NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira: Chapter 8 — अष्टमः पाठः – संसारसागरस्य नायकाः
This chapter, "Heroes of the World-Ocean," from Anupam Mishra's "Today Also the Ponds Stand Tall," discusses the vanishing traditional knowledge and skills of 'Gajdhar' (builders of ponds). The author portrays human-made water structures like ponds and step-wells as "world-oceans." It highlights that hundreds and thousands of these ponds were not created from nothing but were the result of the collective effort of builders, where one person planned and ten executed. The chapter laments that in the last two hundred years, with the advent of new technologies and education, society has forgotten the knowledge of how these massive structures were built. The term 'Gajdhar' was used respectfully for these builders, meaning one who holds the measure of a 'gaj' (a unit of measurement). These Gajdhars were architects responsible for planning, estimating costs, managing resources, and ensuring the safety of both rural and urban constructions. They were honored and compensated for their invaluable contributions, which formed the backbone of society's infrastructure. The chapter concludes with a tribute to these skilled artisans.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Ruchira |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — अष्टमः पाठः – संसारसागरस्य नायकाः |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 278 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of 'Gajdhar' and their role in traditional water management.
- Appreciate the historical significance of ponds and step-wells as 'world-oceans'.
- Recognize the loss of traditional knowledge and skills in modern society.
- Learn about the planning, execution, and societal contribution of ancient builders.
- Develop an understanding of measurement units and architectural practices from the past.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| संसारसागरस्य | Of the world-ocean |
| नायका: | Heroes |
| पारम्परिक | Traditional |
| ज्ञान | Knowledge |
| कौशल | Skill |
| शिल्प | Craftsmanship |
| गजध्र: | Builder of ponds/tanks (lit. one who holds the measure) |
| तालाब | Pond |
| बावड़ी | Step-well |
| निर्माण | Construction |
| मापन | Measurement |
| वास्तुकार: | Architect |
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Practice questions
- पाठ के अनुसार 'संसार सागर' किसे कहा गया है? Answer: मानव निर्मित तालाबों और बावड़ियों को 'संसार सागर' कहा गया है।
- 'गजध्र' शब्द का क्या अर्थ है? Answer: 'गजध्र' उस व्यक्ति को कहते हैं जो गज (माप) को धारण करता है, अर्थात तालाबों का निर्माण करने वाला।
- पिछले दो सौ वर्षों में समाज ने क्या खो दिया है? Answer: पिछले दो सौ वर्षों में समाज ने पारंपरिक ज्ञान, कौशल और शिल्प की समझ खो दी है, विशेषकर तालाब निर्माण के संबंध में।
- गजध्रों की समाज में क्या भूमिका थी? Answer: गजध्र वास्तुकार थे जो ग्रामीण और शहरी समाज के निर्माण, सुरक्षा और योजना का दायित्व निभाते थे।
- गजध्रों को उनके कार्य के बदले क्या मिलता था? Answer: कार्य समाप्ति पर गजध्रों को वेतन के अतिरिक्त सम्मान भी प्राप्त होता था।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit chapter 'संसारसागरस्य नायका:'?
The chapter discusses the vanishing traditional knowledge and skills of 'Gajdhar' (builders of ponds and water structures) and highlights their crucial role in society.
Who is referred to as 'Gajdhar' in the chapter?
'Gajdhar' refers to the skilled builders and architects who constructed ponds, step-wells, and other water management systems.
What does the chapter say about the construction of ponds?
It explains that thousands of ponds were not built spontaneously but were the result of collective planning and execution by many builders over time.
Why does the chapter mention 'world-oceans'?
The chapter uses the term 'world-oceans' to poetically describe the vastness and importance of human-made water bodies like ponds and step-wells.
What is the concern expressed in the chapter regarding modern society?
The chapter expresses concern that modern society, with its new education and technology, has forgotten the knowledge and skills of building such traditional water structures.
What was the contribution of Gajdhars to society?
Gajdhars were architects responsible for planning, estimating costs, managing resources, and ensuring the safety of constructions, playing a vital role in both rural and urban development.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Ruchira — Chapter 8 — अष्टमः पाठः – संसारसागरस्य नायकाः. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.