Odisha BSE HSC Sanskrit (Third Language) key terms

The phonetic combination of two adjacent sounds into one, such as a vowel meeting a vowel or a consonant meeting a vowel. Candidates must be able to split and join words in the prescribed sandhi rules.

Sandhi occurring between two vowels, where the sounds merge or one replaces another, for example अ + इ becoming ए. Recognising the original vowels is essential for correct splitting.

Sandhi between a consonant and a following sound, often changing a final म् to anusvāra or a nasal of the matching class. Frequently tested in compound splitting exercises.

The vowel combination in which अ or आ followed by इ, उ or ऋ produces ए, ओ or अर् respectively. Named for the guṇa grade vowels it creates.

The combination in which अ or आ followed by ए, ओ or अर् yields ऐ, औ or आर्. Called vṛddhi because the resulting vowel is the strengthened grade.

A compound word formed by joining two or more stems into a single unit. Candidates must identify the type and explain which member carries the main sense.

A compound in which the final member is the principal one and the earlier member qualifies it, as in राजपुत्र, meaning the son of a king. The compound's gender follows the last member.

A compound where the whole word denotes something other than its members, often a person possessing them, as in दशरथ meaning one whose chariot holds ten. The compound takes a third referent.

A compound joining words that are coordinate, both members equally important, as in रामलक्ष्मणौ meaning Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. It is usually dual or plural in number.

A compound whose first member is an indeclinable such as उप or यथा, and whose whole word functions as an indeclinable, as in यथाशक्ति meaning according to ability.

A suffix added to a root or stem to form a new word, such as क्त्वा, ल्यप् or तुमुन् forming participles. Identifying the suffix explains the word's meaning and grammar.

A suffix attached to a verbal root to make a noun or participle, for example कृदन्त forms such as कारक or गन्तव्य. These suffixes do not change the root's basic sense.

The basic verbal root from which verbs and derived nouns are built, listed in traditional root lists with classes and meanings. Knowing a root's meaning helps decode unfamiliar forms in passages.

A tense or mood marker of the Sanskrit verb, such as लट् for the present, लङ् for the past imperfect and लृट् for the future. Each has its own endings and rules.

A case ending of a noun or pronoun, from nominative through locative and vocative. The case shows the word's grammatical role in the sentence, such as subject, object or instrument.

The grammatical number of a word: singular, dual or plural. Sanskrit keeps a distinct dual, so candidates must match verb and noun forms correctly.

The grammatical gender of a noun: masculine, feminine or neuter. Gender decides which pronoun and adjective endings agree with the noun in a sentence.

The nasal dot written above a vowel, pronounced as a light nasal hum and often arising from a final म् before a consonant. It is a frequent point in sandhi and spelling questions.

The aspirate mark written as two dots, pronounced as a light breath after a vowel. It appears at word end and changes under sandhi before vowels and voiced consonants.

An indeclinable word such as a preposition-like particle, conjunction or adverb, which keeps the same form regardless of case, number or gender. Examples include च, अपि and उप.

A prefix added to a root or word that modifies its meaning, such as प्र, अनु or वि. The prefix usually changes the sense rather than the grammar of the base word.

The natural word order of a Sanskrit sentence, in which the verb normally comes last and each word is read with its case relation. Rearranging a verse into prose order is a common exercise.

The meaning of a word, phrase or verse. Examination tasks ask candidates to give the meaning of a passage, a compound or an unfamiliar word in simple Sanskrit or Odia.

The general sense or gist of a verse, expressed in plain prose rather than word by word. Candidates usually write it in Sanskrit or in the language of instruction.

A verse in the anuṣṭubh or another classical metre, usually of four quarters. Prescribed verses are set for recitation, explanation and sometimes completion of a missing quarter.

The metrical pattern of a verse, defined by the number and arrangement of syllables in each quarter. Recognising the metre helps when reciting or completing a verse.

A well-spoken verse of moral or practical wisdom, a favourite genre in prescribed textbooks. Such verses are commonly set for meaning and for a short explanation of their message.

Moral conduct or wise policy as taught in didactic verses and stories. Questions often ask what lesson a prescribed passage conveys about behaviour or good judgement.

A prose narrative, often from the Pañcatantra or similar collections, used for reading comprehension. Candidates answer questions on characters, events and moral directly from the text.

Prose, as opposed to verse, in a prescribed reading passage. Prose passages are used for comprehension, translation and identifying grammatical forms in context.

Poetry or verse composition in a prescribed text. Verse passages are typically used for recitation, word meaning and explanation rather than for long comprehension answers.

A character in a story, dialogue or play, such as a king, sage or animal speaker. Questions ask about a character's actions, speech and role in the plot.

A dialogue between two or more speakers, common in plays and teaching stories. Candidates must follow who says what and report the exchange in indirect form.

Translation of a Sanskrit sentence or passage into Odia or English, or the reverse. Accuracy of case, tense and compound sense matters more than literal word order.

A short composition written in Sanskrit on a familiar topic such as a festival, a season or a person. Marks depend on correct grammar, varied sentences and clear structure.

A letter written in Sanskrit, usually in a set format with address, salutation, body and closing. Examiners check correct case endings and polite formulas.

A numeral word such as एक, द्वि or त्रि, which declines and agrees with its noun in case and gender. Counting and number words appear in grammar and comprehension items.

The vocative case, used when addressing someone directly, as in हे राम or भोः मित्र. Its endings differ from the nominative and are checked in grammar exercises.

The set of verb endings used for actions whose fruit returns to the agent, contrasted with the parasmaipada set. Some roots take only one set, others both with a change of sense.