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Bansuri - I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — पञ्चतन्त्रम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 246 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the origin and purpose of the Panchatantram.
- Learn about the significance of moral values and ethics in stories.
- Recognize the global reach and translations of Panchatantram stories.
- Analyze the story of the rabbit and the lion, focusing on the lion's cruelty and the animals' strategy.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| पञ्चतन्त्रम् | A collection of five treatises/stories |
| संस्कृतभाषायां | In the Sanskrit language |
| रचितानां | Composed/created |
| कथानां | Of stories |
| समाहारग्रन्थोऽस्ति | Is a collection/compilation |
| सुप्रसिद्धेन | Very famous |
| विदुषा | Scholar |
| महाभागेन | Great soul/person |
| विरचितः | Composed/written |
| मूल्यबोधानां | Of moral values |
| नीतीनां | Of ethics/policies |
| आधारिताः | Based upon |
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Practice questions
- पञ्चतन्त्रम् ग्रन्थस्य रचयिता कः अस्ति? Answer: श्रीविष्णुशर्मा महाभागः।
- पञ्चतन्त्रम् कस्यां भाषायां रचितम् अस्ति? Answer: संस्कृतभाषायां।
- पञ्चतन्त्रस्य कथाः कस्मिन् विषये बोधयन्ति? Answer: मूल्यबोधानां नीतीनां च उपरि।
- सिंहः कथं व्यवहारं करोति स्म? Answer: सः स्वस्य शक्तिं प्रदर्शयितुं यावत् सः भोक्तुं शक्नोति, ततः अधिकान् पशून् मारयति स्म।
- पशवः सिंहस्य समीपं किं योजनां विचिन्त्य अगच्छन्? Answer: ते योजनां विचिन्त्य अगच्छन् यत् ते प्रत्यहम् एकैकं पशुं सिंहस्य कृते प्रेषयिष्यन्ति।
Frequently asked questions
What is Panchatantram?
Panchatantram is a collection of Sanskrit stories composed over two thousand years ago, designed to impart moral values and ethics.
Who wrote the Panchatantram?
The Panchatantram was written by the renowned Sanskrit scholar Shri Vishnu Sharma.
How are the Panchatantram stories divided?
The stories are divided into five sections or 'tantras'.
Why is the Panchatantram famous?
It is famous worldwide for its rich tales that teach moral values, and it has been translated into many languages.
What is the first story presented in this chapter?
The first story presented is 'The Rabbit and the Lion' (शशकः सिंहः च).
What was the lion's behavior in the story?
The lion was cruel and used to kill more animals than he could eat, just to display his power.
What plan did the animals devise?
The animals planned to send one animal each day to the lion, promising not to be hunted excessively if he agreed.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Arts — Bansuri - I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 1 — पञ्चतन्त्रम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.