Additional To Look Into
Detailed Summary – Limits of the Mind
“Limits of the Mind” is a powerful story about Ekalavya, a boy from a low-caste family who dreams of becoming a great archer. Despite societal discrimination and being denied formal education by the royal teacher Drona, Ekalavya does not give up. He carves a statue of Drona and imagines learning from him, practicing every day with dedication.
One day, when the royal princes return to the forest, they are shocked to see Ekalavya’s skill. Drona, upon discovering Ekalavya’s talent and devotion, cruelly demands his right thumb as “guru dakshina” to prevent him from surpassing Arjuna, his favourite student.
Ekalavya sacrifices his thumb without hesitation, showing immense respect and self-discipline. However, years later during the battle of Kurukshetra, he returns as a skilled archer—even without his right thumb—having taught himself to shoot with his left hand and feet. Drona is moved and realizes that the true limits are set by the mind, not by birth or circumstances. He admits that Ekalavya has taught him a greater lesson in fairness, courage, and true greatness.
Word Meanings
Word | Meaning |
Shunned | Avoided or excluded by others |
Discrimination | Unfair treatment based on class, race, or caste |
Practise | To do something repeatedly to improve skill |
Stern | Strict, serious |
Glaring | Staring angrily |
Magical | Mysterious or wonderful like magic |
Statue | A carved or shaped figure |
Guru Dakshina | A gift or fee to the teacher from a student |
Wordlessly | Without speaking |
Fate | Destiny or something meant to happen |
Speechless | Unable to speak due to shock or strong emotion |
Respectful | Showing politeness and regard |
🇮🇳 English to Hindi
Word | Hindi Meaning (हिंदी में अर्थ) |
Shunned | बहिष्कृत किया गया |
Discrimination | भेदभाव |
Practise | अभ्यास करना |
Stern | कठोर |
Glaring | गुस्से से घूरना |
Magical | जादुई |
Statue | मूर्ति |
Guru Dakshina | गुरु दक्षिणा |
Wordlessly | बिना कुछ कहे |
Fate | भाग्य |
Speechless | अवाक |
Respectful | आदरपूर्ण |
❓ Comprehension Questions & Answers
- Who was Ekalavya and where did he live?
Ans: Ekalavya was a boy from a poor, low-caste family. He lived near Hastinapura, away from the main city.
- Why was Ekalavya not allowed to learn archery from Drona?
Ans: Drona refused to teach Ekalavya because he belonged to a low caste, which was looked down upon in society.
- What did Ekalavya do after Drona rejected him?
Ans: Ekalavya carved a statue of Drona from a tree and imagined learning from it. He practiced archery every day in front of the statue.
- Why did Drona ask for Ekalavya’s right thumb?
Ans: Drona wanted to protect Arjuna’s position as the best archer, so he demanded Ekalavya’s right thumb as guru dakshina to stop him from becoming better.
- What does Ekalavya do in the battle of Kurukshetra?
Ans: Ekalavya returns to Drona, showing that he can still shoot using his left hand and feet. He offers his help in the battle, proving his strength and loyalty.
- What message does the story “Limits of the Mind” give?
Ans: The story teaches that true limits are created by the mind. With dedication and courage, one can overcome social boundaries and personal obstacles. Real greatness lies in breaking unfair limits and respecting the just ones.