Chapter 3 of the NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit textbook Shemushi is titled शिशुलालनम्, which means “Childcare” or “Nurturing Children”. This poem, written in simple and rhythmic Sanskrit, beautifully expresses the emotions and responsibilities associated with taking care of a child. The chapter uses poetic language to show the innocence, joy, and playful nature of babies while highlighting the deep affection and attention they receive from parents and family members.
I decided to write about this chapter because it brings together language learning with a real-life theme that we all can relate to—childhood and parenting. In Indian culture, children are considered divine, and the poem reflects that sentiment very well. Students studying this chapter not only learn poetic Sanskrit but also gain emotional insight into human relationships. Understanding such themes helps in holistic development—both language-wise and emotionally. Plus, this chapter gives us a break from rigid grammar and introduces creativity in Sanskrit studies.
About Chapter 3 – शिशुलालनम्
The poem शिशुलालनम् captures the beauty of a baby’s early life stages. It shows how a child’s actions, expressions, and even babbling sounds become a source of happiness in a family. The poem celebrates the small moments—from a child’s crawl to their innocent smiles—and how these moments bring people together.
Key highlights of the poem include:
- Use of soft, melodic words suitable for recitation
- Simple sentence structures, making it ideal for beginners
- Emphasis on emotional bonding within a family
- A glimpse into Indian traditions and values regarding child upbringing
Vocabulary and Meanings
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| शिशुः | Infant or baby |
| लालनम् | Caring/Nurturing |
| हासः | Smile |
| चलनम् | Movement or crawling |
| मधुरम् | Sweet or pleasant |
Learning these words strengthens basic Sanskrit comprehension and helps while attempting translations or answering questions based on poetic tone and theme.
What Students Can Learn from This Chapter
This chapter doesn’t only improve reading and pronunciation skills—it teaches sensitivity and empathy. The theme of शिशुलालनम् reminds students of their own early days and strengthens appreciation for their family. It also makes Sanskrit more engaging, especially for those who find grammar-heavy chapters difficult.
In exams, questions may come from the poem’s summary, meanings of difficult words, or short translations. Students should also prepare short-answer questions that ask them to describe the poet’s feelings and intentions.
Download PDF
Click the link below to download the official NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Chapter 3 PDF – शिशुलालनम्
