NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira: Chapter 11 — एकादशः पाठः – सावित्री बाई फुले
This chapter, 'Savitribai Phule', from NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira, highlights the significant contributions of Savitribai Phule, a pioneering woman who led the struggle for education rights in India. The text introduces her as the first female teacher in Maharashtra and describes her journey. Born in 1831, she was married to Jyotirao Phule, who supported her passion for learning. Together, they opened the first school for girls in Pune in 1848. Savitribai also established a separate school for girls from marginalized communities. She actively opposed social evils like the practice of shaving widows' heads and challenged caste-based discrimination, notably when she provided water to lower-caste women denied access to a public well. Her actions championed human equality and freedom, making her an inspirational figure for social reform and education.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Ruchira |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — एकादशः पाठः – सावित्री बाई फुले |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 295 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of education as a right.
- Learn about the historical struggles faced by marginalized communities and women in accessing education.
- Recognize the contributions of Savitribai Phule to women's education and social reform.
- Appreciate the fight against social evils like caste discrimination and harmful traditions.
- Understand the principles of equality and freedom advocated by Savitribai Phule.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| अधिकार | right |
| वंचित | deprived |
| संघर्ष | struggle |
| अवरोध | obstacles |
| नेतृत्व | leadership |
| अनुकरणीय | exemplary |
| पाठशाला | school |
| शिक्षिका | teacher (female) |
| दृढनिश्चय | determination |
| अध्ययन | study |
| अभिहितौ | called/named |
| अस्पृश्यता | untouchability |
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Practice questions
- सावित्रीबाई फुले का जन्म कब और कहाँ हुआ था? Answer: सावित्रीबाई फुले का जन्म 3 जनवरी 1831 को महाराष्ट्र के नायगांव में हुआ था।
- सावित्रीबाई फुले ने किसके साथ मिलकर लड़कियों के लिए पहला विद्यालय खोला? Answer: सावित्रीबाई फुले ने अपने पति ज्योतिबा फुले के साथ मिलकर लड़कियों के लिए पहला विद्यालय खोला।
- सावित्रीबाई फुले ने किस सामाजिक कुरीति का विरोध किया? Answer: सावित्रीबाई फुले ने विधवाओं के सिर मुंडवाने की कुरीति का विरोध किया।
- सावित्रीबाई फुले ने समाज में समानता और स्वतंत्रता के लिए क्या किया? Answer: सावित्रीबाई फुले ने जातिगत भेदभाव का विरोध किया और सभी को समान अधिकार दिलाने का प्रयास किया, जैसे कि सार्वजनिक कुएं से पानी भरने देना।
Frequently asked questions
Who was Savitribai Phule?
Savitribai Phule was a pioneering social reformer and the first female teacher in Maharashtra, known for her significant contributions to women's education and the fight against social injustices.
When and where was Savitribai Phule born?
Savitribai Phule was born on January 3, 1831, in the village of Naigaon, Maharashtra.
What was Savitribai Phule's contribution to education?
She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, established the first school for girls in Pune in 1848 and later a separate school for girls from marginalized communities.
What social evils did Savitribai Phule oppose?
She actively opposed social evils such as the practice of shaving widows' heads and caste-based discrimination, ensuring equal access to resources like water.
What principles did Savitribai Phule advocate for?
Savitribai Phule strongly supported principles of human equality and freedom, challenging societal norms that perpetuated discrimination.
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Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Ruchira — Chapter 11 — एकादशः पाठः – सावित्री बाई फुले. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.