NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira: Chapter 5 — पञ्चमः पाठः – कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम्
This chapter, 'कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम्' (Kantakenai Kantakam), from the NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira textbook, presents a folk tale from Madhya Pradesh in the style of Panchatantra. It illustrates how intelligence and quick thinking can help overcome difficult situations. The story revolves around a hunter named Chanchala who catches a tiger in his net. The tiger, seeking freedom, promises not to harm the hunter if released. After being freed, the tiger, driven by hunger, intends to eat the hunter. Chanchala, seeking help from the river, a tree, and a fox, learns that all creatures seek their own benefit. The clever fox devises a plan to trap the tiger back in the net, demonstrating the principle that a thorn can be removed by another thorn. This chapter teaches students the importance of resourcefulness and strategic thinking in adversity.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Ruchira |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — पञ्चमः पाठः – कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 268 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of overcoming challenges with intelligence.
- Learn new Sanskrit vocabulary related to animals and situations.
- Appreciate the moral of the story: 'A thorn can be removed by another thorn'.
- Develop reading comprehension skills in Sanskrit.
- Recognize the narrative style of folk tales.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| व्याघ्र: | Tiger |
| च×चल: | Chanchala (name of the hunter) |
| जाले | In the net |
| पिपासु: | Thirsty |
| बुभुक्षितो | Hungry |
| लोमशिका | She-fox |
| कण्टकेनैव | By a thorn itself |
| प्रत्युत्पन्नमतित्व | Presence of mind / quick-wittedness |
| जीविकां | Livelihood |
| न्यवेदयत् | Informed / told |
| पिपासां | Thirst |
| क्षुधर्ताय | For the hungry |
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Practice questions
- चञ्चलः किं कार्यं करोति स्म? Answer: चञ्चलः पक्षिमृगादीनां ग्रहणेन स्वकीयां जीविकां निर्वाहयति स्म।
- व्याघ्रः जाले बद्धः आसीत्। सः व्याधं किं अवदत्? Answer: व्याघ्रः अवदत्, 'भो मानव! कल्याणं भवतु ते। यदि त्वं मां मोचयिष्यसि तर्हि अहं त्वां न हनिष्यामि।'
- नदीजलम् व्याधं किं अवदत्? Answer: नदीजलम् अवदत्, 'एवमेव भवति, जनाः मयि स्नानं कुर्वन्ति, वस्त्राणि प्रक्षालयन्ति तथा च मल-मूत्रादिवं विसृज्य गच्छन्ति।'
- लोमशिकायाः उपायः किम् आसीत्? Answer: लोमशिकायाः उपायः आसीत् यत् व्याधः पुनः व्याघ्रं जाले बद्धं कृत्वा तं कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम् इति सिद्धं करोतु।
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of 'कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम्'?
'कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम्' means 'a thorn can be removed by another thorn', signifying solving a problem using a similar or related method.
Where does the story 'कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम्' originate from?
The story is a folk tale from Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
What is the main moral of the story?
The main moral is that one can overcome difficult situations and dangers through intelligence, presence of mind, and cleverness.
Who helps the hunter Chanchala in the story?
A she-fox (लोमशिका) helps the hunter Chanchala devise a plan to escape the tiger.
What lesson does the story teach about nature?
The story suggests that most creatures act out of self-interest, as seen when the river, tree, and even the tiger prioritize their own needs.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Ruchira — Chapter 5 — पञ्चमः पाठः – कण्टकेनैव कण्टकम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.