NCERT Class 5 Hindi Rimjhim: Chapter 17 — छाटा-सा
This chapter, titled 'छाटा-सा' (Chhota-sa), is a poem by Rabindranath Tagore describing a small, meandering river. It paints a vivid picture of the river in different seasons. During summers, it's shallow enough to cross by wading, with dry banks and clear water. Birds like the 'maina' chirp, and jackals howl at night. The riverbanks are lined with mango groves and palm trees, with a dense settlement nearby. Children play and bathe in the river, filling water with their gamchas. Women wash clothes and utensils. When the monsoon arrives, the river swells, becoming a fast-flowing, turbulent stream, creating a festive atmosphere along its banks. The chapter also includes questions for students to compare their local rivers with the one described, identify rhyming words, and describe scenes from the poem or their own experiences.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Hindi |
| Book | Rimjhim |
| Chapter | Chapter 17 — छाटा-सा |
| Language | Hindi |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 415 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand and appreciate the description of a river in different seasons.
- Identify rhyming words and poetic devices in the poem.
- Compare and contrast the described river with local rivers.
- Develop descriptive writing skills by describing scenes.
- Learn about the cultural and environmental significance of rivers.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| टेढ़ी-मेढ़ी | meandering, winding |
| धार | stream, current |
| घुटने भर | knee-deep |
| ढोर-डंगर | cattle and other livestock |
| पाट | width of the riverbed |
| ढालू | sloping |
| बालू | sand |
| काँस | a type of tall grass |
| किचपिच | chirping sound |
| सियार | jackal |
| अमराई | mango grove |
| आषाढ़ | a month in the Hindu calendar, associated with monsoon |
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Practice questions
- कविता में नदी की धार कैसी बताई गई है? Answer: कविता में नदी की धार टेढ़ी-मेढ़ी बताई गई है।
- गर्मियों में नदी कितनी गहरी होती है? Answer: गर्मियों में नदी घुटने भर गहरी होती है।
- नदी के किनारे कौन-कौन से पेड़ थे? Answer: नदी के किनारे अमराई (आम के पेड़) और ताड़ के पेड़ थे।
- बरसात में नदी कैसी हो जाती है? Answer: बरसात में नदी भर जाती है, उफनती है और तेज धार से बहती है।
- कविता में किन पक्षियों और जानवरों का ज़िक्र है? Answer: कविता में मैना और सियार का ज़िक्र है।
Frequently asked questions
Which chapter is this from NCERT Class 5 Hindi Rimjhim?
This is Chapter 17, titled 'छाटा-सा'.
Who is the author of the poem 'छाटा-सा'?
The poem is by Rabindranath Tagore.
What is the main theme of the chapter?
The chapter describes a small, meandering river and its surroundings in different seasons, focusing on its appearance and the life around it.
What activities are mentioned happening by the river?
Activities include children bathing and playing, women washing clothes and utensils, and cattle crossing the river.
How does the river change during the monsoon?
During the monsoon, the river swells, becomes turbulent, and flows with a fast, noisy current.
What kind of vocabulary is introduced in this chapter?
The chapter introduces vocabulary related to the river's features (like धार, पाट, बालू), sounds (किचपिच, हुआँ-हुआँ), and seasonal changes (आषाढ़).
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Hindi — Rimjhim — Chapter 17 — छाटा-सा. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.