NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira: Chapter 6 — षष्ठः पाठः – गृहं शून्यं सुतां विना
This chapter, 'Griham Shunyam Sutam Vina' (A Home is Empty Without a Daughter) from NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira, addresses the critical issue of female foeticide and emphasizes the importance of educating girls. Through a dialogue between Shalini and her brother Rakesh, and Shalini and her sister-in-law Mala, the text highlights the societal bias against daughters. Mala is distressed because Rakesh wants her to undergo a sex-determination test to abort the female fetus. Shalini strongly condemns this idea, advocating for the daughter's right to live and urging Mala to resist. The chapter uses simple Sanskrit to convey a powerful message about gender equality and the need to eradicate discrimination, concluding that a home is incomplete and empty without a daughter, underscoring the value of female children in society and their education.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Ruchira |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — षष्ठः पाठः – गृहं शून्यं सुतां विना |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 373 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the social issue of female foeticide.
- Appreciate the importance of daughters in a family and society.
- Recognize the need for gender equality.
- Learn new Sanskrit vocabulary related to family and health.
- Develop critical thinking about societal biases.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| कन्याओं की हत्या | Female foeticide/killing of daughters |
| भेद-भाव | Discrimination |
| संवादात्मक शैली | Conversational style |
| भ्रातृजाया | Brother's wife (sister-in-law) |
| उदासीना | Indifferent, sad |
| वुफशलं | Well-being, welfare |
| शीतलपेयं | Cold drink |
| गोष्ठी | Meeting, conference |
| चिकित्सिकया | Female doctor |
| परामर्शानुसारं | According to advice/consultation |
| लिङ्गपरीक्षणं | Sex determination test |
| वधर्हा | To be killed |
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Practice questions
- पाठ का मुख्य संदेश क्या है? Answer: पाठ का मुख्य संदेश कन्या भ्रूण हत्या को रोकना और बालिकाओं की शिक्षा सुनिश्चित करना है।
- माला क्यों उदास थी? Answer: माला उदास थी क्योंकि उसका पति राकेश चाहता था कि वह लिंग परीक्षण करवाए और यदि कन्या हो तो उसे गर्भ में ही मरवा दे।
- शालिनी ने माला को क्या सलाह दी? Answer: शालिनी ने माला को लिंग परीक्षण न करवाने और अपने भाई के इस कृत्य का विरोध करने की सलाह दी।
- राकेश अपनी पुत्री अम्बिका के प्रति कैसा व्यवहार करता है? Answer: राकेश अपनी पुत्री अम्बिका को प्यार करता है, उसे चाकलेट देता है और लाड़-प्यार करता है।
- पाठ के अनुसार घर किसके बिना सूना है? Answer: पाठ के अनुसार घर पुत्री के बिना सूना है।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit chapter 'Griham Shunyam Sutam Vina'?
The chapter's main theme is to prevent female foeticide and ensure the education of girls, highlighting the importance of daughters.
Why was Mala upset in the chapter?
Mala was upset because her husband, Rakesh, insisted she undergo a sex determination test and abort the female fetus.
What advice did Shalini give to Mala?
Shalini advised Mala not to undergo the test and to oppose her brother's cruel intention.
What does the chapter suggest about a home without a daughter?
The chapter suggests that a home is empty and incomplete without a daughter, emphasizing their significance.
What is the meaning of 'Griham Shunyam Sutam Vina'?
'Griham Shunyam Sutam Vina' translates to 'A Home is Empty Without a Daughter'.
What is the purpose of presenting this topic in Sanskrit?
Presenting this sensitive topic in simple Sanskrit aims to reach a wider audience and promote awareness about gender equality and the value of girl children.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Ruchira — Chapter 6 — षष्ठः पाठः – गृहं शून्यं सुतां विना. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.