NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Abhyaswaan Bhav-II: Chapter 7 — समासा:
This chapter, 'समासा:' (Samasa) from NCERT's Class 10 Sanskrit textbook 'Abhyaswaan Bhav-II', introduces the concept of compound words in Sanskrit. It explains that 'Samasa' is the process of combining two or more words into a single, shorter form, analogous to 'Vigraha' which is the separation of these combined words. The chapter categorizes Samasa into four main types: Avyayibhav, Tatpurusha, Dvandva, and Bahuvrihi, noting that Karmadharaya and Dvigu are sub-types of Tatpurusha. It elaborates on Avyayibhav Samasa, highlighting its characteristics such as the first word being an indeclinable or prefix, the compound word being neuter gender, functioning like an indeclinable, and the first word being predominant. Several examples of Avyayibhav Samasa with their Vigraha are provided, followed by an exercise to practice identifying and forming these compounds, aiding students in understanding Sanskrit grammar for CBSE exams.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Abhyaswaan Bhav-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — समासा: |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 198 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of Samasa (compound words) in Sanskrit.
- Differentiate between Samasa and Vigraha.
- Identify the four main types of Samasa: Avyayibhav, Tatpurusha, Dvandva, and Bahuvrihi.
- Recognize the characteristics of Avyayibhav Samasa.
- Form and analyze Avyayibhav Samasa compounds with provided examples.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| समास: | Compound word |
| विग्रह: | Separation (of compound words) |
| अव्यययीभाव: | Avyayibhav Samasa (where the first word is an indeclinable/prefix) |
| तत्पुरुष: | Tatpurusha Samasa (where the second word is predominant) |
| द्वन्द्व: | Dvandva Samasa (where both words are of equal importance) |
| बहुव्रीहि: | Bahuvrihi Samasa (where a third entity is indicated) |
| पूर्वपदम् | First word (in a compound) |
| उत्तरपदम् | Second word (in a compound) |
| उपसर्ग: | Prefix |
| अव्ययम् | Indeclinable |
| नपुंसकलिङ्गम् | Neuter gender |
| समस्तपदम् | Compound word |
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Practice questions
- What is the meaning of 'Samasa' in Sanskrit grammar? Answer: Samasa means the process of combining two or more words into a single, shorter form.
- Name the four main types of Samasa. Answer: The four main types are Avyayibhav, Tatpurusha, Dvandva, and Bahuvrihi.
- What are the characteristics of Avyayibhav Samasa? Answer: In Avyayibhav Samasa, the first word is usually an indeclinable or prefix, the compound word is in the neuter gender, functions as an indeclinable, and the first word is predominant.
- Write the Vigraha for the Samasa 'प्रतिदिनम्'. Answer: प्रतिदिनम् (Vigraha: दिने दिने इति)
- Fill in the blank: 'निर्मलम्' is the Samasa for the Vigraha.......................................... Answer: निर्मलम् (Vigraha: मलस्य अभाव:)
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Samasa' in Sanskrit?
Samasa is the grammatical process of combining two or more words to form a single compound word, making the expression more concise.
What is 'Vigraha'?
Vigraha is the opposite of Samasa; it is the process of separating a compound word back into its constituent words, explaining its meaning.
How many main types of Samasa are there?
There are four main types of Samasa: Avyayibhav, Tatpurusha, Dvandva, and Bahuvrihi.
Which types are considered sub-types of Tatpurusha Samasa?
Karmadharaya and Dvigu are considered sub-types of Tatpurusha Samasa.
What is a key feature of Avyayibhav Samasa?
A key feature is that the first word (Purva Pad) is typically an indeclinable (Avyaya) or a prefix (Upsarga), and the entire compound word often functions as an indeclinable.
What does 'यथामति' mean?
'यथामति' means 'according to the understanding' or 'not exceeding the understanding' (Vigraha: मतिम् अनतिक्रम्य).
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NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit — Abhyaswaan Bhav-II — Chapter 7 — समासा:. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.