Water:
The Elixir of Life by Sir C.V. Raman
Genre: Scientific Essay / Prose
Theme: Importance and value of water in life and nature
🧠
About the Author
Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman
(1888–1970)
- Indian physicist and Nobel Prize winner (1930) for the
discovery of the Raman Effect.
- Known for his love of nature and science.
- This essay shows both his scientific insight and
philosophical reflection on the importance of water.
🌊 Summary of the Essay
“Water – The Elixir of Life”
emphasizes the vital role of water in sustaining all life on Earth.
Raman calls water the most common yet the most precious substance on the
planet. He explains that water not only quenches thirst but is essential for agriculture,
industry, and human civilization.
He begins by describing a beautiful
scene in a desert, where water transforms dry land into fertile, green
areas. This image symbolizes how water brings life and prosperity.
Raman discusses how water influences soil fertility, plant growth,
weather patterns, and river systems.
He also draws attention to the scientific
importance of water — how it exists in all three states (solid, liquid,
gas), how it helps regulate the Earth’s temperature, and how it shapes
landscapes by erosion and deposition.
The essay concludes with an appeal
for water conservation, stressing that mankind must use it wisely and not
waste it, as the survival of the planet depends on it.
🌿 Main Themes
- Water as Life-Giver:
Water is essential for all living beings—humans, animals, and plants. - Water and Civilization:
Great civilizations have flourished near water sources and perished without them. - Water’s Scientific Importance:
Raman explains water’s physical and chemical properties that make it unique. - Water Conservation:
Human negligence and misuse of water resources lead to drought and famine. - Beauty and Wonder of Nature:
Raman portrays water as both scientifically fascinating and aesthetically beautiful.
💧 Important Points
- Water is rightly called the Elixir of Life.
- Presence of water turns deserts into fertile lands.
- Water regulates the Earth's temperature and supports
ecosystems.
- Rivers and rain are the main sources of water for human
civilization.
- Water is essential for agriculture and industry.
- Proper storage and use of water is necessary for future
generations.
🏞️ Important Places Mentioned
- Desert Landscape:
Symbol of dryness and lifelessness.
- Nile River (Egypt):
Example of a river that made civilization possible in an arid region.
- Indian Fields and Forests: Reflect the author’s observations about rainfall and
vegetation.
👥 Characters
This essay is non-fictional and
expository, so there are no characters.
However, the narrator/scientist (C.V. Raman) acts as the observer and
thinker presenting his reflections.
📖 Vocabulary / Word Meanings
|
Word |
Meaning |
|
Elixir |
A magical or life-giving liquid |
|
Vital |
Essential for life |
|
Arid |
Dry, without moisture |
|
Fertility |
Ability to produce crops or
vegetation |
|
Bounty |
Blessing or gift from nature |
|
Precarious |
Uncertain or risky |
|
Conservation |
Careful use and management of
resources |
|
Erosion |
Wearing away of soil or land by
wind or water |
|
Irrigation |
Supplying water to land to grow
crops |
|
Reservoir |
Natural or artificial lake used to
store water |
✍️
Critical Appreciation
- The essay is both scientific and poetic in tone.
- Raman blends facts with feelings, making science
accessible to everyone.
- His style is simple, logical, and inspiring.
- The essay reflects Raman’s deep respect for nature
and human responsibility to preserve it.
💬 Important Quotations
- “Water is the true elixir of life.”
- “Where water flows, there vegetation grows.”
- “The conservation and utilization of water is
fundamental to human welfare.”
💡 Moral / Message
- Water is the most precious natural resource.
- Human survival depends on the wise use of water.
- We must conserve it for future generations.
🏞️ PLACES IN THE ESSAY
Though “Water – The Elixir of Life”
is a scientific and reflective essay (not a story), C.V. Raman uses real
and natural places as examples to explain the importance of water.
1.
Desert Landscape
- Represents dryness and lifelessness.
- Raman begins the essay by describing a beautiful
scene in a desert where water can transform the barren land into
fertile and green fields.
- The desert symbolizes the absence of water and
therefore, the absence of life.
2.
The Nile River (Egypt)
- Raman mentions the River Nile as an example of
how water supports civilization in a dry region.
- The Nile’s annual floods make the desert fertile,
allowing crops to grow and people to thrive.
- Symbol of prosperity and civilization born from
water.
3.
Indian Countryside / Villages
- Raman talks about Indian fields and forests,
especially how rainwater brings greenery and beauty to the land.
- He observes how rainfall and irrigation help in
the growth of crops and trees.
- Symbol of agricultural prosperity through proper
use of water.
4.
Rivers, Streams, Ponds, and Lakes
- Represent nature’s water systems that sustain
life.
- Flowing water adds beauty and charm to the
landscape.
- Show the cycle of water in nature — from rain to
river to sea and back as vapor.
5.
The Countryside After Rain
- Described as fresh, green, and full of life.
- The contrast between dry land before rain and lush
greenery after rainfall demonstrates the life-giving power of water.
👥 CHARACTERS IN THE ESSAY
This essay is non-fictional and expository,
so it does not have characters like a story or play.
However, we can identify the following figurative or representative figures:
1.
The Author / Narrator (C.V. Raman)
- The main voice in the essay.
- Acts as a scientist, observer, and philosopher.
- Explains both the scientific and aesthetic value
of water.
- His reflections help readers understand the importance
of water in everyday life.
2.
The Common Man / Farmer (Implied Character)
- Mentioned indirectly in the essay.
- Represents humanity’s dependence on water.
- The farmer’s life depends on rainfall, rivers, and
irrigation for crops.
3.
Nature (Personified Character)
- Nature is described almost as a living being.
- Raman personifies nature as something that gives
life, beauty, and bounty through water.
✅
Summary Table
|
Type |
Name
/ Example |
Significance |
|
Place |
Desert |
Symbol of lifelessness; shows
importance of water |
|
Place |
River Nile |
Example of civilization nourished
by water |
|
Place |
Indian Countryside |
Demonstrates agricultural
importance of water |
|
Place |
Lakes, Ponds, Streams |
Add beauty and sustain ecosystems |
|
Place |
Countryside after Rain |
Symbol of renewal and fertility |
|
Character |
C.V. Raman (Narrator) |
Observer and guide, explaining the
value of water |
|
Character |
Common Man / Farmer |
Represents dependence on water |
|
Character |
Nature |
Personified as life-giving and
nurturing |
🧠 A. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Why does C.V. Raman call water the ‘Elixir of Life’?
Answer:
Raman calls water the elixir of life because it is essential for the existence
of all living beings. It quenches thirst, helps plants grow, supports
agriculture and industry, and sustains life on Earth.
2. What scene does Raman describe at the beginning of the essay?
Answer:
He describes a beautiful scene in a desert where water
transforms the dry, lifeless land into fertile, green fields — showing how
water brings life and prosperity.
3. How does water help in soil fertility?
Answer:
Water carries mineral nutrients from the soil to plants, making the land
fertile and productive. Without water, soil becomes dry and barren.
4. How does water add beauty to the countryside?
Answer:
Flowing streams, ponds, and greenery created by water make the countryside
beautiful and lively. Reflection of trees and clouds in water adds charm to
nature.
5. What role does water play in human civilization?
Answer:
Civilizations developed near rivers because water made agriculture, transport,
and settlement possible. Water ensured prosperity and survival of communities.
6. What are the scientific properties of water mentioned by Raman?
Answer:
Water exists in three states (solid, liquid, gas), regulates temperature, and
shapes the Earth’s surface through erosion and deposition.
7. What example does Raman give to show the importance of water for
civilization?
Answer:
He gives the example of Egypt, where the River Nile
transforms the desert into fertile land and supports human life and
civilization.
8. What is erosion and how does it affect the land?
Answer:
Erosion is the wearing away of soil by running water or wind. It reduces soil
fertility and damages agricultural land.
9. What is the importance of rainfall in agriculture?
Answer:
Rainfall provides the essential water supply for crops. Good rainfall leads to
good harvests, while lack of rain causes drought and famine.
10. What does Raman warn against in the essay?
Answer:
Raman warns against the careless use and wastage of water. He
stresses that water must be used wisely for the welfare of humanity.
11. What is meant by the ‘bounty of nature’?
Answer:
It refers to the blessings of nature, such as water, soil,
sunlight, and air, which are essential for life and prosperity.
12. What message does the essay convey?
Answer:
It conveys that water is invaluable and must be conserved
and used responsibly because it is the foundation of all life on
Earth.
✍️ B. LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Discuss how C.V. Raman proves that water is the true elixir of
life.
Answer:
C.V. Raman calls water the true elixir of life because it sustains every form
of life — plants, animals, and humans. He describes how water transforms
deserts into fertile lands and adds beauty to the countryside. It is essential
for agriculture, industries, and human civilization. He explains water’s
scientific importance — its physical states, role in regulating temperature,
and shaping the Earth. Raman also warns against wasting water and emphasizes
conservation for the welfare of future generations.
2. Explain the role of water in shaping human civilization.
Answer:
Water has been the foundation of civilization. Great ancient civilizations like
Egypt flourished along rivers. Rivers provided water for agriculture,
transportation, and daily use. Water determined where people lived and how they
survived. Even today, availability of water decides the progress of regions.
Without water, no civilization can survive.
3. How does Raman combine science and beauty in his essay?
Answer:
Raman skillfully blends scientific facts with aesthetic
appreciation. He explains the scientific properties of water — its
states, temperature regulation, and erosion — and also admires its beauty in
streams, fields, and rain. This balance makes the essay both informative and
inspiring.
4. What steps does Raman suggest for conserving water?
Answer:
Raman suggests:
·
Building reservoirs and
storing rainwater.
·
Preventing soil erosion.
·
Using irrigation properly
and efficiently.
·
Preventing deforestation.
·
Educating people about the
value of water.
He stresses that water conservation is essential for human welfare and future
generations.
5. Describe how water adds both beauty and usefulness to nature.
Answer:
Water enhances beauty through rivers, streams, and rain that make landscapes
vibrant and colorful. It reflects sunlight and trees, creating scenic charm. At
the same time, water’s usefulness is seen in agriculture, drinking, and
sustaining ecosystems. Thus, water unites aesthetic beauty and
practical value.
6. What warning does Raman give to mankind? Why is it important?
Answer:
Raman warns that careless use and wastage of water can cause drought, famine,
and destruction. Without proper conservation, human survival is at risk. His
warning is important because even today, many regions suffer from water
scarcity. His message is both scientific and moral.
🧩 C. OBJECTIVE / ONE-WORD QUESTIONS
|
Question |
Answer |
|
Who is the author of “Water – The Elixir of Life”? |
C.V. Raman |
|
What is the meaning of “Elixir”? |
Life-giving liquid |
|
Which river is mentioned in the essay? |
River Nile |
|
What does Raman describe at the beginning? |
A desert scene |
|
What does erosion cause? |
Loss of soil fertility |
|
What is essential for agriculture? |
Water |
|
What are the three states of water? |
Solid, Liquid, Gas |
|
What should be prevented to conserve water? |
Soil erosion |
|
What type of essay is “Water – The Elixir of Life”? |
Scientific essay |
|
What is the central theme of the essay? |
Importance and conservation of water |
💬 D. VALUE-BASED QUESTIONS
1. What moral lesson do we learn from “Water – The Elixir of Life”?
Answer:
We learn that water is precious and must be used wisely. Misuse leads to
disaster, but conservation ensures life and prosperity. The essay teaches responsibility
towards nature.
2. How is the essay relevant in today’s world?
Answer:
In today’s world of pollution and water scarcity, Raman’s message is more
relevant than ever. His warning against wastage and his call for conservation
encourage sustainable living and environmental
awareness.
3. Why does the author call water “the most common yet most wonderful
substance”?
Answer:
Because although water is found everywhere, it has extraordinary properties —
it supports life, shapes the earth, and beautifies nature. Its commonness hides
its miraculous role in sustaining the planet.
