Acknowledgement

It is an age of technological avalanche, soul-less

materialism and cut-throat careerism. Our generation, getting
education in the so-called English medium public schools,
remains deprived of our cultural heritage. Therefore a great
need was being felt for preparing an English version of the
series of Sanskriti Bodhmālā. We wish to convey our deep and
sincere gratitude to Shri Pran Nath Pankaj ji, a Chandigarh-
based renowned scholar of Hindu philosophy, culture and
dharma for his tireless help in bringing out the English version
of the series. We feel proud of his association with this work. I
do convey my thanks to Shri G.S. Mudambadithaya, President,
Karnataka unit of Vidya Bharati, who alongwith his team,
prepared the English version of some of the books of this
series initially for using them in the schools affiliated with
Vidya Bharati in Karnataka, and later permitted us for the
publication of the same for using them at national level. I shall
be failing in my duty if I do not convey my gratitude to Dr.
Himmat Singh Sinha, retired Chairman of Dept. of Philosophy,
Kurukshetra University who has devoted his precious time to
editing and proof- reading work of the English scripts.

Secretary,
Vidya Bharati Sanskriti Shiksha Sansthan,
Kurukshetra
 Scheme of Transliteration

Except certain standardized expressions, Sanskṛit words / terms,

where expressed in Roman script, have been transliterated as per
the following scheme.
Vowels (Loj)

v a, vk ā, b i, bZ ī, m u, Å ū, Í ṛ, Ì ṝ, y` ḷ, , e, ,s ai, vks o, vkS au, va

ṁ, v% h.

Consonants (O;×tu)

d~ k, [k~ kh, x~ g, ?k~ gh, M~- ṅ, p~ c, N~ ch, t~ j, > jh, ×k~ ñ, V~ ṭ, B~ ṭh,
M~ ḍ, < ḍh, .k~ ṇ, r~ t, Fk~ th, n~ d, èk~ dh, u~ n, i~ p, iQ~ ph, c b, Hk~ bh, e~
m, ;~ y, j~ r, y~ l, o~ v, 'k~ ś, "k ṣ, l~ s, g~ h, {k~ kṣ, =k~ tr, K~ jñ,

Each consonant has to be followed by the appropriate vowel, as

required, to make the sound complete; hence d (Ok~Q$v) would be ka.
Similarly dk (d~$vk) ¾ kā, fd (d~$b) = ki, dh (d$bZ) ¾ kī, dq (d~$m)
= ku, dw (d~$Å) = kū, Ñ ¾ (d~$Í) = kṛ and so on.

Explanatory Note (O;k[;kRed fooj.k)

‘C’ dk mPpkj.k vke Hkk"kk esa ^l* tSls cell ;k ^d* tSls Club gksrk gS ijUrq bl
vUrjkZ"Vªh; i¼fr esa bldk mPpkj.k dsoy ^p* gksxk] ogka ^p* ds fy, ch ugha
fy[kk tk,xk tSls caraṇa (pj.k) ^N* ds fy, ch fy[kk tk,xk] tSls chātra
(Nk=k) ;fn PN~ fy[kuk gks rks cch, tSls xPNfr ¾ gacchati. ś = 'k] ṣ = "k
vkSj s = l ;g vUrj Hkh vius vkpk;ks± dks Li"V lh[kuk iM+sxk vU;Fkk ^'k* ds
fy, os sh fy[ksaxsA K ds fy, Jñ rks vklkuh ls le> vk tkrk gS] Í ds fy, ṛ
(tSls ṛṣi). bl i¼fr dk iz;ksx dsoy laLÑr 'kCnkoyh ds vuqokn ij ykxw gksrk
gS fgUnh] fgUnqLrkuh] mnwZ ij ykxw ugha gksrkA
vdkjkUr v] (d~$v) ¾ d vkSj gyUr dk Hksn Hkh laLÑr 'kCnksa ij gh ykxw
gksrk gS ftls Li"V le>uk iM+sxkA blds ikyu ls mPpkj.k nks"k ugha jgsxkA

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 2

 Contents
Page No.
Raṣtrīya Gīta - Vande Mātaram
Saraswatī Vandanā

1. BHĀRATA (India) : Our Motherland 7

Our States, Patriotic Song.
2. Progeny of Bhārata — Hindu Society 19
Karmavīra : who observed austerity, Our great
Tapasvīs, Who lit the Lamp of Sacrifice, Our
Nation Builders.
3. The Hindū View of life 26
Yajña Culture, Feeling of Oneness, Let us
move from 'I' to 'We', Food Hymn, Ekātmatā
Stotrum (śloka 8 to 14), Brave Boys, Brave
Girls, Scientific basis of Hindu beliefs.
4. The Sacred Tradition of Sacraments 36
Our Cultural Festivals, Holy Places, Temples,
The Holy Books, Quotes from Saints, Statistical
Details, Indian Dress Symbols, Good Manners.
5. Our Glorious History 53
Indian Method of Calculating Time,
Unforgetable Martyrs.
6. The world as one family 57
Great Personalities, Ancient Educational
Centres
7. The Shining Tradtion of Indian Sciences 59
Bhāratiya Scientists, Ᾱyurveda,
Ecology/Environment, Mitrāvaruṇa Śhaktī
(Electricity), Space Science.
8. General Knowledge 63
Some organizations of Bhārata having
International Importance, Sports and Trophies,
Presidents of Bharata, National Awards.
9. Our National Heroes 67
Ramanand Sagar, Champaran Satyagraha,
Vikram Sarabhai, Amrita Devi.
Blueprint of the question paper

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 3

 jk"Vª xhr & oUns ekrje~
oUns ekrje~!
lqtyka lqiQyka ey;t&'khryke~]
'kL; ';keyka ekrje~! oUns ekrje~ AA1AA
'kqHkz&T;ksRLuk&iqyfdr&;kfeuhe~A
iqQYy&dqlqfer&æqeny&'kksfHkuhe~A
lqgkfluha] lqe/qj&Hkkf"k.khe~A
lq[knka] ojnka] ekrje~! oUns ekrje~ AA2AA
dksfV&dksfV&daB dy&dy&fuukn&djkys]
dksfV&dksfV&HkqtS/`Zr&[kj&djokys]
vcyk dsuks ek¡ ,rks cysA
cgqcy&/kfj.kha] uekfe rkfj.khe~]
fjiqny&okfj.kha ekrje~! oUns ekrje~ AA3AA
rqfe fo|k rqfe /eZ]
rqfe âfn rqfe eeZ]
Roa gh izk.kk 'kjhjsA
ckgqrs rqfe ek 'kfDr]
ân;s rqfe ek HkfDr]
rksekjbZ izfrek xfM+ efUnjs&efUnjsA oUns ekrje~ AA4AA
Roa fg nqxkZ n'kizgj.k&/kfj.kh]
deyk dey&ny&fogkfj.kh]
ok.kh fo|knkf;uh] uekfe Roke~
uekfe deyka veyka vrqyke~]
lqtyka lqiQyka] ekrje~! oUns ekrje~ AA5AA
';keyka ljyka lqfLerka Hkwf"krke~]
/j.kha Hkfj.kha ekrje~! oUns ekrje~ AA6AA

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 4

Invocation to Saraswatī, the Goddess of Learning
;k dqUnsUnqrq"kkjgkj/oyk ;k 'kqHkzoL=kko`rkA
;k oh.kkojn.Mef.Mrdjk ;k 'osrin~eklukAA
;k czãk¿P;qr'kadjçHk`frfHknsZoS% lnk ofUnrkAA
lk eka ikrq ljLorh Hkxorh fu%'ks"ktkM~;kigkAAûAA
Meaning : May Goddess Saraswatῑ, the destroyer of
slothfulness and ignorance, protect us. She is fair
complexioned like the hues of jasmine flower, frost and
necklace of pearls. She is wrapped in white garments. In her
hands, vῑṇā (lute) and danḍa (staff) are gracefully held. She is
seated on a white lotus. Brahmā, Acyuta (Viṣṇu), Śiva and
other gods always pay obeisance to her.
'kqDyka czãfopkjlkjijeke~ vk|ka txn~ O;kfiuhe~A
oh.kkiqLrd/kfj.kheHk;nka tkM~;kU/djkigke~AA
gLrs LiQkfVdekfydka fon/rha iÁklus lafLFkrke~A
oUns rka ijes'ojha Hkxorha cqf¼çnka 'kkjnke~AAüAA
Meaning : I salute Śāradā (Saraswatī), the Supreme
Goddess, and the bestower of knowledge. She is of white
complexion; She is the embodiment of the highest spiritual
learning and represents its essence. She is the foremost
among all forms of divine energy and is omnipresent. In her
hands, she carries vῑṇā (lute), pustaka (book) and rosary of
crystal beads (sphāṭika mālā); she is remover of the darkness
of ignorance and occupies the lotus-seat.

çkFkZuk
gs gal okfguh Kkunkf;uh] vEc foey efr nsA
tx fljekSj cuk;sa Hkkjr] og cy foØe nsA
vEc foey efr nsAA
lkgl 'khy ân; esa Hkj ns] thou R;kx rikse; dj ns]
la;e lR; Lusg dk oj ns] LokfHkeku Hkj nsAAûAA
yo] dq'k] èkzqo] çg~ykn cusa ge] ekuork dk =kkl gjsa ge]

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 5

 lhrk] lkfo=kh] nqxkZ ek¡] fiQj ?kj&?kj Hkj nsAAüAA
gs galokfguh] Kkunkf;uh] vEc foey efr nsAA
Prayer
O Mother! you ride Haṁsa (swan) and are the bestower of
wisdom. Give us unblemished intellect. Give us the valour and
power so that we may make Bhārata, the crest-jewel of the
world.
O Mother! fill our hearts with courage and character, make
our lives the symbols of renunciation and austerity. Give us
the boons of self-restraint, truthfulness, and love and fill us with
pride in ourselves.
May we become like Lava, Kuśa, Dhruva and Prahlāda.
May we liberate humankind from fear. O Mother! may our
families be full of Śitās, Sāvitrīs and Durgās once again.
O Mother! The rider of Haṁsa (Swan), bestower of
knowledge, give us unblemished intellect.

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 6

 1. Bhārata : Our motherland
Our Bhārata is the most ancient country of the world.
In the course of time, many nations and their respective
cultures emerged but they all perished. But it was due to
the endeavours of our saints and sages that they were
able to preserve our great culture. Our first man, Manu
and Śatraūpā gave life to this earth. We 'Man' the
progeny of this couple, are called human beings. This
primiveal land Bhārata the mother of all mankind. It
became very rich and prosperous in terms of great
knowledge of sciences, humanity and spiritual fields.
Nature has made this land unparalleled. The extent of
our great land went beyond Burma upto the Island
including what we call the far-east, Afghanistan on the
west and Tibet on the North. Bangladesh in the East and
Pakistan in the west were integral parts of our country.
The huge waves of the Indian Ocean used to cleanse the
Southern part of our holy land, which including the
present Śrī Lankā. Every citizen of Bhārata loves this
Motherland more than his own life. Every particle of it is
sacred. That is the reason why Bharatiya sings :
^^Ikou ije tgk¡ dh eatqy egkRE; èkkjkA
igys gh igys ftlus ns[kk çHkkr I;kjk**A
We do not know how many thousands of men and
women of this holy land have sacrificed their lives to
protect the honour and territorial integrity of our
motherland. Their number is vast. The following lines of a
poem will give us an idea of their great sacrifices.
thou iq"i p<+k pj.kksa esa] ek¡xsa ekr`Hkwfe ls ;g ojA
rsjk oSHko vej jgs ek¡] ge fnu pkj jgsa u jgsaAA

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 7

 Our motherland, Bhārata is a holy land. Almighty God
took a number of incarnations here in order to maintain
dharma. Every particle of this great land has been made
holy by the thousands of sages who nurtured our great
culture. Let us remember these great men and make our
lives worth living. Let us sing about these great men
whose names are mentioned in our Ekātmatā Stotra and
then begin our work for the day.
d- egsUæks ey;% láks nsorkRek fgeky;%A
è;s;ks jSordks foUè;ks fxfj'pkjkofyLrFkkAA
[k- xaxk ljLorh flU/qj~czãiq=k'p x.MdhA
dkosjh ;equk jsok Ñ".kk xksnk egkunhAA
x- cq¼k ftusUæks xksj{k% ikf.kfu'p ir×tfy%A
'kÄ~djks eèofuEckdkSZ Jh jkekuqtoYyHkkSAA
?k- pk.kD;pUæxqIrkS p foØe% 'kkfyokgu%A
leqæxqIr% Jh g"kZ% 'kSysUæks cIijkoy%AA
Ä- bnesdkRerk&Lrks=ka J¼;k ;% lnk iBsr~A
l jk"Vª&/eZ&fu"Bkoku~ v[k.Ma Hkkjra Lejsr~AA
Exercises :
1) Name the great rivers mentioned in the Ekātmatā
Stotra.
Ans : Gangā, Sarasvatī, Sindhu, Brahmaputra,
Gandakī, Kāverī, Yamunā, Revā (Narmadā) Kṛṣṇā,
Godavarī and Mahānadī.
2) Name the mountains given in the same stotra, which
we have to remember every day.
Ans : Mahendra, Malaya, Sahyādri, Himālaya,
Raivataka, Vindhyācala and Aravalī.
II. Answer the following questions :
1. a) Which is the most famous festival celebrated in
Kerala ? (Onam, in Śravaṇa)
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 8
 b) In which state is Konārka? (Odisha)
c) In which state is Badarināth, the holiest among the
Hindu places of pilgrimage? (Uttarākhand)
d) People of which state celebrate the festival of
Ganagaur? (Rajasthan)
e) What is the language of Karnātaka? (Kannaḍa)
f) In which state of India is Somanātha Temple?
(Gujarāta)
g) At which place and in which state is Shivaji's
Samādhi? (Rayagadh, Maharashtra)
h) Where is the famous Bodhi tree? (Bodhgayā, Bihar)
2. The following holy places were in our country in the
past. These are given here under?
a) Mānasarovara – In Tibet
b) Mt. Kailāsa – In Tibet
c) Nankāna – In Pakistan
d) Sadhubela – In Pakistan
e) Paśupatināth Temple – In Nepal
f) Mt. Sāgara māthā (Mt. Everest) – In Nepal
3.A. Complete the following sentences supplying the
missing words —
a) The Malaya ranges are in the state of .......................
(Tamil Nadu)
b) Aśvathāmā went to the holy place ................. to
redeem the sin of murdering the sons of Draupadi.
(Rāmesvaram dhāma)
c) The capital of the Ikṣvaku kings was ....................
(Ayodhyā)
d) The holy place near Ṛṣikeśa tīrtha is ..........................
(Haridvāra)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 9

e) The upper lip of Devī Bhagavatī was dropped in
...................... (Avantikā)
B. Answer the following questions briefly —
1. Where does the Narmadā take its origin and where
does it join the sea? (Amarakaṅtaka (Madhya
Pradesh)/ Bay of Cambay (Gujarat))
2. What is the length of river Kāverī? (about 800 Kms.)
3. How far is Mt. Kailāsa from Mānasarover lake?
(32 Kms, North West)
4. Where is the cave of Śabarī?
(Near Pampā lake in Karnataka)
5. How far does the Vindhyā ranges stretch?
(From Gujarat to Bihar and Orissa)
The boundaries of Bhārata have changed from time to
time in the past. Let us acquaint ourselves with the
present boundaries of Bhārata.
In the North, there are the Himālayas, Tibet, (China),
Nepal and Bhutan; in the South we have Srīlankā and the
vast Indian ocean. On the West we have Pakistan,
Sindhu Sagar Arabian Sea and in the East we have
Mayanmar (Burma), Gangāsāgara (Bay of Bengal).
Now put a (✓) mark on the right answer:
a. Where is Mohenjodaro?
(Pakistan , Bharata, Afghanistan)
b. Where did Queen Padmini perform Johar?

(Chittoregarh , Haldīghātī, Jodhpur)
c. In which temple is Pancamukhi Shiva installed?

(Paśupatinātha , Muktinātha)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 10

d. Where was Muni Suvratanātha, the 20th Tīrthankara
born? (Vaishalī, Rājagṛha , Pātaliputra)
e. Where did Bharata meet Śrī Rāma and got his

pādukās? (Ayodhyā, Prāyaga, Citrakūta )

OUR STATES
BIHAR
Our states have great significance in knowing about
the cultural background of our motherland. Let us study
some of these states.
Bihar is one of the states
of our country.
It has some important
contribution in the cultural
background of Bhārata.
During the early part of our
history, this part was called
Magadha. Magadha kingdom
occupies a place of
importance and commands great respect in our history.
Magadha was referred to with a sense of pride in books
of history. The place played a leading role during the
Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata periods and we have
very clear reference to this effect. Jānakī (Sītā) the
daughter of Janaka was born here. We know, she
married Śrī Rāma. Vyāghrasara (Buxar) was the place
where Sage Viśvāmitra had his āśrama and Srī Rāma
and Lakṣmaṇa had their education here. Śrī Rāma killed
many terrible demons at this place.
During the Mahābhārata, the wicked king Jarāsandha
ruled in this area and Sri Kṛṣṇa got him killed by
Bhīmasena.
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 11
 During the earlier period of history, Candragupta
Maurya established the Maurya empire with Pātaliputra
(present Patna) as the capital. Candragupta under the
directions of Cāṇakya defeated Selucas, the
representative of Alexander. Emperor Aśoka belonged to
the Maurya dynasty. The Gupta Empire was established
in this part of the country and that period is referred to as
the Golden Age of the history. During that period, there
was phenomenal progress in the areas of science,
literature and arts. Our greatest astronomer, belonged to
this state.
It was in this state that Buddhism was preached first
and a number of monastries were established in this
area. Buddhists used to call these mutts as Vihāras. As a
result, this area came to be called Bihar.
Important Places of Bihar :
1. Patna : In the historic times, the city was called
Pātaliputra. It was a glorious city during the Maurya
period. Very near Patna we find the historical remains
of Emperor Aśoka's period at Kumharāra. Today this
city is the Capital of Bihar.
2. Patna Saheb : This is the birth place of the tenth Guru
of Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh. There is one of the five
holy seats (Takhta).
3. Nālanda : This was a world famous Nālanda university
centre. The ruins of this are seen even today. The
Chinese traveller Huen Tsang stayed here as a
student for over six years, during reign of Śrī Harṣa
Vardhana.
4. Buxar : (Vyāghrasara) Sage Viśvāmitra's
Siddhāśrama was identified with this place. The

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 12

 Tāṛaka vana was also located here. Śrī Rāma started
his campaign against the demons from this place.
5. Gayā : From time immemorial, this has been one of
the most sacred places of the Hindus. It is here that
millions of people offer pindas to pitras on the banks
of the river Phalgū.
Rājagṛha, Besides these Vikramaśilā, Sonepur,
Sultanganj, Mungera, Vaiśāli, Sītamarhī, Pavapurī and
Bodh Gayā are also famous places of Bihar.
Great personalities —
1. Vir Kunvar Singh : During the first war of
Independence eighty year old Vir Kunvara Singh had
defeated the Britishers. He was born in Jagadishpur of
Bhojpur district. He became a martyr on 26th April
1858.
2. Dr. Rajendra Prasad : Bhārata Ratna Dr. Rajendra
Prasad, the first President of the Republic of Bhārata,
became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi during
Champaran Movement. He was the Chairman of the
constituent Assembly.
3. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan (1902-1979) :
Jayaprakash Narayan gave a new direction to our
country's political thinking and naturally he was
conferred the title of 'Lokanāyaka' (leader of the
people). He became famous as leader of the
Sarvodaya Movement.

JHARAKHAND
This new State came into existence on 15th
November, 2000. This state includes 18 districts of South
Bihar. It is rich in minerals and mines. The people of this
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 13
state have played a very
important role during the
freedom struggle. Even today
we can find the glimpses of
ancient Indian culture in this
state.
Important Places of
Jharakhand
1. Ranchi : It is the capital city of Jharakhand. High court
of the state is also here. Freedom fighter Birsā Mundā
became a martyr in jail here.
2. Jamshedpur : A famous industrial city. Tata Steel
company is here.
In addition to this, Bokaro, Chaibasa, Devaghar,
Hazaribagh, Dumaka, Gumala, etc. are other important
cities of Jharkhand.

Great Personalities :
1. Birsā Mundā : During the last quarter of nineteenth
century this leader of the tribals Birsa Munda, fought
valiantly against the British rule. His sacrifices and
martyrdom had strengthened the people's movement
against the British. He passed away on 22nd June,
1900 in Ranchi jail and became a martyr.
2. Tilakā Mānjhī : He was the leader of Santhāla
Community. He sacrificed his life at the alter of
freedom while fighting against the Britishers.
UTTAR PRADESH
Uttar Pradesh is considered the heart of our country.
The land has been made sacred by such rivers as the
Gangā, the Jamunā, the Sarayū and the most fertile

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 14

Gangetic plain, and in the
South there exists
Vindhyācala. Everything is
unique here. It is in this state,
we have Ayodhyā in which Śrī
Rāma was born and Mathurā
where Sri Kṛṣṇa took birth and
showed his great feats as a
little boy; killed hundreds of
demons. It was in Sāranātha, in this state where Lord
Buddha delivered his First Sermon. Ancient city of Kāśi
has become world famous as abode of holiest god
Viśvanātha. Everybody recognizes this city as the
glorious temple of culture. It is the land which is reverred
as the pride of Ᾱrya varta culture, where vedic hymns
were chanted by great saints and devotees. It was the
place which gave birth to great souls such as Kabīra,
Ravidāsa and other great saint poets like Tulasi Dās and
Sūrdāsa. They propagated the stories of Rāma & Kṛṣṇa
and removed moral depression from society.
It is the state in which great social reformers,
statesmen and men of letters were born and they made
life richer. Its capital Lucknow is a huge city which was
founded by Lakṣmaṇa. Its original name was
Lakṣmaṇapurī, and in course of time people began to
refer to it as Lakhanau. It was the centre of the kingdom
of Oudh and later it became the capital of the muslim
kings. In later years, the Britishers also made it the capital
of United State of Agra and Oudh and since then it
became the exclusive capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Most part of U.P. is the fertile plains of the Gangā and
the Yamunā. Farming is the main occupation of the
people. Wheat, Rice, maize, barley, horsegram

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 15

sugarcane, potato and oil seeds form the major crops of
the state.
From the industrial point of view cotton textiles, sugar,
edible oil, paper, electricity, railways, chemicals,
aluminium and cement are the major industries of the
state. Handloom and silk industries are also prospering.
Petrol is supplied from the Bombay High and due to
availability of a pipe line from there, a huge refinery has
been set up at Mathurā and this has resulted in the
setting up of a number of medium scale industries in the
area. Still there is sufficient scope for further
development. In Bulandsahar district at Narora, there are
2 units of 200 megawatt named Narora Atomic Power
(NAPS) Centre. Through these units the continued supply
of electricity is being provided to the northern grid. Out of
9 atomic power centres of country this is one of them.
Let us learn about the importance of these places with
the help of the following questions.
1) The Yamunā takes its birth in mountain ranges called
............... On its course .......................... is considered
the place of her descent in plains.
(Kalinda,Yamanotri [Uttarakhand])
2) On the banks of theYamunā, we have the following
three famous cities ................., ............................,
......................... (Brindāvana, Mathurā, Ᾱgrā)
3) Some of the important cities on the bank of Gangā are
........................., ........................, ........................
(Kanpur, Kāśī, Prayāga)
4) City of the feats of early life of Kṛṣṇa is
............................ (Brindāvana)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 16

5) On the confluence of the Gangā, Yamunā and
Sarasvatī called ......................... the famous Tīrtharāja
..................... is located. (Trivenī, Prayāga.)
6) World's oldest centre of learning and knowledge was
....................... . (Kāśī)
II. Answer the following questions :
1) Name three very important holy places of Buddhists in
U.P.. (Śravastī, Kusīnagar,Sāranātha)
2) Which is the city named after the great saint
Gorakhanātha? (Gorakhpur)
3) Which was the capital of the Kauravas? (Hastināpur)
4) Which is the holy place in which Lord Brahmā
performed the first Yajña and also the place where
Peśwā Nānā Saheb lived?
(Brahmāvarta Bithūr (Distt. Kanpur))
5) Where is the tomb of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salem Chisti?
(Fatepur Sikri)
6) Which was the capital of King Harśavardhana and
today is a famous place for perfumes?
(Kānyakubja, now called Kanauj)
III. Name the following :
1) Who was Surdasji's Guru? (Sri Vallabhācārya ji)
2) The place where Śrī Haridāsa Svamī, the preceptor of
Tansen lived? (Brindavan)
3) Name of the preceptor of Kabīra? (Svamī Rāmānandaji)
4) The place where Pandit Madanmohan Malaviya
founded a Hindu university? (Kāśī [Benaras])
5) Why is Kāśī called Varanasi?
(It is on the banks of rivers Varunā and Asi)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 17

 Uttarākhanḍa
Uttrakhand state came into
existence as the 27th state of
India under the name Uttranchal
on 9 November 2000. This state
is also known as the land of
gods (Devabhumi). Uttranchal
was given new name of
Uttrakhand with effect from 1
January 2007.
The first agricultural university of the country is
located at Pantnagar here. Place like Badarinath,
Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamanotri, Hemkunt Sahab,
Haridvar, Rishikesh etc and eminent holy places
Panchbadari, Panchkedar and Panch Prayaga are also
located in this state.
Tourist place like Flower Valley, Mussorie, Nainital
etc. and sanctuaries like Rajaji and Corbett National park
are also located in this state.
This state has the pride of giving birth to Pandit
Govind Vallabh Pant, and the National poet Sumitra
Nandan Pant. In the Tehri district of Uttarakhand on the
confluence of river Bhagirathi and Bhilangna is located
the greatest dam of the country, the height of which is
260.5 meter. This is made of earth and stones 'rockfill'.
The diameter of its grand lake is 45 square km. and it has
the capacity of producing 2000 megawatt electricity.
Uttrakhand state has two divisions, 13 districts, 78
Tehsils and 95 Development Blocks. Its capital is
Dehradun and has 16826 number of villages. Area is
53,483 square km. and population is 1,01,16,752. The
national animal of this state is musk deer, national bird is

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 18

Monaal, national tree is Bu
uransha an
nd national flower is
Divine
e-lotus (Bra
ahmakamal)
Patrio
otic Song
lcls Å¡ Åph fot; irkdk]
i fy;s fg
fgeky; [kM+k jgsxkA
ekuorkrk dk ekufcUnqnq ;g Hkkjr lc lcls cM+k jgsxkAA
x
foU
oUè;k ds pV~Vkuh k iFk ij] jsjok o dh ;g xffr rwiQkuhA
'krr&'kr o"kks± rdd xk;sxh thoou dh la?k"kZ dgkuh
bl
lds pj.kksa es ur u gksdj] fgUUnw egksnf/ iMM+k jgsxkAA Hkkjjr---------AA
xaxk ;eequk ?kj ls fuudyha] tgk¡ ,d gksdj cgusus dks
tgk¡ iÑfr
izÑ ds ikl jgk gS lnk iq#"k ls dqN dgus d dks
ml Hkkkjr esa ijkØeks eksa dk] I;kjk >a k Hkkjr-------AA
>Mk xM+k jgsxkAA
ft
tldh feêðh eaesa ikjl gS] Loo.kZ /wfy ml cacx Hkwfe dhA
iap unksa ds iQOoOokjksa ls] flaph cgkjsa iq.; Hkw
H fe dhA
'khh"kZ fcUnq Jhuxxj flU/q rd] lsrqcU/ Hkh vM+ v k jgsxkAA Hkkjr-------AA
ftl /jrh
/ ij pank lwjt] lk¡> l ldkjs ueu p<<+krs]
"kM~½rq ds ljxe ij iaNh] nhid d vkSj eYgkj lqukrsA
ogh ns'k' ef.k ek¡ olqol/k ds] ân;; gkj esa tM+k jgsxkAA Hkkjr----AA

2. Progen
ny of Bhā
ārata—H
Hindu So
ociety

In Bhārata th
here were many devo otees who had the
n of God and
vision a had atttained Mokkṣa, and also there
were many pers sons who did their dutyy selflessly towards
the society
s and
d guided it.. There weere many T Tapasvīs
(Austtere person
ns) also. In Bhārata th
here are ma any such
Saṁskkṛti Jñāna Parrīkṣā class 8 19
places where devotees, service minded and Tapasvīs
lived and made those places sacred. Let us be proud to
know about such personalities.
Identify the Saint devotees who had witnessed the
presence of God.
1. Who is the born-blind devotee who had the darśana of
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa by virtue his songs? (Sūradās)
2. Who is the great Saint Poet who attracted people
towards the philosophy of Nirguṇa Brahman? (Kabīra)
3. ............................ who considered karma as the
foremost and made Gangā to descend in his wooden
bowl. (Saint Ravidās)
4. ...................... the great devotee of Śrī Kṛṣṇa,
consumed poison considering it as the charṇāmrita of
the Lord. (Sant Mīrā)
5. Was mānasaputra of Lord Brahmā and also a great
devotee of Lord Viṣṇu? (Sage Nārada)
Karmavīra
1. Name the great and immortal holy man who saw his
son being sacrificed before his eyes for the reason
that he failed to embrace Islam? (Banda Bairāgī)
2. Name the great hero who sacrificed his life in order to
save the life of Rana Pratap Singh?
(Jhala Man Singh)
3. Who made his own sister consume poison (diamond)
for the sake of his nation? (Khando Ballal)
4. Great nationalist who sacrificed his life in Kashmir for
the sake of the unity and integrity of our country?
(Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 20

5. The lady who had made Bhārata her own land under
the influence by Swami Vivekananda?
(Bhaginī Niveditā)
6. Woman who sacrificed her own son for saving Udaya
Singh? (Panna Dhai)
7. The chieftains who sacrificed their lives in order to
save Chittor fort? (Jaymal, Phatta)
8. The great queen who held the reins of her horse
between her teeth and fought ferociously holding
swords in both her hands? (Durgavati)
9. Which place did the brave queen Durgavati who
dauntlessly fought the Mughals belong to?
(Garhamandala)
10. The empress of Indore who was responsible for
repairing and renovating a number of ancient
temples? (Ahalyābāi Holkar)
11. The great king who established the first Hindu
Empire? (Shivaji)
12. Who was the great Persian and Arabic poet during
Allauddin Khilji's rule who considered Bhārata as
paradise? (Amir Khusroo)
13. Who founded sikh sect? (Guru Nanak Dev)
14. Great saint who established holy shrines in four
corners of the country to bring about the oneness and
integrity of the land? (Ᾱdya Śankarācārya)
15. Who were two great persons expert in killing target
on sound? (Emperor Daśaratha and Prithviraj
Chauhan)
16. Who wrote 'Prithvirāja Rāso'? (Chandavaradai)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 21

17. Father of acharya Drona was …….....
(Acharya Bharadwaj)
18. The great hero who knew how to break the circular
fortification (cakravyūha formation) while still in the
womb of his mother? (Abhimanyu)
19. In the search of truth Siddārtha gave up royal
pleasures and traversed forests and got enlighted
below ………….. and called………………
(Peepal, Gautama Buddha)
20. Famous surgeon who lived in the fourteenth century?
(Suśruta)

Our Great Tapasvīs (Austere Persons)

1. Just by a touch of Śrī Ramakṛṣṇa Paramahansa a
young man could see the vision of God. Who was he?
(Narendra (Vivekanand))
2. Saint who saw Rāma before him while preparing
Sandal Paste? (Saint Tulsīdāsa)
3. Due to his undettered austerity, Who compelled the
god of death (Yamarāja) to reveal the secrets of
death? (Naciketā)
4. For the sake of preserving the freedom of our land a
great person wandering in the forest made his
children eat roti prepared from grass. Who is he?
(Maharana Pratap)
5. Great man who offered his life's earnings to Rana
Pratap for the sake of the country's freedom?
(Bhama Shah)
6. From whom the chest-cover and ear-rings were
begged by Indra in disguise of a Brahmin. (Karna)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 22

7. Who attacked Kubera to help Kautsa to give the
Gurudakṣinā to his guru? (Emperor Raghu)
8. The woman whom the Trinity Brahmā, Viśṇu and
Maheśa came to test her fidelity? (Anusūyā)
9. Great fidle woman who was scholar of vedas?
(Arundhatī)
10. Great fidle lady of Tamil Nadu whose curse caused
the destruction of Maduraī? (Kaṇṇagī)
11. Who stopped the rising of sun by her hard penance?
(Shāndilī)
12. Name the wife of Lord Śaṅkara and the daughter of
Dakṣa Prajāpati? (Satī)
Who lit the Lamp of Sacrifice
"Dear citizens, now there is only one way left to get rid
of the drought and that is human sacrifice. Is there
anyone so brave as ready to sacrifice willingly to save the
country?"
The King declared in the open court. At once there
was complete silence in the court. Meanwhile breaking
the silence there came a sweet voice, "For the sake of
the country, I willingly offer myself for sacrifice. O King! is
there any so great a thing than to sacrifice one's, life for
the country? Am I not fortunate?"
A meeting of the learned people of the country was
convened. Most of them opined that the drought was due
to God's curse and only remedy was human sacrifice.
Gods would be pleased only if the sacrifice is offered
willingly and this was very much true. Then the King
convened the public meeting and made the above quoted
declaration. When a boy of twelve whole heartedly
offered himself for the sacrifice, thousands of people
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 23
appreciated him with great respect, love and affection.
But one of the learned men raised an objection saying
that the boy was of very young age and hence he was not
fit for sacrifice. The young boy, Śatamanyu roared, 'there
is no question of age here. In Naramedha yajña it is the
practice to offer human sacrifice, young or old, no bar'.
Every one was dumbfounded. The Minister said, 'Can
there be anything greater than that'. His father's eyes
shone with pride. He said, 'Oh King! I am so proud to
offer my only son for the sacrifice'.
After a while a smartly dressed and well decorated
Śatamanyu was brought to the sacrificial altar. Tears of
pride rolled down the cheeks of all the gathering.
Everyone was pushing the other to have a look at the
boy.
Suddenly at that time God Indra appeared and
touching the head of Śatamanyu said, 'Dear Child! I am
very much pleased by your devotion and love for your
country. No country will ever be destroyed where boys
are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their
country'.
Soon after by the blessings of God Indra there was
heavy rains and greenry came up everywhere.
Our Nation Builders
1. Sri Madhava Rao Sadashiva Rao Golvalkar – Sri
Madhava Rao Sadashiva Golvalkar, who gave a real
shape to the concept of Hindu unity given by, Dr.
Keshav Rao Balirarm Hedgewar, the founder of
Rashtriya Svayam- Sevak Sangha, was born on 19th
February 1906 in Nagpur. He was the second Sangha
cālaka of R.S.S. His father was Sri Sadashiva
Balakrishna Golvalkar and mother was Lakshmi Bai.

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 24

 During the partition, 50 Lakhs refugees came to
Bhārata and sacrificing all their comforts thousands of
Sangh Svayam Sevaks under the direction of Guruji,
brought them safe to this country. Under the guidance
of Guruji. The sphere of RSS was widely enlarged and
a number of organizations came into existence, the
most famous among them are, Vidyā Bhāratī,
Bhāratīya Mazdoor Sangh, Vivekanand Rock
Memorial Centre, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyārthī Pariṣad,
Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Seva Bharati, Bhāratīya Jana
Sangh, Vanavasi Kalyana Ashrama etc.. These
organizations are playing laudable role.
Working incessantly for welfare of humanity and the
country as a whole through strong Hindu organisation,
Guruji, the great son of Bhārata mātā, passed away
on 5th June 1973.
2. Birsa Munda –
Q1. When was Birsa Munda born.
A. 15 November 1875 A.D.
Q2. What was the name of the mother and father of
Birsa Munda?
A. Mother's name was Karmi Munda and father's
name was Sugna Munda
Q3. What was the name of the elder sister of Birsa
Munda?
A. Das Kaur
Q4. Upto which stage Birsa Munda was educated?
A. Got Primary education at Budju; secondary
Education at German Christian School Chaibasa.

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 25

 Q5. What impact Indian Philosophy had on the life of
Birsa Munda?
A. After making a study of Ramanya, Mahabharat,
Gita, Hitopadesh and other religious books, he
performed great preservance for four years in
search of Truth.
Q6. In what way the life of Birsa Munda was
transformed?
A. He wore yellow dhoti like Hindu saints, wooden
Sandel, coloured mark (Tilak) on forehead, wore
the sacred thread and his fame spread to far and
near places.
Q7. When Birsa Munda left for heavenly abode?
A. 9 June 1900 A.D.

3. The Hindu View of Life

It is the rule of life that to gain something one has to
lose something. One has to sacrifice his pleasures of life
if he wants to gain wisdom and knowledge. To have the
Darśana of Lord, Dhruva and Prahlāda performed hard
penance and underwent many sufferings. A man attains
height only by his sacrifice, penance and tolerance. The
persons whom we consider great and god-incarnate have
undergone great sufferings and chose the path of
penance and sacrifice. Then only they became great.

Yajña Culture
Hindu culture is called 'Yajña culture'. Right from birth
to death yajña is performed on all ceremonies and rites.
Even today Havana is performed to begin any goodwork.
Yajña means giving importance to sacrifice in life. The
sacrifice is for the welfare of the society, country and to
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 26
help others. There is no room for selfishness in this act of
sacrifice. At the time of offering Ᾱhuti (oblation) the
performer of yajña utters "This is not for me" 'Idam na
mama; after every offering into fire (Svāhā)". He repeats
these words at every offering. These words mean 'this
offer is not for my sake'. He also utters,^^bUæk; Lokgk] jk"Vªk;
Lokgk** meaning thereby 'for the well being of all gods
including Indra etc. and for the country' all my works be
devoted'. This is 'yajña culture'. By the yajña culture man
develops generosity. His selfishness reduces. In ancient
times and even today many generous persons build
dharmaśālās, temples, schools, drinking water points and
serving free food. In Hindu view one is not considered
great if he has amassed unlimited wealth and riches but
one who sacrificed everything and taken up saṅnyāsa is
considered great. That is why even the kings keep their
crowns in saṅnyāsī's feet. To sacrifice everything for
society is 'yajña'. Emperor Harśavardhana used to
distribute his entire wealth among his subjects every fifth
year on the banks of Sangam (conjunction of rivers).
To convey the importance of yajña or sacrifice Lord
Kṛṣṇa has said in Gītā.
vUUkkn~HkofUr Hkwrkfu itZU;knUu lEHko%A
;Kkn~Hkofr itZU;ks ;K% deZleqn~Hko%AA
Living beings survive on food and food is grown from
rain. Rain falls by performing yajña and yajña is
performed through good deeds. The meaning of yajña is
'leading life with the spirit of sacrifice'. All wealth and
riches should be sacrificed for the well-being of society,
country and humanity. This is yajña spirit. Lokamanya
Tilak, Subhas Chandra Bose, Vir Savarakar, Mahatma
Gandhi, Dr. Hedgewar, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Shri
Guruji all these lived their life with spirit of Yajña. So to

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 27

control one's mind and senses is yajña. To work for
welfare of the beings is yajña spirit.
Exercises: Fill in the blanks –
1. Hindu culture is said to be ...........................
(Yajñamayī)
2. The meaning of yajna is ............................. to sacrifice
in ....................... (giving importance, life)
3. In sacrificial deeds there is no place for .............
(selfishness)
4. Let my ........................... be for Indra and other gods
and welfare of my ...................... (good deeds, nation)
5. The meaning of yajñabhāva is living a life of ...........
(sacrifice)
Answer the following questions –
1. Which feeling makes a man great?
(Sacrifice, penance and tolerance)
2. What process is followed in performing every
ceremony from birth to death? (Yajña)
3. What does yajña performer say after each offering?
(Idaṁ na maṁ)
4. What is the meaning of 'Idam na maṁ'?
(It is not for me)
5. According to Hindu view who is considered to be
great? (One who sacrifices everything and takes up
saṅnyāsa)
6. Which action proves the yajña spirit of
Harśavardhana? (Distributing his entire wealth for the
welfare of his subjects)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 28

 Feeling of Oneness
The same God is living in me and in other beings. The
Lord Himself has said, 'It is only I who have occupied the
whole world in invisible form'. According to Gītā one is
called man of knowledge and wise if he recognises one
and the same 'highest entity ātman' in Brahmins,
elephants, dogs and the depraved. Therefore, there is no
difference between being and being. All lives are equal.
Because of his and my souls being one and the same, we
must have the feeling of oneness. This has been adopted
by the Hindus. It is for this reason only that every Hindu
has in mind kindness and feeling of oneness towards
poor, miserables, birds and animals etc. Feeding ants
with flour, giving food to fish, fodder to animals, corns to
birds, establish cowhouses arranging food and water to
the hungry. While taking food, giving some bread to dog,
before starting to eat taking out some food for cow, give
water to tulasī and peepal trees and worshiping them,
and having holy feeling towards rivers and mountains.
We must salute them and keep them sacred. This is
symbol of oneness of Hindus. ^vkReor~ loZHkwrs"kq* means
feeling of oneness with all beings is the special quality of
Hindus. Such kind of feeling is not found in any other
culture in the world.
Exercises : Answer the following —
1. Of who are we all the parts? (of God)
2. What is basis for mutual feeling of oneness?
(only one Ᾱtma is living in all of us)
3. According to Gītā who is considered a man of
knowledge and wise?
(One who sees only one Ᾱtma in Brahmin, elephant,
dog and depraved)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 29

4. In worshipping trees, rivers and mountains what
feeling do Hindus develop? (feeling of oneness)
5. What is the meaning of ^^vkReor~ loZHkwrs"kq**?
(To see one's own soul in all living beings)
Let us move from 'I' to 'We'
Rājū (Rajīva) and Savī (Savitā) both are studying in
primary class. During recess Rajū sits and eats food
alone. He does not want that anybody see his food or
anybody taking bread from him and giving it to others
who have not brought food. But Savī never eats her food
alone; she exchanges food with other classmates who
soever are sitting there. When asked Savī says, 'There is
much pleasure in eating together'. Even in his class Rajū
does not show his book to anyone nor does he allow
anybody read his book. All teachers praise Savī and think
about her highly But Rajū always thinks only of himself.
We are not born only for ourselves but we think of
each other and prove useful to each other. If we grow
from 'I' to 'We', there will be pleasure in life and we enjoy
more and more happiness. The feeling of 'I' and 'mine' is
very narrow and selfish and feeling of 'we' is noble and
superb.
Ekātmatā Stotrum (Verses 8 to 14)
1- prqosZnk% iqjk.kkfu loksZifu"knLrFkkA
jkek;.ka Hkkjra p xhrk ln~n'kZukfu pAA
Meaning : The four vedas, eighteen puranas, all
upaniṣads, Rāmāyaṇa, the Mahābhārata, Gītā and six
systems of philosophy which show us the right-path are fit
to study and understand.
2- tSukxekfL=kfiVdk% xq#xzUFk% lrka fxj%A
,"k% Kkufufèk% Js"B% J¼s;ks âfn loZnkAA
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 30
 Meaning : The holy books Ᾱgamas of the Jain sect,
Tripitaka the holy books of Buddhists (Vinay, Sutta,
Abhidhamma) Gurugranthasāhib of the sikhs and
preaching of saints are the store of knowledge. We must
rever them.
3- v#UèkR;uqlw;k p lkfo=kh tkudh lrhA
æksinh d..kxh xkxhZ ehjk nqxkZorh rFkkAA
Meaning : Mahaṛṣi Vaśiṣtha's wife Arundhatī. Atri's
wife Anusūyā, Sāvitrī, Sītā, Draupadī, Kaṇṇagī, Gārgī,
Mirā and Durgavatī.
4- y{ehjgY;k pUuEek #æekEck lqfoØekA
fuosfnrk lkjnk p ç.kE;k ekr`nsork%AA
Meaning : Mahārāni Lakṣmībaī, Ahalyābaī, brave
queen of Karnātaka Ranī Cannammā, Rudramāmbā,
Sister Niveditā and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's wife
Śāradā Mātā all are worth remembering.
5- Jh jkeks Hkjr%Ñ".kks Hkh"eks èkeZLrFkktqZu%A
ekdZ.Ms;ks gfj'pUæ% çg~yknks ukjnks èkzqo%AA
Meaning : Lord Śrī Rāma, Bharata, Yogirāja Kṛṣṇa,
grand sire Śrī Bhīṣma, Yudhiṣthira, Arjuna, Mārkanḍey
Ṛṣsī, Hariścaṅdra, Bhakta Prahlāda, great sage Nārada
and Dhruva.
6- guqek×tudks O;klks ofl"B'p 'kqdkscfy%A
nèkhfp fo'odekZ.kkS i`FkqokYehfd HkkxZo%AA
Meaning : Strong man Hanumāna, Janaka, the king of
Videha, Vedavyāsa, sage Vaśiṣṭha, Śukadeva, Bali,
Dadhīci Viśvakarmā, sage king Pṛithu, Valmiki and
Bhārgava (Paraśurāma)
7- HkXkhjFk'pSdyO;ks euqèkZuoUrfjLrFkkA
f'kfo'p jfUrnso'p iqjk.kksn~xhrdhrZ;%AA

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 31

 Meaning : King Bhagīratha, Ekalavya, King Manu,
Dhanvantari, King Śivi and Rantideva, the glory of all
these has been sung in Purāṇas.
Brave Boys
Our motherland Bhārata has given birth to many
brave personalities. Many brave boys have sacrificed
their lives for saving their Dharma. Many brave boys have
destroyed the enemies of Dharma even when they were
much young.
Names of some brave boys are given below. Put ( ) a
mark on the right answer.
1. Who refused to change his Dharma at the cost of
happiness, riches and his life. He refused to accept
Islam and accepted death instead with smile.
✓
(Hakikat Rai , Prithvi Singh)
2. Both the brothers were buried alive in the walls but
they did not agree to embrace Islam.
✓ ✓
(Fateh Singh , Ajit Singh, Zoravar Singh , Jujhar
Singh)
3. Remaining two sons of Guru Govind Singh sacrificed
their lives on the battlefield fighting against the
enemies.
✓ ✓
(Fateh Singh, Ajit Singh , Zoravar Singh, Jujhar
Singh)
4. In his childhood he used to count the teeth of lion
✓
cubs. (Bharata , Kṛṣṇa, Shivaji)
5. He pulled debaucherous Kaṁsa down from the throne
by his hair and throwing him on the ground killed him.
✓
(Bharata, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa , Balarama)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 32

6. Uncontrolled elephant Kuvalayāpīda was defeated by
his strong arms within no time.
✓
(Bharata, Rāma, Kṛṣna , Śatrughna)
7. Though the cakravyūha was well protected by seven
strong men the fearless and courageous boy pierced
✓
it and entered into it. (Abhimanyu , Ekalavya)
8. The person who fearlessly fetched lioness' milk to
cure severe disease of his perceptor.
✓
(Bharata, Shivaji )
9. The boy who attained the position of polar star by his
unmoved devotion to have the revelation of Īśvara.
✓
(Prahlāda, Dhruva , Hari)
10. Even under the fear of death the boy did not accept
the false words of his father, "I am God".
✓
(Bharata, Prahlāda , Gautama)
11. The boys who defeated their father in the battle by
with holding the horse of Rajasūya yajña.
✓
(Prahlāda, Lava Kuśa , Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma)
12. The devoted disciple, who even after being refused to
be taught gave his thumb to his Guru as his offering
✓
to teacher. (Ekalavya , Ᾱruni)
13. The boy who dug an underground (tunnel) from his
house to pull down the British flag 'Union Jack'.
✓
(Keshava , Madhava)
14. The boy being bitten by scorpion in his leg continued
his study by keeping his leg in water and when asked
he said, "The scorpion has bitten in the leg, not in the
✓
brain". (Keshava, Madhava , Hari)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 33

 Brave Girls
Alongwith many brave boys, many brave girls have
also played in the laps of Bhārata Mātā and have brought
glory to Bhārata by their bravery, sacrifice and
selflessness.
Some names of brave girls are given below. Put a (✓)
mark on the name to the qualifying statement they are
related to.
1. In her very childhood she used to play with bow and
arrow, sword and spear and jumped to ride a horse.
✓
(Durgā, Manu , Kannagī)
2. Even in her early days of youth she learnt to swing the
✓
swords with both her hands. (Manu, Durgavatī , Sāvitrī)
3. Devagiri King Rāmadev's daughter killed her traitor
husband Krishnarao by piercing her sword into his
chest when he was engaged in opening the main
gates of the fort and afterwards with the same sword
she killed herself. The name of this brave lady was
✓
(Krishna, Viramatī , Sārandhā)
4. Gujarata King Khemraj's daughter was the
embodiment of bravery, courage and beauty. Subedar
Rahmat khan along with his soldiers was camping at
capital Ranipur. He sent for her brother Mularaj,
bribed him and told him to send his sister's palanquin
to him. As soon as she came to know the news she
cut off her brother's head with the sword and with the
same sword she killed herself. That brave woman was
✓
(Veeramatī, Sardarbai , Kṛṣṇa)
5. Mohmmed Bin Kasim defeated the king of Deval and
took his two daughters and sent them to the Khalifa to
Gazni to become mistresses. But both the sisters
were wise enough to get Mohmmed Bin Kasim killed
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 34
 by the Khalifa but also they attacked the Khalifa. The
khalifa escaped the attack. Both the sisters for the
sake of their religion and to protect their chastity
pierced their poison soaked swords into their chests
and collapsed.
✓
(Krishna-Jodha, Sūryā-Paramāla , Padma-Kamala)
6. In a certain part of Aurangabad a girl was born in
1723. Though she was short in height and her
complexion was blackish yet she was known for her
swordplay, bravery and fearlessness. Afterwards the
very same girl ruled the kingdom strictly and justly.
✓
(Durgavati, Channamma, Ahalyābāī )
7. The brave girl of Mewar state who consumed diamond
of her ring and died to protect her father's honour as
Rajput and his kingdom before the Mughal army
commander attacked the kingdom and the Mughal
commander who came to abduct her had to return in
✓
despair. The girl was (Veeramati, Krishnā , Radha)
Scientific basis of Hindu beliefs
Q. What is the scientific significance of Tilaka worn by
Hindus?
Ans. The central point of knowledge and reasoning power
lie between the eye brows and forehead. Whenever
we are bogged down by too much mental work, we
feel some pain and tension in the area. It is for this
reason that our ancestors used to protect this eye of
wisdom with a Tilaka. Normally people use
sandalwood paste, or vermillion. The curative power
of sandalwood paste is known in Ᾱyurveda.
A Tilaka on the central point of forehead keeps our
mental faculties active and regulated as a result of it,

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 35

 even head aches and tension are reduced and the
mental capacity increases.
Tilaka is the symbol of respect. We welcome guests
by smearing Tilak on their foreheads.
According to our tradition, no auspicious occasion is
complete without applying the Tilaka. Whether we
are going on a journey or to a battlefield, or sending
our dear ones somewhere, we put Tilaka on their
forehead and it carries all blessings and
goodwishes. It is a holy sign. When we put on the
Tilaka we feel mental peace, satisfaction and
happiness. We feel we are going to succeed in all
that we do.

4. The Sacred Tradition of Sacraments

Our Cultural Festivals/Parva
(Ceremonial occasions)
A. In India great significance is attached to festivals,
and ceremonial occasions. Even we go so far to
believe that every day is a festivity. In order to
maintain enthusiasm and zest in life constantly. The
tradition to celebrate the festivals and other
ceremonial occasions.
B. To which of the Festivals the following are related?
Ans. a. Everyone plays with coloured water (Holī).
b. Prepare dishes with gingelly and jagger (Makara
Sankrānti).
c. Beginning of New year (Varṣa Pratipadā)
d. Worship weapons (Vijayā Daśamī)
e. Sarasvatī Pūjā (Vasanta Paṅcamī)
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 36
 f. Tying sacred thread by sisters to brothers (Rakṣā
bandhana)
Holy Places
Twelve Jotirlingas
Q1. Our ancestors always tried to bring about the unity
of the country from Kanyākumarī upto the
Himālayas. They established Śiva temples and
installed Śivalingas. They are twelve in number.
Which are these Jyotirlingas and Where are they?
Ans. 1. Somanātha (Prabhāsa Kṣetra – Junagarh–
Gujarata)
2. Mallikārjuna (Śrīśaila – Andhra Pradesh)
3. Mahākāla (Ujjain – Madhya Pradesh)
4. Oṁkāreśvara or Amaleśvara (On the Bank of
Narmadā– M.P.)
5. Vaidyanātha (Devghar – Jharkhand / Parali –
Maharashtra)
6. Bhimaśankara (Near Pune – Maharashtra)
7. Rameśvaram (Near Kanyākumārī – Tamil
Nadu)
8. Nageśvara or Nāganatha (Darukāvana –
Gujarata)
9. Viśvanātha (Vāranasī – Uttara Pradesh)
10. Triaṁbakeśvara (Near Nasik on the banks of
Godāvarī Maharashtra)
11. Kedāranātha (Himālayas – Uttarakhand)
12. Ghuśmeśvara (Ghriśṇeśvara) (Near Ellora –
Maharashtra)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 37

 These twelve Jyotirlingas have geographical, religious
and national importance.
Mathurā
Mathurā, the birth place of Lord Kṛṣṇa is situated on
the banks of Sūryaputrī river Yamunā. This is the land of
Lord Kṛṣṇa's playful fetes. Very near the city there is
another place Vrindāvana where there are many temples.
Thousands of people come daily here for the Darśana
and to get knowledge.
Ayodhyā
This is the birth place of Lord Rāma. It is situated on
the banks of holy river Sarayū in Central-East Uttar
Pradesh. The kings of Solar dynasty had made this city
their capital. There are a number of temples in this holy
city and every year lakhs of men and women come here
from different parts of Bhārata on pilgrimage and to see
these temples.
Cave Temples
Ellora Temple : The temple 'Kailāsa situated inside the
ellora caves' is very large and very beautiful. All parts of
this temple are artistic and free from any kind of stains.
The temple is 100' high, 142' long (approx) and 62' wide.
There are three Mandapams adjacent to the temple.
There are 42 mythological pictures carved in them. In one
of the pictures Rāvaṇa is lifting the Mount Kailāsa, feared
Pārvatī is taking shelter under the vast arms of Lord Śiva
and her friends are running away but Lord Śiva is
standing firm, pushing the Mount Kailāsa under his feet
making Rāvaṇa's hard efforts a waste. In one of the
outerparts of the temple there is a beautiful carving of
Tripura burning. The lamp bearing pillar of the temple is
also very attractive. The Kailāsa temple was built by King
Krishna of Rashtrakūta dynasty during 760-885 AD.
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 38
 The Holy Books
Acquainting with our Holy Books
In order to take life on the path of righteousness, the
listening and studying of the scriptures is necessary. Our
body is impermanent but the soul within is immortal. It is
a spark and of the nature of Almighty, God. Every living
being has a soul. Therefore the society is the replica of
God. Our duty is to make everyone have the vision of
God in society.
Living and serving the society is a sure way of loving
and serving God. God becomes pleased specially and
presents himself when we serve the poor and the sick
and suffering persons with devotion. Śrī Rāma, Kṛṣṇa,
Buddha, Basavannā, Mahavīra and Christ served the
poor, the sick and the needy with great love. We have to
imbibe and develop these qualities of love, service and
sacrifice in our personality. We should never make others
unhappy with our dealings; on the other hand we should
try to maximise the happiness of others. This is called
DHARMA.
We learn such things from our holy books. We have to
respect every holy book including those of other religions.
Answer the following :

1. As we cast away old clothes and put on new ones, our

soul casts away an old body and assumes a new one;
Quote the two lines from the Bhagavad Gītā which tell
us this point.
oklkafl th.kkZfu ;Fkk fogk; uokfu x`g~.kkfr ujks¿ijkf.kA
rFkk 'kjhjkf.k fogk; th.kkZU;;kfu la;kfr uokfu nsghA vè;k; 2@22
2. Which religions the following holy books are related
to?
A. The Rāmāyaṇa Hindu Dharma
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 39
 The Mahābhārata Hindu Dharma
Gurugranth Sahib Sikh sect
The Bible Christian faith
Quran Islam faith
Avesta Parsee sect
3. Name the authors of the following works.
A. The Mahābhārata (Mahaṛṣī Vedavyāsa)
The Rāmāyaṇa (Mahaṛṣī Vālmīki)
Bhagavad Gītā (Mahaṛṣī Vedavyāsa)
Rāmacaritamānasa (Goswamī Tulsidas)
4. Great person with which the following works are
associated :
A. The Rāmāyaṇa Lord Rāma
Gītā Lord Kṛṣṇa
The Bible Jesus the Christ
Quran Mohammed,
The Divine Messenger
5. Name the four Vedas :
A. 1. Rigveda 2. Yajurveda
3. Sāmaveda 4. Atharvaveda
6. How many cantos are there in the Bhagawad Gītā?
A. 18 cantos 700 verses
7. Write the number of main Upaniṣads.
A. 11 Upaniṣads
8. Tell the ten ingredients of Dharma as advocated by
Manu.
1. Perseverance, 2. Forgiveness, 3. Suppression of
Evil thoughts, 4. Non-appropriation, 5. Cleanliness,
6. Control on sensuous appetites, 7. Wisdom
8. Learning 9. Veracity. 10 Restraint of Anger.
Rāmacarita Mānasa
jkouq jFkh fcjFk j?kqchjkA nsf[k foHkh"ku Hk;m vèkhjkAA
vfèkd çhfr eu Hkk lansgkA cafn pju dg lfgr lusgkAA

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 40

 Meaning: When Vibhīṣana saw that Rāvana was on
the Chariot and Śrī Raghuvir (Śrī Rāma) had no chariot,
he was very much disturbed. Due to overaffection for
him (Śrī Rāma) he became doubtful whether Rāma
could win over Rāvana. (without chariot). Offering his
respects in Śrī Rāma's feet he told him with great
love and affection.
ukFk u jFk ufga ru in =kkukA dsfg fcfèk ftrc chj cyokukAA
lqugq l[kk dg ÑikfuèkkukA tsfga t; gksb lks L;anu vkukAA
Meaning : "O, Master, you have neither the chariot
nor the guard to protect your body and even you
don't have the footwear. How could that strong and
brave Rāvana could be won?" kindhearted Śrī Rāma
replied, Oh my friend, listen to me. There is another
chariot by which we can win.
lkSjt èkhjt rsfg jFk pkdkA lR; lhy n`<+ èotk irkdkAA
cy fccsd ne ifjgr ?kksjsA Nek Ñik lerk jtq tksjsAA
Meaning : Valour and Courage are the two wheels of
that chariot. Truth and character are its two flags.
Strength, wisdoms its self control and welfare of others
are its horses which are tied together by the ropes of
forgiveness, kindness and equality.

bZl Hktuq lkjFkh lqtkukA fcjfr peZ larks"k ÑikukA

nku ijlq cqfèk lfDr çpaMkA cj fcX;ku dfBu dksnaMkAA
Meaning : Devotional appraisal of God is its clever
driver. Detachment is the guard and contentment is the
sword. charity is the axe, wisdom is the strongest power,
and the best knowledge is the hard bow.
vey vpy eu =kksu lekukA le te fu;e flyheq[k ukukAA
dop vHksn fcç xqj iwtkA ,fg le fct; mik; u nwtkAA

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 41

 Meaning : Pure and firm mind is the quiver. Self
control, moral discipline, control on mind are the many
arrows. Worshipping of Brahmins and teachers is the
unbreakable guard. Nothing else can stand equal to
these to victory.
l[kk èkeZe; vl jFk tkdsaA thru dg¡ u drgq¡ fjiq rkdsaAA
Meaning : O, my dear friend, the one who has such a
chariot filled with Dharma, has no enemies anywhere that
cannot be won.
egk vt; lalkj fjiq thfr ldb lks chjA
tkdsa vl jFk gksb n`<+ lqugq l[kk efrèkhjAA
Meaning : O, wise friend, of steady mind listen to me.
The one who has such a determined and strong chariot,
can win even the unconquered enemies of this changing
world.

lqfu çHkq cpu fcHkh"ku gjf"k xgs in datA

,fg fel eksfg minslsgq jke Ñik lq[k iqatAA
Meaning : Listening to his Master's words Vibhīṣhana
became extremely happy, touching Lord Śrī Rāma's holy
feet he said ", O, kind and embodiment of happiness Śrī
Rāma, your kindself gave me such an enlightening
lesson on this occasion.

Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā
The foremost among the holy books which is the best
guide to human beings to follow righteous, living is
Bhagavad Gītā. Every one should study it.
vfi psRlqnqjkpkjks Hktrs ekeuU;Hkkd~ A
lk/qjso l eUrO;% lE;XO;oflrks fg l% AA9AA

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 42

 Meaning : Even if a man of the most vile conduct
worships me with undistracted devotion, he must be
reckoned as righteous, for he has rightly resolved.
;ks eketeukfna p osfÙk yksdegs'oje~ A
vlaew<+% l eR;sZ"kq loZikiS% izeqP;rs AA10AA
Meaning : He who knows me the unborn without
beginning, also the mighty Lord of the worlds, he among
mortals is undeluded and freed from all sins. (10.3)
Quiz on Gita Jnana :
1. Which things the Lord accepts if these are offered
with a feeling of devotion :-
A. (1) Leaves (Basil or wood-apple-Bel), (2) Flower
(3) Fruit (any) and (4) Water - as is offered to sun
and to Shiva.
2. What pledge the Lord has taken?
A. My devotee is never destroyed.
3. What the Lord ordains to do after coming to this
impermanent, sorrowful and perishable world?
A. Worship me
4. The responsibility of whose welfare (yogakshem) is
undertaken by Lord himself?
A. Who is exclusively loving devotee.
5. Why the Lord asks Arjuna to worship God?
A. Because the life of man is transient and without
happiness.
6. Who has been called 'Wretched'?
A. One who works with the motive of fruit.

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 43

Q. Fill in the blanks :
1. I am ….. seated in all creatures. (Atman)
2. I am …... in all the Adityas. (Vishnu)
3. I am …… of all the stars (Nakshatras).
(Moon-Chandrman)
4. Among the Vedas I am..….. (Samaveda)
5. Of all the gods I am……. (Indra Vasava)
6. Among the senses I am …… (Mind)
7. In all beings I am …… (Consciousness)
8. Of the Rudra I am ….. (Shankar)
9. Of the mountains I am ….. (Meru)
10. Of the house-hold priests I am ….. (Brhaspati)
11. Of all the lakes I am …… (Ocean)
12. Among the Maharishis I am ….
(Bhrigu Maharishi)
13. Of all the trees I am …… (Ashwatthah)
14. Of all divine seers I am ….. (Narada)
15. Of all the perfected persons I am…….
(Kapil Muni)
16. Of all the elephants I am…… (Airavata)
17. Among the men I am…… (Monarch)
18. Of all the weapons I am …… (Thunderbolt)
19. Among the serpants I am …… (Vasuki)
20. Of all the Nagas, I am ……… (Anant Naga)
21. Among all demons I am …… (Prahlada)

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 44

 22. Of all the animals (beasts) I am ….
(King of Animals - Lion)
23. Of all the birds I am ….. (Son of Vinata - Garuda)
24. Of all the Weilders of weapon I am ….. (Rama)
25. Among the fishes I am the ……. (Crocodial)
26. Of the rivers I am …… (Janhvi / Ganga)
27. Of all the Sciences 'Vidya' I am ….
(Spiritual Science)
28. Of the letters I am to Letter ….. (A)
29. Of all the Compounds, I am …..
( Duel compound (Dvanda))
30. I am all devouring ….. (Death)
31. Among women I am…..
(Fame, fortune (Shri, fine speech, Vani) Memory,
Intelligence, steadfastness and patience)
32. Of all the metres of poetry I am …. (Gayatri)
33. Of the various months I am …
(Flower bearning / Spring)
34. Of the Yadavas I am …. (Vasudeva / Krishna)
35. Of the Pandavas, I am ….
(Winner of wealth / Arujna)
36. Of the sages I am …. (Vyas)
37. Among the great poets I am .. (Shukracharya)
38. Of the secret things I am …. (Silence)
39. Among all the Vedas I am …. (Pranavah)
40. In the ether (Akash), I am ….
(the word / the sound)
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 45
 41. Among the humans I am …. (Manliness / Vigour)

42. Of all the material beings I am …..

(Beginning, middle and the end)

43. Of all the months I am … (Margshirsha)

44. Of all the lights I am radiant … (Sun)

45. What the Lord said at the end of Yoga of

Manifestation. (I support this entire universe
pervading it with a single fraction of mine)

Quotes from Saints

fo|k /u m|e fcuk dgkS tq ikoS dkSuA
fcuk Mqyk, uk feyS T;kSa ia[kk dh ikSu AA 1 AA (o`an)
rqylh ehBs opu rs lq[k mitr pgq¡ vksjA
clhdju bd ea=k gS ifjgj opu dBksj AA 2 AA (rqylhnkl)
dfg jghe laifÙk lxs cur cgqr cgqjhrA
fcifr dlkSVh ts dls rs gh lkaps ehrAA 3 AA (jghe)
dfcjk laxr lk/q dh gjS vkSj dh O;kf/A
laxr cqjh vlk/q dh vkBkS igj mikf/AA 4 AA (dchj)
tkfr u iwNks lk/q dh iwN yhft, KkuA
eksy djks ryokj dk iM+h jgu nks E;kuAA 5AA (dchj)
lcS lgk;d lcy ds dksm u fucy lgk;A
iou txkor vkx dks nhifg nsr cq>k;AA6AA (oa`n)
rqylh lar lqvac r# iQwy iQyfga ij gsrA
brrSa os ikgu guSa mrrSa os iQy nsrAA7AA (rqylh)
,dS lk/s lc l/s lc lk/s lc tk;A
jfgeu ewyfga lhafpcks iQwyS iQyS v?kk;AA8AA(jghe)
lksuk lTtu lk/qtu VwfV tqjS lkS ckjA
nqtZu dqaHk&dqEgkj dS ,dS /dk njkjAA9AA (dchj)
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 46
 frudk dcgwa u fuafn, tks ik¡;u rj gks;A
dcgw¡ mfM+ vk¡f[ku ijs ihj ?kusjh gks;AA10AA (dchj)

Statistical Details
1. Only One Brahmā
2. Fort nights-Pakṣas two Bright half and Dark half
3. Traits -Guṇas, three Satva, Rajas and Tamas.
4 Tapas- three Bodily, Mental, Wrath of
Divine
5 Doṣas- three Vāta, Pitta, Kapha
6. Rṇas-Natal debts Pitṛ, Ṛṣi, Deva
7 Worlds -three Svarga, Martya, Pātāla
8. Ᾱśramas- four Brahmacarya, Gṛhastha,
Vānaprastha, Saṅnyāsa
9. Shrines -four Jagannātha Purī,
Rameśvaram, Dvārakāpurī,
Badārinātha
10. Yugas-ages four Kṛta, Tretā, Dvāpara, Kali
11. Puruśārthas -four Dharma, Artha, Kāma,
Mokṣa
12. Vedas - four Rigveda, Yajurveda,
Sāmaveda and
Atharvaveda
13. Amṛtas-Nectars – five Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey
and Sugar

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 47

14. Tattvas / Elements – five Fire, Earth, Water, Air,
Space
15. Yajñas – five Brahmayajña, Devayajña,
Pitṛ yajña, Atithi Yajña,
Bhūta yajña
(Balivaiśvadeva)
16. Sensory organs – five Eyes, nose, ears, tongue,
skin
17. Kośas-Sheaths – five Annamaya (body) kośa,
Prānamaya kośa,
Manomaya kośa,
Vijñānamaya kośa and
Ᾱnandamaya kośa
18. Seasons (Ritus) – six Basant, Grīśma,
Varṣā(rainy), Śarada,
Hemanta, Śiśira
19. Vedangas – six Śikṣa, Vyākaraṇa,
Chandas, nirukta, Jyotiṣa,
Kalpa
20. Shastras-Philosophical Sānkhya Yoga, Nyāya,
Systems – six Vaiśeṣika, Mimāṁsa,
Vedānta
21. Enemies-six Passions, Greed, Anger,
Infatuation, Vanity,
Jealousy
22. Swaras-musical Ṣadaja, Ṛiṣabha, Gāndhara,
tones – seven Madhyama, Pancama,
Dhaivata, Niṣāda
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 48
23. Ṛṣīs-seven Atri, Jamadagni, Vasiṣtha,
Gautama, Kaśyapa,
Viśvāmitra, Bharadvāja
24. Dhātus (Metals)-eight Gold, Silver, Lead, Iron,
Copper, Quicksilver,
mercury, Zinc
25. Siddhis-eight Aṇimā, Mahimā, Garimā,
Laghimā, Prāpti, Prākāmya,
Īśatwa, Vaśitva
26. Yogas — eight steps Yama, Niyama, Ᾱsana,
Prānāyāma, Pratyāhāra,
Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, Samādhi
27. Ratnas-Jewels – nine Maṇikya, Motī (pearl),
Mongā (coral), Pannā,
Neelam, Hīrā (Diamond),
Gomedhika, Vaidhurya,
Pukhraja
28. Avatāras-ten Matsya, Kūrma, Vārāha,
Narasimha, Vāmana,
Paraśurāma, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa,
Buddha, Kalki
29. Rudras-eleven (Ekādaśa) Rudra, Aja, Ekapāda,
Ahirbudhanya, Pinākī,
Aparājita, Triambaka,
Maheśvara, Vriṣākapi,
Śambhu, Haraṇa
30. Months – twelve Caitra,Vaiśākha, Jyeṣtha,
Ᾱṣādha, Śravana,

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 49

 Bhādrappada, Aśvinna,
Kārtika, Margaśīrśa
a, Pauṣa,
Māgha, Phālguna
31. Ra
ashi-Zodiaccs – twelve Meṣa, Vṛṣabha,
V Miithuna,
Karka, Siṁha,
S Kan
nyā, Tulā,
Vriṣcika, Dhanu, M
Makara,
Kumbha a, Mīna
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ed to be beneficial as it
prote
ects the centre
c of learning
l
from electrical charge.
c Tila
ak is the
symbbol of grace e, faith, addoration,
and beauty.
b
2. Mālā : (Rosa ary) The strring of bead
ds worn rou und one's
neeck and hanging
h onn the che est wields a great
inffluence on n the heartt. This mālā can be made of
ru
udrākṣa, tulsī beads, w white stone es, lotus nu
uts, conch
orr cotton. It regulates
r he flow of blood in the body.
th
3. Sc
cepter : In Hindu cullture, the saṅnyāsīs
s a
and other
sa
aints hold ding scep pter symb bolise the perfect
ab
bdication off ritualistic actions.
a

Saṁskkṛti Jñāna Parrīkṣā class 8 50

4. Saaffron Cloth
hes : A Safffron piece of cloth is a symbol
off detachme ent. Scientifically saffron has chemical
po
ower. It mottivates us fo
or sacrifice and holine
ess.
5. Yaajñopavīta : (The Sacrred thread)) : The holyy thread is
woorn at the time
t of upanayana cerremony, wh hen a boy
is intiated tot the stu udy of the e vedas. Itt is also
coonsidered an opportunity to discharge
d o
our three
deebts namelyy Pitṛ ṛṇa, D
Deva ṛṇa annd Ṛṣī ṛṇa.

Good Mannerss
1. Do unto oth
D hers what you expec
ct others to
o do with
y
you.
2. Let us be po
L olite and re
espectful to elders. Esp
pecially in
p
public place
es, roads, sschools andd colleges we
w should
s
show respecct and hum
mility.
3. Never interrrupt when ttwo person
N n are talking
g to each
o
other.
4. N
Never use th
hings of oth
hers withou
ut their perm
mission.

5. Never try to
N o read othe
ers' diariess and letterrs without
th
heir consen
nt.
6. C
Conduct yo
ourselves wwith respec ct to your teachers.
W
When you meet
m them touch their feet and get their
b
blessings.

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7. When you get some help from others, thank them
heartily with appropriate words and action.(This
should also be expressed in words)
8. When you make a mistake never hesitate in asking
for pardon.
9. Show proper hospitality to any one who comes to
your house according to your ability.
10. Pay special attention to old people, children, women,
the weak and the ailing. When you are on a bus or in
a train give them your seat to sit. Give way to others
while walking on the road.

Sixteen Sacraments
1. Conception (Garbhādhāna)
2. Ceremony to beget a male child. (Puñsavana)
3. Ceremony for healthy delivery. (Simāntonnayana)
4. Ceremony on child-birth. (Jātakarma)
5. Ceremony of Naming. (Nāmakarana)
6. Exit ceremony. (Niṣkramana)
7. Giving cereal-made food to infant. (Annaprāśana)
8. Tonsure ceremony (Mundana)
9. Piercing the ear (Karṇavedhana)
10. Sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana)
11. Initiation in the Vedic Studies (Vedārambha)
12. Convection (Samāvartana)
13. Marriage (Vivāha)
14. Dwelling in the jungle (Vānaprastha)
15. Renunciation (Saṅnyāsa)
16. Funeral ceremony (Antyeṣṭi)

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 Niṣkramaṇa (Exit)
When the new born baby is taken out of the house for
the first times it is called the Niṣkramaṇa (exit). This
ceremony is performed after four months of birth. The
Sun is shown to the baby and prayers are offered for its
long life saying 'you grow and live for 100 years'.
Annapraśana (Taking food for the first time)
This saṁskara is to be observed during the sixth
month of the baby since its birth. Food is given to the
baby for the first time. During this period teeth start
coming out. As per custom after peforming yajña, a kind
of food prepared with ghee, rice, sweet pudding, curds
and honey is given to the baby to eat.
During the sixth months the baby develops power to
digest cereals. The eldest male of the family first feeds
the baby with a spoon. Feeding with sweet pudding is
more in practice. Since the sweet pudding contains milk,
it provides energy to the baby. Giving rice to the baby
helps growth and development of energy. This ceremony
is very important from health point of view of the baby. It
is essential for physical and mental development of the
baby.

5. Our Glorious History

Indian Method of Calculating Time
For the calculation of the age of this creation, three
main measures or standards are mentioned —
Yuga, Manvantara and Kalpa. Four Yugas comprise a
Mahāyuga. 71 Mahāyugas make a Manvantara (i.e. the
distance between one Manu and the other). There is
separate Manu for each Manvantara.

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So, 4 Yugas = 1 Mahāyuga, 71 Mahāyuga = 1
Manvantar, 14 Manvantara = 1 Kalpa.
Yuga are made of years. The names of these four Yugas
are –
(1) Satyuga = 17,28,000 years
(2) Treta yuga = 12,96,000 years
(3) Dvāpara yuga = 8,64,000 years
(4) Kaliyuga = 4,32,000 years
At present 5,120 years of Kaliyuga have passed.
Unforgetable Martyrs
Parts of our history are studded with instances of
sacrifices of the patriots for the sake of preserving our
freedom and culture. Preserving our freedom was the
sole object of our patriots. Thousands have sacrificed
everything they had, including their precious life for this
purpose. Maharani Laksmibai was queen of those who
sacrified all that she had for the freedom of Bhārata.

Maharani Laxmibai
The brave woman, intoxicated with patriotism was
born on 14 dark half of Kārtika 1892 A.D. She spent her
childhood with young boy Nanasaheb. Bajirao Peshwa
had made every best arrangement for her education.
According to traditional system of education she learnt
reading, writing, use of weapons and horse riding. She
was delicate, friendly and beautiful. But bravery was
spread throughout her body. It was very easy for her to
defeat 5-10 enemies at a time.
Gangādhar Rao was ruling Jhansi that time.
Laksmibai was married to him. Soon after she became
widow. Afterwards she began to spend her time singing
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 54
devotional songs and worshipping and reading holy
books.
After some days she performed the initiation
ceremony of her adopted son Damodara with great pomp
and glory. Out of seven lakh rupees deposited for
adoption, the British Government sanctioned only one
lakh rupees. This was the intrigue of the Britishers to
swallow the kingdom by unfair means. Laksmibai could
not bear it.
Maharani jumped into the battlefield. There was heavy
fighting with the British army. Some ungrateful Muslims
and some unfaithful Rajputs took side with the enemies
but Maharani Laksmibai had turned furious like dreadful
Kāli. The fireballs fired by the mortars were killing the
enemies. The enemies were burnt like moths and the
British army when entered into the Jhansi fort could find
nothing but pile of ash.
Maharani escaped safely and Nanasaheb, with the
help of Maharani, had captured Gwalior but Jayajirao
Scindia deceived them there. Maharani with pearl
studded sword tied to her waist encountered Co. Smith.
The British soldiers were wonderstruck by the beauty and
extraordinary style of fighting of the Maharani. Maharani
made advance, killing the British soldiers. Two enemy
soldiers followed her. Engaged in war, Laksmibai was
already very much tired. A sharp spear thrown by the
enemy pierced into her chest. Even then Laxmibai cut off
the heads of these two enemy soldiers. Maharani's body
began to sink and she closed her eyes. The Bhārata is
proud and feels honoured by Laksmibai's unforgettable
sacrifice. Famous Hindi poetess Subhadrakumari
Chauhan has said,
cqUnsys gj cksyksa ds eq[k] geus lquh dgkuh FkhA
[kwc yM+h enkZuh] og rks >kalh okyh jkuh FkhAA
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 55
 Following are some symbolic expressions related to
some immortal martyr–patriots. Name such martyrs :
1. The three brothers who laid down their lives for the
freedom of their motherland Bhārata.
(Damodar, Vasudev and Balakrishna – Chaphekar
brothers)
2. A nationalist religious preacher who ran a parallel
government during the British rule. What was his
name? (Ram Singh Kuka)
3. The two brothers who sacrificed their lives and
became martyrs while performing 'Kāraseva' on 02
November 1990 at Śrī Rāmajanma Bhūmi, Ayodhyā.
(Ram Kothari and Sharad Kothari)
4. Who was its first martyr of first war of Independence
1857? (Mangal Pandey)
5. Person who wrote the book 'First War of
Independence' considering the fight of 1857 as a war
against Britishers? (Vir Savarakar)
6. Who is the great personality who made his father and
sons agree to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the
country and the dharma? (Guru Govind Singh)
7. Who is the martyr of Kakori incident who influenced
Bhagat Singh to name his younger brother after his
(martyr's) name? (Rajendra Lahiṛi)
8. Who was the revolutionary of the Kakori incident who
along with Thakur Roshansingh was executed on 19
December 1927? (Ram Prasad Bismil)
9. "It is not a great job to become an ICS officer but it is
still great to serve the country sincerely and honestly."
wrote Subhas Chandra Bose in a letter. Whom did he
send the letter to?
(His elder brother Sharat Chandra Bose)

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10. Name the brave revolutionary who formed an army to
fight against the British and the British had declared a
reward of Rs.12,500.00 for his arrest?
(Ras Behari Bose)

6. The World as one Family

We the residents of Bhārat are the progeny of great
saints who searched for truth. It is good in all of us to
follow the preachings of the sages. Following the ancients
tradition to search truth many brothers and sisters
discovered such knowledge even during the present
times as has been accepted by whole world. Let us know
some of them.
Great Personalities
1. Subrahmanyam Chandrashekhar : Chandrashekhar
Subrahmanyam is a great scientist who for the first
time in the world measured the limits of stars. His
finding is called 'Chandrashekhar limits '. He was
awarded Nobel Prize in Physics.
2. Raja Ramanna : A great nuclear scientist of our
country. Formerly he was the Chairman of the Nuclear
Energy Commission.
3. Dr. Jayanta Narlikar : One of the foremost
astrophysicists. He has done research in the field of
Black Holes and circular space Geometry.
4. Dr. Panchanan Maheshwari : Famous Bhāratīya
Botanist. He carried out research on the technique of
creating artificial seeds in test tubes.
5. Mario Pozio : Prof. G.S.M Born in Italy; cancer
specialist, who harming his own body, prescribed the

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 method of safeguarding against the ill effects of X-
Rays.
6. Harrand Guilles : Famous plastic surgeon of New
Zealand. He introduced his research methods in
Bhārata also.
7. Chandra Shekhar Venkataraman : Eminent physicist,
who conducted his research on Light, X-ray,
Ultrasonic rays, human Vision, and other related fields
etc. He was awarded Nobel Prize in 1930 on his
research titled ‘Raman Effect’.
8. Meghnad Saha : Born on 6th October 1893 at
sivaratali of Dhaka (Now Bangladesh); eminent space
scientist; important researches are on physical theory
of the inter-stellar Spectrum, Mass of Electrons and
Protons etc.
9. Dr. Atma Ram : Born in Bijnore (UP), a great scholar
of Chemistry, worked on synthesis of light
(photosynthesis); was decorated with Padmashri
award; in 1971 Presided over the seminar of
U.N.I.D.O. in Copenhagen.
Ancient Educational Centres
Indian was called the Preceptor of world. Students
used to come here from far and near to seek knowledge.
They returned home after getting education and getting
knowledge from this land, due to which the name of India
resounded everywhere with reverence. A large number of
students from Middle Asia. Afganistan, Greece, Syria,
Iran etc. came to Takṣashila and enrolled as student
there for gaining knowledge, specially of Science. During
7th cent. Taksashila became a place of international fame
as an eminent centre of education. Many other centers

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also had good facilities for education. The names of some
of these centers are given below.
Mahaṛṣi Vyāsa Badri Nath Mahabharat era
Mahaṛṣi Agastya Dandakāranya Ramayana age
Mahaṛṣi Sandipan Ujjain Mahabharat era
Dhaumya Ṛṣi Gāndhāra Ancient Times
Mahaṛṣi Chanākya Nalanda Mauryan Times

7. The Shining Tradition of Indian Sciences

Bhāratīya Sceintists
1. D. Bhagavantam : Dr. Bhagavantam conducted
research in the field of radio waves, astronomy and
cosmic rays.
2. Dr. Satyendranath Basu : He did research on new
statistics and invented a particle Boson.
3. Prof. Satish Dhawan : was responsible for launching
a series of satellites, e.g.Rohinī, Ᾱryabhata.
4. Prof. Shyam Sunder Joshi : Dr. Joshi conducted
research on the physical and chemical reactions of
Nitrogen in the field of electricity.
5. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam : His important contribution
is in developing missiles. He is honoured with Padma
vibhushana and Bharata Ratna titles. He was also
the 14th President of India from 25 July 2002 to 24
July 2007.
Ᾱyurveda
In which way the three elements such as vāta, pitta
and kafa work in the body of a healthy person. What are
their different functions?
Ans.: Vāta, Pitta and Kafa, when they are in the right
proportion they sustain and protect the body. If
there is any kind of imbalance in their proportion,
the person becomes sick. Their normal functions
are described below.
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 59
l. Vāta : Vāyu (wind) -Vāyu staying in a very natural
way is responsible for the all small and big normal
activities which take place inside the body. Its natural
functioning is involved in respiration, purification of
blood, giving activity to the body and various limbs,
blood circulation, throwing out the waste from the
human body are its natural activities.
2. Pitta : When in natural condition this element helps
us to digest all that we eat and drink and helps the
energy thus created to get into the blood stream. It
provides our body with a kind of brilliance, sight and
heat. It makes us feel hungry and thirsty and other
associated activities.
3. Kafa : In its natural form it keeps all the joints in the
body lubricated. It is responsible for maintaining the
weight of the body. It also helps us maintain strength.
It also generates the qualities of forgiveness,
perseverance and contentment in our mind.
Ecology/Environment
In Indian tradition, there has always been great
awareness about environment.
This is the reason that some trees and plants are
worshipped every day or on specific occasions. We
consider them to represent different aspects of gods and
goddesses. Let us learn why we should worship these
trees and plants.
1. The pipal tree : Pipal tree symbolizes the abode of
Brahmā.
Scientifically it is proved that a pipal tree gives out
more oxygen and purifies air in the atmosphere. Its
leaves, fruits, bark and juice are highly medicinal. It
cures back pain. Vomitting can be cured by extract
prepared by boiling its leaves. Its root is helpful in
Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 60
 increasing the vitality of man. The tree is worshipped
on every saturday.
2. Gooseberry : Gooseberry has highest potency
vitamin 'C' in it. It can activate every part of the
human body. It is used in preparing cyavana prāśa, a
tonic to strengthen all elements in body. It is
beneficial in ailments relating to our eyes. It is also
used in preventing baldness. It is highly anti-dandruff.
It is also used in preparing triphalā.
3. Tulasī : Tulasī is used in curing maleria, flue, ear
ailments, cold and a number of other diseases. It is
essentially used in performing pooja. It is considered
very sacred.
4. Banyan Tree : Hindu wives worship the banyan tree
for the welfare and longevity of their husbands. It is a
huge tree giving shade. Its milk is good for helping
one to maintain brahmacarya and its fruit is helpful in
maintaining and increasing vitality.
Exercises: Name the persons related to the following—
1. One of the nine jewels of Vikramāditya. Was famous
astrologer, mathematician and Philosopher?
(Varāhamihira)
2. He threw great light on the significance of zero and
invented algebra as well as Trignometry. He discovered
that the earth revolves round the sun. (Ᾱryabhatta)
3. Name the American citizen Indian Scientist who got Nobel
Prize on Genes synthesis. (Dr. Hargovind Khurana)
4. He was the first to tell as about the evolution of
universe and founder of Sānkhya philosophy.
(Mahaṛṣi Kapila)
5. What is the name of the pilotless aeroplane
manufactured by indigenous technology? (Lakṣya)

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6. Cow's milk is yellowish whereas buffalo's milk is white.
Why? (The yellowish tinge of cow's milk is due to its
higher percentage of B. Caratene. Buffalo's milk is
whitish because it contains calcium phosphate and
cassinet in the body fat. The creamy colour is due to
the presence of carotene, as well as rebo flavine in
watery element in body. In buffalo's milk the presence
of white calcium is higher.
Mitrāvaruṇa Śaktī (Electricity)
(A gift by ancient Bhāratīya Science)
Electric Cell : Sage Agastya has stated the useful
materials in making this cell. It is found in Agastya
Saṁhitā, Earthen pot, copper sheet and copper sulphate
(having the colour like Peacock's neck) and wet wood
powder. Put the copper sheet and copper sulphate in the
pot, apply wet wood powder and pour mercury and zinc
and connect with wires. Then mitrā–varuna energy
(electricity) is produced. In an open circuit it had a voltage
of 1.38.
Space Science
Conquest of Moon Campaign
On October 22, 2008 Bhārat launched its first
unmanned spacecraft towards moon, which was named
Chandrayān—I. It unfurled the tricolour flage on the
surface of moon at 8:33 P.M. on 14th November 2008. By
landing this craft Bhārat has recorded its presence in the
list of nations reaching moon, which include Russia,
America, Japan, European Space Agencies. The Moon
Impact Probe (M.I.P) projected by Chandrayan—I is the
first Indian made machine to touch the surface of moon.
This total project was conceived by Dr. Abdul Kalam. This
touched the surface of moon after finishing its journey of

Saṁskṛti Jñāna Parīkṣā class 8 62