NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us Our Wonderous World (Sanskrit): Chapter 1 — प्रकरणम् १: अस्मान् परितः जीवनम्
This chapter, 'Life Around Us' (प्रकरणम् १: अस्मान् परितः जीवनम्), from NCERT's 'Our Wonderous World' for Class 5, emphasizes the crucial role of water in ecosystems and life. Building upon previous knowledge of soil, air, and water, it delves into the diverse forms and functions of water, its contribution to land formation, and its importance in creating habitats. The chapter highlights water as a unique and essential element for life on Earth, explaining its role in sustaining life and shaping the planet. It also draws examples from communities living close to nature, showcasing their harmonious lifestyle, creative use of natural resources, and the joy derived from a life intertwined with nature. The text aims to inspire students to appreciate nature's bounty and understand the significance of water conservation.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | The World Around Us |
| Book | Our Wonderous World (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — प्रकरणम् १ : अस्मान् परितः जीवनम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 462 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the significance of water for all living beings.
- Learn about the different forms and sources of water.
- Explore the water cycle and its continuous movement.
- Recognize the role of water in shaping landforms and supporting aquatic life.
- Appreciate the importance of water conservation.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| प्राणिनां | of animals |
| पक्षिणां | of birds |
| कीटानां | of insects |
| आवासरूपेण | as habitat |
| योगदानं | contribution |
| मृत्तिकायाः | of soil |
| वायोः | of air |
| जलस्य | of water |
| सूर्यप्रकाशस्य | of sunlight |
| भू-प्राकृतिक-क्षेत्रेषु | in geographical regions |
| पर्यावरणव्यवस्थासु | in ecosystems |
| जलचक्रस्य | of the water cycle |
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Practice questions
- जलम् जीवनस्य मूलम् इति कस्मात् कारणात् कथ्यते? Answer: जलम् सर्वेषां प्राणिनां, पक्षिणां, कीटानां च कृते जीवनस्य आधारः अस्ति, अतः तत् जीवनस्य मूलम् कथ्यते।
- जलचक्रस्य माध्यमेन जलं कथं सञ्चरति? Answer: जलचक्रस्य माध्यमेन जलं वाष्पीभवति, मेघरूपं धारयति, तथा वृष्टिरूपेण पुनः भूमौ आगच्छति, एवं सञ्चरति।
- जलसंरक्षणस्य आवश्यकतां प्रतिपादयन्तु। Answer: जलम् सीमितं संसाधनम् अस्ति, अतः तस्य विवेकपूर्वकम् उपयोगः करणीयः तथा संरक्षणं आवश्यकम् अस्ति।
- प्रकृतिसमीपे निवसन्तः जनाः कथं जीवनं यापयन्ति? Answer: प्रकृतिसमीपे निवसन्तः जनाः प्राकृतिकसम्पदाम् आनन्दं अनुभवन्ति तथा उपलब्धैः पदार्थैः वस्तूनि निर्मान्ति।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 1, 'प्रकरणम् १: अस्मान् परितः जीवनम्'?
Chapter 1 focuses on the vital importance of water for all life forms and ecosystems, its various forms, and the necessity of its conservation.
What prior knowledge do students have before studying this chapter?
Students have previously studied soil, air, and water, and how their availability influences life in different geographical regions.
What does the chapter teach about water's role in nature?
The chapter explains water's role in creating habitats, shaping landforms, and sustaining life, highlighting it as a unique element for Earth.
What is the second chapter mentioned in the text?
The second chapter is 'एकस्याः नद्याः यात्रा' (Journey of a River), which follows the Godavari River from its origin to its end.
Why is water conservation emphasized in the chapter?
Water is a limited resource, and the chapter emphasizes its judicious use and conservation for the benefit of all.
What examples are used to illustrate life near nature?
The chapter provides examples of people living close to nature, enjoying its resources, and creating things from locally available materials.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us — Our Wonderous World (Sanskrit) — Chapter 1 — प्रकरणम् १ : अस्मान् परितः जीवनम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.