NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Vyakaranavithi: Chapter 3 — सन्धि
This chapter from NCERT's Vyakaranavithi for Class 10 introduces the concept of 'Sandhi' in Sanskrit grammar, which refers to phonetic changes or modifications that occur when sounds are brought together. It explains that Sandhi is a rule of phonetics and occurs when two letters are in close proximity, either within a single word or across word boundaries. The chapter details the three main types of Sandhi: Swara Sandhi (Ach Sandhi), Vyanjana Sandhi (Hal Sandhi), and Visarga Sandhi. It then elaborates on Swara Sandhi, explaining its definition and subtypes, starting with Dirgha Sandhi (Akah Savarne Dirgha), which covers the lengthening of vowels. The chapter provides examples for Dirgha Sandhi and begins to introduce Guna Sandhi (Ad Guna), explaining the changes when 'a' or 'aa' combine with 'i', 'ii', 'u', 'uu', or 'ri'. This chapter is crucial for understanding Sanskrit word formation and pronunciation for CBSE students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Vyakaranavithi |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — सन्धि |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 389 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and importance of Sandhi in Sanskrit grammar.
- Identify the three main types of Sandhi: Swara, Vyanjana, and Visarga.
- Explain the concept of Swara Sandhi (Ach Sandhi).
- Apply the rules of Dirgha Sandhi (Akah Savarne Dirgha) with examples.
- Recognize the formation of Guna Sandhi (Ad Guna) with given examples.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सन्धि | Phonetic change or modification when sounds are brought together. |
| वर्ण विकार | Change in letters/sounds. |
| संहिता | Close proximity of sounds. |
| स्वर सन्धि | Sandhi involving vowels (Ach Sandhi). |
| व्यञ्जन सन्धि | Sandhi involving consonants (Hal Sandhi). |
| विसर्ग सन्धि | Sandhi involving visarga (:) symbol. |
| दीर्घ सन्धि | Sandhi resulting in a long vowel. |
| गुण सन्धि | Sandhi resulting in 'e' or 'o' sounds. |
| ह्रस्व | Short (vowel). |
| दीर्घ | Long (vowel). |
| एकादेश | Single replacement/substitution. |
| अच् | Vowels. |
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Practice questions
- What is the meaning of 'Sandhi' in Sanskrit grammar? Answer: Sandhi means phonetic change or modification that occurs when two letters are in close proximity.
- Name the three main types of Sandhi. Answer: The three main types are Swara Sandhi (Ach Sandhi), Vyanjana Sandhi (Hal Sandhi), and Visarga Sandhi.
- What is the rule for Dirgha Sandhi (Akah Savarne Dirgha)? Answer: If a short or long 'a', 'i', 'u', or 'ri' is followed by the same vowel (short or long), they combine to form a long vowel: 'aa', 'ii', 'uu', or 'ri'.
- Give an example of Dirgha Sandhi. Answer: Example: पुस्तक + आलय: = पुस्तकालय: (Pustaka + alaya = Pustakalaya)
- What happens in Guna Sandhi when 'a' or 'aa' is followed by 'i' or 'ii'? Answer: When 'a' or 'aa' is followed by 'i' or 'ii', they combine to form 'e'.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sandhi in Sanskrit?
Sandhi is a grammatical rule in Sanskrit that describes the phonetic changes occurring when two letters come together in close proximity.
What are the main categories of Sandhi?
The main categories are Swara Sandhi (vowel Sandhi), Vyanjana Sandhi (consonant Sandhi), and Visarga Sandhi.
What is the rule for Dirgha Sandhi?
Dirgha Sandhi occurs when a short or long vowel is followed by the same vowel, resulting in a long vowel (e.g., a+a=aa, i+i=ii).
Provide an example of Dirgha Sandhi.
An example is 'दैत्य + अरि:' which becomes 'दैत्यारि:' (daitya + ari = daityari).
What is Guna Sandhi?
Guna Sandhi involves changes when 'a' or 'aa' combines with 'i'/'ii' (forming 'e'), 'u'/'uu' (forming 'o'), or 'ri' (forming 'ar').
What does 'Ach Sandhi' refer to?
'Ach Sandhi' is another name for Swara Sandhi, which deals with the combination of vowels.
What is the meaning of 'Varna Vikar'?
'Varna Vikar' means a change or modification in letters or sounds.
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NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit — Vyakaranavithi — Chapter 3 — सन्धि. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.