NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira: Chapter 2 — द्वितीयः पाठः – बिलस्य वाणी न कदापि मे श्रुता
This chapter, 'Bilasya Vani Na Kadapi Me Shruta' (The Voice of the Cave I Have Never Heard), is from the Sanskrit text 'Ruchira'. It is an adaptation from the 'Panchatantra', a collection of animal fables by Vishnu Sharma. The story narrates the encounter between a hungry lion and a clever fox. The lion, seeking shelter, hides inside a cave, unaware of its owner, a fox. When the fox arrives and sees the lion's footprints, it cleverly devises a plan. The fox calls out to the cave, pretending to be surprised by its silence, implying a prior agreement to greet its owner. The lion, understanding the fox's ploy, roars back, mimicking the cave's voice. This act reassures the fox, which then enters the cave, becoming the lion's prey. The chapter highlights the importance of presence of mind and cleverness in difficult situations, a valuable lesson for students learning Sanskrit and critical thinking.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Ruchira |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — द्वितीयः पाठः – बिलस्य वाणी न कदापि मे श्रुता |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 276 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the story of the lion and the fox.
- Learn about the Panchatantra and its author.
- Appreciate the use of wit and intelligence in problem-solving.
- Improve Sanskrit reading and comprehension skills.
- Recognize the moral of the story regarding foresight and cleverness.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| खरनखर: | A lion (name) |
| गुहा | Cave |
| दध्पिुच्छ: | A fox (name) |
| सिंहपदप(ति: | Footprints of a lion |
| अचिन्तयत् | Thought |
| आह्नानं | Call/Invitation |
| भयसन्त्रास्तमनसां | Of those whose minds are terrified by fear |
| वेपथु: | Trembling |
| प्रतिधवनिना | By the echo |
| पलायमान: | Fleeing |
| अनागतम् | The unforeseen/future |
| जरा | Old age/decay |
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Practice questions
- सिंहस्य नाम किं आसीत्? Answer: सिंहस्य नाम खरनखर: आसीत्।
- गुहाया: स्वामी क: आसीत्? Answer: गुहाया: स्वामी दध्पिुच्छ: नामक: शृगाल: आसीत्।
- शृगाल: किं दृष्ट्वा अचिन्तयत्? Answer: शृगाल: गुहायां सिंहपदप(तिं दृष्ट्वा अचिन्तयत्।
- सिंह: शृगालस्य किं अकरोत्? Answer: सिंह: शृगालस्य आह्नानमकरोत्।
- अन्ते शृगाल: किं पठत्? Answer: अन्ते शृगाल: 'अनागतं य: वुफरुते स शोभते...' इति पठत्।
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the chapter 'Bilasya Vani Na Kadapi Me Shruta'?
This chapter is adapted from the Sanskrit story collection 'Panchatantra', specifically from its third section 'Kakolukiyam'.
Who is the author of Panchatantra?
The original author of Panchatantra is Vishnu Sharma.
What is the main story of this chapter?
The chapter tells the story of a hungry lion who hides in a cave and a clever fox who outsmarts the lion using its intelligence.
What moral can be learned from this chapter?
The chapter teaches the importance of presence of mind, cleverness, and foresight in dealing with dangerous situations.
What does the title 'Bilasya Vani Na Kadapi Me Shruta' mean?
The title translates to 'The voice of the cave I have never heard', referring to the fox's realization that the cave, which should have greeted its owner, remained silent.
What technique did the fox use to survive?
The fox used a clever trick by calling out to the cave as if expecting a greeting, thereby making the lion roar back and revealing its presence.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Ruchira — Chapter 2 — द्वितीयः पाठः – बिलस्य वाणी न कदापि मे श्रुता. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.