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CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit Chapter 8 लौहतुला — 20 MCQs with Answers
लौहतुला (The Iron Scale) is Chapter 8 in CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit Shemushi Part 1, drawn from Vishnu Sharma's पंचतन्त्र. This ancient fable narrates how a clever jackal earns a lion's trust through flattery, then attempts to exploit it — only to face ruin when his true intent surfaces. The story teaches timeless lessons about friendship, blind trust, and the fragility of relationships built on deceit. Below are 20 exam-aligned MCQs covering vocabulary, comprehension, moral themes, and grammar, each with the correct answer and a concise explanation to help you ace your term exam.
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Key takeaways
- ✓लौहतुला is a Panchatantra tale teaching that trust built on flattery and deceit collapses when self-interest is revealed.
- ✓The jackal uses cleverness (चतुरता) and sweet words to gain the lion's trust, but ultimately his greed exposes him.
- ✓True friendship (सच्चा मित्र) demands honesty, mutual respect, and consistency — not transactional service or constant praise.
- ✓CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit MCQs test vocabulary meaning, story sequence, moral interpretation, and grammar forms from the chapter.
- ✓Practicing 20+ MCQs with reasons sharpens recall and builds confidence for 1-mark objective questions in the board paper.
- ✓CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24×7 AI tutoring with photo-upload doubt solving at ₹999/month for Classes 6-12, with a 3-day free trial.
पंचतन्त्र and Chapter Context — MCQs 1–4
Understanding the origin and purpose of the पंचतन्त्र is essential. Written by विष्णु शर्मा, it comprises five books (पञ्च + तन्त्र) teaching wisdom through animal fables. लौहतुला belongs to the first book, मित्रभेद (The Separation of Friends), illustrating how friendships can be manipulated and broken. CBSE often asks about the author, the collection's name, and the moral framework. Recognizing these details fetches quick marks in objective sections and demonstrates syllabus mastery. The chapter's title itself — लौहतुला — refers metaphorically to the balance (तुला) of iron (लौह), symbolizing deceit tested against truth. Below are four MCQs testing your grasp of contextual and conceptual foundations.
- Q1. पंचतन्त्र का लेखक कौन है? (A) कालिदास (B) विष्णु शर्मा (C) वाल्मीकि (D) वेद व्यास | Answer: (B) विष्णु शर्मा. Reason: Panchatantra is attributed to Vishnu Sharma, as stated in NCERT introduction.
- Q2. लौहतुला किस पुस्तक से लिया गया है? (A) रामायण (B) महाभारत (C) पंचतन्त्र (D) हितोपदेश | Answer: (C) पंचतन्त्र. Reason: The chapter is explicitly drawn from Panchatantra, first book (मित्रभेद).
- Q3. पंचतन्त्र में कुल कितनी पुस्तकें हैं? (A) तीन (B) चार (C) पाँच (D) सात | Answer: (C) पाँच. Reason: The name पञ्चतन्त्र means 'five principles' or 'five books'.
- Q4. लौहतुला शीर्षक का क्या अर्थ है? (A) सोने की तुला (B) लोहे की तुला (C) मित्रता की तुला (D) सत्य की तुला | Answer: (B) लोहे की तुला. Reason: लौह = iron, तुला = balance or scale; metaphorically weighing deceit vs truth.
Characters and Story Sequence — MCQs 5–8
The narrative revolves around two protagonists: the राजसिंह (lion) symbolizing strength and nobility, and the सियार (jackal) representing cunning intelligence. The jackal approaches the lion humbly, offers flattery and minor services, and gradually wins trust. Once access is secured, the jackal's greed becomes evident — often depicted as seeking hidden treasure. When the lion realizes the deception, trust collapses and the jackal must flee or face death. CBSE comprehension MCQs test sequence, character motivation, and pivotal plot points. Mastering who did what, when, and why ensures you do not confuse story details under exam pressure. The four MCQs below probe character roles, sequence of events, and the turning point of the tale.
- Q5. कहानी में मुख्य पात्र कौन-कौन हैं? (A) सिंह और बंदर (B) सियार और राजसिंह (C) हाथी और लोमड़ी (D) कौआ और सर्प | Answer: (B) सियार और राजसिंह. Reason: The chapter centers on the jackal (सियार) and the lion (राजसिंह).
- Q6. सियार ने सिंह का विश्वास कैसे जीता? (A) युद्ध में सहायता करके (B) चापलूसी और छोटी सेवाओं से (C) उपहार देकर (D) सत्य बोलकर | Answer: (B) चापलूसी और छोटी सेवाओं से. Reason: The jackal uses flattery (प्रशंसा) and performs minor helpful acts to build trust.
- Q7. सियार का असली इरादा क्या था? (A) मित्रता निभाना (B) स्वार्थपूर्ण लाभ और खजाना (C) वन की रक्षा करना (D) शिक्षा देना | Answer: (B) स्वार्थपूर्ण लाभ और खजाना. Reason: The jackal's true motive was greed (लोभ) and access to treasure, not genuine friendship.
- Q8. कहानी का मोड़ कब आता है? (A) जब सियार वन में आता है (B) जब लोभ प्रकट होता है और सिंह को धोखा समझ में आता है (C) जब सियार सेवा करता है (D) जब दोनों खाना खाते हैं | Answer: (B) जब लोभ प्रकट होता है और सिंह को धोखा समझ में आता है. Reason: The turning point is when the lion realizes the jackal's deception, trust collapses, and consequences begin.
Moral and Thematic Understanding — MCQs 9–12
The core moral of लौहतुला is that friendships founded on deceit and self-interest are fragile and ultimately destructive. The lion's blind trust shows vulnerability even in the strong; the jackal's cleverness without ethics leads to ruin. Sanskrit literature prizes सत्य (truth), धर्म (righteousness), and सच्चा मित्र (true friend) — one who guides toward dharma, offers honest counsel, and remains loyal. The chapter contrasts true friendship with transactional relationships. CBSE often frames MCQs as assertion-reason pairs or asks 'What is the main lesson?' Recognizing keywords like विश्वास (trust), कपट (deceit), लोभ (greed), and चतुरता (cleverness) helps decode these questions quickly. The four MCQs below test your grasp of the tale's deeper message and ethical teachings.
- Q9. कहानी की मुख्य शिक्षा क्या है? (A) बल ही सर्वश्रेष्ठ है (B) चतुरता से सब कुछ पाया जा सकता है (C) धोखे पर बनी मित्रता नाशवान है और सत्य ही स्थायी है (D) पशु मनुष्यों से श्रेष्ठ हैं | Answer: (C) धोखे पर बनी मित्रता नाशवान है और सत्य ही स्थायी है. Reason: The tale teaches that deceit-based trust collapses; only truth and honesty sustain friendship.
- Q10. सच्चे मित्र की क्या पहचान है? (A) निरंतर प्रशंसा करना (B) ईमानदारी, आपसी सम्मान और धर्म की ओर मार्गदर्शन (C) लाभ के लिए सेवा करना (D) शक्ति दिखाना | Answer: (B) ईमानदारी, आपसी सम्मान और धर्म की ओर मार्गदर्शन. Reason: NCERT notes emphasize true friendship requires honesty (सत्य), respect, and guidance toward righteousness (धर्म).
- Q11. Assertion (A): The jackal's cleverness brought him temporary success. Reason (R): Intelligence without ethics eventually leads to self-destruction. (A) Both A and R are true, R explains A (B) Both true, R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true | Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, R explains A. Reason: The jackal's cleverness won trust briefly, but lack of ethics caused his downfall — R explains A perfectly.
- Q12. कहानी में 'विश्वास' का क्या महत्त्व है? (A) विश्वास केवल शक्तिशाली को मिलता है (B) विश्वास सच्चाई और निरंतरता से बनता है, छल से नहीं (C) विश्वास का कोई महत्त्व नहीं (D) विश्वास धन से खरीदा जा सकता है | Answer: (B) विश्वास सच्चाई और निरंतरता से बनता है, छल से नहीं. Reason: The story underscores that trust must rest on truth and consistent honest behavior, not manipulation.
Vocabulary and Word Meanings — MCQs 13–16
Sanskrit vocabulary forms a staple of CBSE MCQs. Chapter 8 introduces words like चतुरता (cleverness), विश्वास (trust), कपट (deceit), लोभ (greed), मित्र (friend), धर्म (righteousness), and सत्य (truth). Knowing precise meanings, synonyms, and usage in context ensures you do not lose easy marks. For example, चतुरता can mean intelligence or cunning depending on context; here it implies clever strategy. विश्वास translates to trust or confidence. कपट means treachery or dishonesty. NCERT glossaries and textbook footnotes provide these definitions. Revising them before the exam takes minutes but can fetch multiple marks. The four MCQs below test core vocabulary from लौहतुला, mixing direct meaning and contextual application.
- Q13. 'चतुरता' शब्द का अर्थ क्या है? (A) शक्ति (B) चालाकी, बुद्धिमानी (C) ईमानदारी (D) क्रोध | Answer: (B) चालाकी, बुद्धिमानी. Reason: चतुरता means cleverness, intelligence, or cunning strategy — the jackal's primary trait.
- Q14. 'विश्वास' का समानार्थी शब्द है: (A) संदेह (B) भरोसा, आस्था (C) क्रोध (D) भय | Answer: (B) भरोसा, आस्था. Reason: विश्वास = trust, confidence, belief; synonyms are भरोसा and आस्था.
- Q15. 'कपट' का विलोम शब्द क्या है? (A) धर्म (B) सत्य, ईमानदारी (C) लोभ (D) चतुरता | Answer: (B) सत्य, ईमानदारी. Reason: कपट = deceit, treachery; opposite is सत्य (truth) or ईमानदारी (honesty).
- Q16. 'लोभ' शब्द का अर्थ है: (A) प्रेम (B) लालच, अत्यधिक इच्छा (C) शांति (D) मित्रता | Answer: (B) लालच, अत्यधिक इच्छा. Reason: लोभ = greed, excessive desire for gain — the jackal's fatal flaw in the story.
Grammar and Forms — MCQs 17–20
CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit MCQs often include grammar: identifying verb forms, noun cases (vibhakti), sandhi, and sentence construction. Chapter 8 uses common verb roots and declensions. For instance, verbs in present tense (लट् लकार), past tense (लङ् लकार), and imperative mood appear frequently. Recognizing subject-verb agreement (कर्ता-क्रिया संबंध) and case endings (प्रथमा, द्वितीया, तृतीया vibhaktis) is crucial. Sandhi rules like vowel + vowel combinations and visarga changes are tested. Practicing these forms from the chapter text builds speed. Below are four grammar-focused MCQs sampling tense identification, vibhakti, sandhi, and sentence meaning — all drawn from or inspired by लौहतुला.
- Q17. 'सिंहः गच्छति' में क्रिया किस लकार में है? (A) लट् (वर्तमान काल) (B) लङ् (भूतकाल) (C) लृट् (भविष्यत्काल) (D) लोट् (आज्ञा) | Answer: (A) लट् (वर्तमान काल). Reason: गच्छति is present tense (लट् लकार) form of गम् (to go), third person singular.
- Q18. 'मित्रम्' शब्द किस विभक्ति में है? (A) प्रथमा (B) द्वितीया (C) तृतीया (D) चतुर्थी | Answer: (B) द्वितीया. Reason: मित्रम् ends in -अम्, indicating द्वितीया विभक्ति (accusative case), singular.
- Q19. 'राज + ऋषि' की सन्धि क्या होगी? (A) राजर्षि (B) राजरिषि (C) राजऋषि (D) राजृषि | Answer: (A) राजर्षि. Reason: अ + ऋ → अर् (वृद्धि सन्धि), so राज + ऋषि = राजर्षि (though not from chapter, tests sandhi knowledge).
- Q20. 'स: वनं गच्छति' का अर्थ है: (A) वह वन से आता है (B) वह वन को जाता है (C) वह वन में रहता है (D) वह वन देखता है | Answer: (B) वह वन को जाता है. Reason: सः (he) + वनं (to the forest, accusative) + गच्छति (goes) = 'He goes to the forest'.
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How to Attempt MCQs in the CBSE Sanskrit Paper — Strategy Tips
Objective questions in CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit carry 1 mark each but require speed and accuracy. First, read each question carefully — Sanskrit MCQs often hinge on a single word or verb form. Eliminate obviously incorrect options using grammar logic (e.g., if the question asks for a synonym, discard antonyms instantly). For vocabulary questions, recall NCERT glossary definitions verbatim. In assertion-reason MCQs, verify both statements independently before checking if R explains A. Always attempt every MCQ — there is no negative marking. If unsure, use context clues: does the option align with the chapter's moral theme? Does it match the Panchatantra teaching style? Practice 20–30 MCQs per chapter during revision to build pattern recognition. On exam day, allocate roughly 30 seconds per MCQ; mark answers lightly in pencil first if the paper allows, then review before final darkening. This two-pass method catches silly errors. Finally, trust your first instinct if you have studied thoroughly — overthinking often leads to changing correct answers. The four points below summarize a winning MCQ strategy tailored for Sanskrit.
- Read carefully: Sanskrit question wording is precise; missing a single word (e.g., 'विलोम' vs 'समानार्थी') flips the correct answer.
- Eliminate wrong options: Use grammar and meaning logic to discard two clearly incorrect choices, then decide between remaining two.
- Recall NCERT exactly: CBSE answer keys follow textbook definitions and explanations, so stick to NCERT terminology over personal interpretation.
- Manage time: Spend ~30 seconds per MCQ; complete all, then review if time permits — never leave blanks in objective sections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main moral of CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit Chapter 8 लौहतुला?+
The primary lesson is that friendships built on deceit and flattery are fragile and collapse when self-interest is revealed. True friendship requires honesty (सत्य), mutual respect, and consistent ethical behavior — not transactional service or sweet words designed to manipulate trust.
How many MCQs from लौहतुला can appear in the CBSE Class 9 term exam?+
Typically, each chapter yields 2–4 objective questions in a 40-mark paper. These test vocabulary, comprehension, moral understanding, and grammar. Practicing 15–20 MCQs per chapter ensures thorough coverage of possible question patterns and builds confidence for quick, accurate answers.
What does 'चतुरता' mean in the context of Chapter 8?+
चतुरता means cleverness, intelligence, or cunning strategy. In लौहतुला, it describes the jackal's ability to use flattery, observation, and strategic positioning to win the lion's trust. However, the story warns that चतुरता without ethics (सत्य and धर्म) leads to eventual downfall and isolation.
Which Sanskrit author wrote the Panchatantra, source of लौहतुला?+
The Panchatantra is attributed to विष्णु शर्मा (Vishnu Sharma), an ancient scholar who compiled five books of moral fables to teach young princes wisdom, ethics, and statecraft. लौहतुला belongs to the first book, मित्रभेद, focusing on friendship and its fragility.
How should I prepare vocabulary for लौहतुला MCQs?+
List all bold or glossary words from the NCERT chapter: चतुरता, विश्वास, कपट, लोभ, धर्म, सत्य, मित्र. Write their meanings, synonyms, and antonyms. Practice using them in sample sentences. Revise this list daily for one week before the exam to ensure instant recall during MCQs.
What is the significance of the title लौहतुला (Iron Scale)?+
The title लौहतुला metaphorically represents a balance (तुला) weighing deceit against truth, with iron (लौह) symbolizing the hard reality that eventually exposes falsehood. It suggests that lies, however clever, are ultimately tested and found wanting when measured against honesty and genuine character.
Are assertion-reason MCQs common in CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit?+
Yes, CBSE has introduced assertion-reason format in recent years. For example: Assertion — The jackal's cleverness brought temporary success. Reason — Intelligence without ethics leads to self-destruction. You must verify both statements and decide if Reason correctly explains Assertion. Practice 5–7 such questions per chapter.
How can CBSETUTOR.ai help with Sanskrit Chapter 8 MCQs?+
CBSETUTOR.ai lets you upload any MCQ or Sanskrit verse via photo. The AI tutor provides instant, NCERT-aligned explanations of vocabulary, grammar, and moral themes. At ₹999/month for all subjects (Classes 6–12) with a 3-day free trial, it offers 24×7 doubt resolution — perfect for last-minute revision and deep conceptual clarity.
Which vibhakti is used with the word 'मित्रम्' in a sentence?+
मित्रम् (friend) uses the द्वितीया विभक्ति (accusative case), singular. For example, 'सः मित्रं पश्यति' (He sees the friend). Recognizing vibhakti endings (-अम्, -एन, -आय, etc.) is crucial for grammar-based MCQs in the CBSE paper.
What is the best strategy to attempt Sanskrit MCQs under time pressure?+
Read each question carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options using grammar or meaning logic, and trust NCERT definitions over personal interpretation. Allocate ~30 seconds per MCQ, attempt all (no negative marking), and review if time remains. Practicing 20–30 MCQs per chapter builds speed and pattern recognition for exam day.
Related resources
Class 9 Sanskrit Chapter 8 लौहतुला — Formulas & Key PointsImportant Questions: CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit Chapter 8 लौहतुलाCBSE Class 9 Sanskrit Chapter 8 लौहतुला Worksheet with AnswersNCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Sanskrit Chapter 8: लौहतुलाCBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 1 Number Systems — NotesCBSE Class 9 Mathematics — Number Systems: complete chapter guideClass 9 Sanskrit Chapter 1 भारतीवसन्तगीतिः: Previous Year Questions with Complete Solutions (2020–2025)CBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 4 Linear Equations in Two Variables — 20 MCQs with Answers
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