NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira: Chapter 12 — द्वादशः पाठः – कः रक्षति कः रक्षितः
This chapter, 'Ka Rakshati Ka Rakshitah' (Who Protects, Who is Protected) from NCERT's Class 8 Sanskrit textbook 'Ruchira', is a conversational lesson focusing on cleanliness and environmental protection. It highlights the importance of keeping our surroundings clean, not polluting rivers, planting more trees, and reducing plastic usage. The chapter begins with a dialogue between friends discussing the discomfort caused by heat and power outages during summer. They reflect on the importance of air and the adverse effects of pollution. The conversation shifts to the construction of large buildings and roads, leading to the destruction of trees, and the resulting environmental damage. The friends decide to go to the riverbank for peace but are dismayed by the garbage strewn everywhere. They discuss how, despite being educated, people act irresponsibly towards environmental cleanliness. The chapter emphasizes that individual actions, like proper waste disposal and discouraging littering, are crucial for protecting the environment and setting good examples for younger generations.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Ruchira |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — द्वादशः पाठः – कः रक्षति कः रक्षितः |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 336 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of cleanliness and environmental protection.
- Recognize the impact of pollution on nature and human life.
- Learn about the significance of trees and afforestation.
- Develop a sense of responsibility towards waste management and conservation.
- Appreciate the role of individual actions in environmental preservation.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| विद्युदभावेन | due to power outage |
| प्रचण्डोष्मणा | by intense heat |
| पीडित: | afflicted, suffering |
| वायुवेग: | air current, breeze |
| स्वेदबिन्दव: | drops of sweat |
| शुक्लमहोदयै: | by Shukla Mahodaya (a teacher/respected person) |
| निदाघतापतप्तस्य | of one scorched by the heat of summer |
| बहुभूमिकभवनानां | of multi-storied buildings |
| भूमिगतमार्गाणाम् | of underground routes |
| अवकरभाण्डारं | garbage dump |
| प्लास्टिकस्यूतानि | plastic bags |
| पर्यावरण संरक्षणं | environmental protection |
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Practice questions
- पाठस्य प्रारम्भः कस्य वार्तालापेन भवति? Answer: पाठस्य प्रारम्भः वैभव:, परमिन्दर्, विनय:, जोसेफ:, रोजलिन इत्येतेषां मित्राणां वार्तालापेन भवति।
- ग्रीष्मर्तौ सायंकाले मित्राणि कस्मात् कारणात् पीडिता आसन्? Answer: ग्रीष्मर्तौ सायंकाले मित्राणि प्रचण्डोष्मणा विद्युदभावेन च पीडिता आसन्।
- पर्यावरणं कथं प्रदूषितं भवति? Answer: नदीनां प्रदूषणेन, वृक्षाणां छेदनं, प्लास्टिकस्य प्रयोगेन, अवकरस्य प्रक्षेपणेन च पर्यावरणं प्रदूषितं भवति।
- पर्यावरण संरक्षणाय वयं किं कर्तुं शक्नुमः? Answer: पर्यावरण संरक्षणाय वयं वृक्षाणां रोपणं, प्लास्टिकस्य प्रयोगं न्यूनं कर्तुं, अवकरं नियतस्थाने पातयितुं च शक्नुमः।
- स्वच्छताविषये पाठस्य किं सन्देशः अस्ति? Answer: स्वच्छता स्वास्थ्यकरी अस्ति इति पाठस्य सन्देशः अस्ति। अस्माभिः स्वगृहस्य समीपं पर्यावरणमपि स्वच्छं रक्षितव्यम्।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit chapter 'Ka Rakshati Ka Rakshitah'?
The main theme is cleanliness and environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of keeping surroundings clean and conserving nature.
What environmental issues are discussed in the chapter?
The chapter discusses air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, and the problem of plastic waste.
What solutions does the chapter suggest for environmental protection?
It suggests planting more trees, reducing plastic usage, proper waste disposal, and maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.
Who are the main characters in the chapter?
The chapter features a conversation among friends named Vaibhav, Parminder, Vinay, Joseph, and Rosalyn.
Why is cleanliness important according to the chapter?
The chapter states that cleanliness is conducive to health ('स्वच्छता स्वास्थ्यकरी').
What is the significance of the title 'Ka Rakshati Ka Rakshitah'?
The title translates to 'Who Protects, Who is Protected', highlighting the reciprocal relationship between protecting the environment and being protected by it.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Ruchira — Chapter 12 — द्वादशः पाठः – कः रक्षति कः रक्षितः. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.