NCERT Class 7 Sanskrit Deepakam: Chapter 13 — समाानााक्षराणि अ आ अ3 इ ई इ3 उ ऊ उ3
This chapter, 'समानाक्षराणि अ आ अ3 इ ई इ3 उ ऊ उ3', from the NCERT Class 7 Sanskrit textbook 'Deepakam', introduces the concept of vowel lengths (matras) in Sanskrit. While most Indian languages have two vowel lengths (hrasva - short, and dirgha - long), Sanskrit also has a third length, 'pluta' (triple length). The chapter explains that hrashva vowels have one matra, dirgha vowels have two matras, and pluta vowels have three matras. It provides examples of pluta vowels like अ3, इ3, उ3, and also mentions the diphthongs ए, ऐ, ओ, औ with their pluta forms. The chapter highlights that pluta vowels are primarily used when calling someone from a distance or in Vedic chants like 'Om'. It clarifies that these three matras apply only to vowels, while consonants have a half matra. A shloka from the Yajnavalkya Shiksha is quoted to reinforce these concepts, aiding students in understanding the nuances of Sanskrit pronunciation and grammar.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Deepakam |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — समाानााक्षराणि अ आ अ3 इ ई इ3 उ ऊ उ3 |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 327 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of vowel lengths (matras) in Sanskrit.
- Differentiate between hrashva, dirgha, and pluta vowels.
- Identify examples of pluta vowels and their usage.
- Recognize that consonants have a half matra.
- Appreciate the significance of vowel lengths in Sanskrit pronunciation and Vedic chanting.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ह्रस्वः | Short vowel (one matra) |
| दीर्घः | Long vowel (two matras) |
| प्लुतः | Triple length vowel (three matras) |
| मात्रा | Vowel length |
| सवरः | Vowel |
| व्यञ्जनम् | Consonant |
| अर्धमात्रा | Half matra |
| सन्ध्ययक्षराणि | Diphthongs |
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Practice questions
- संस्कृत भाषा में स्वरों की कितनी मात्राएँ होती हैं? Answer: संस्कृत भाषा में स्वरों की तीन मात्राएँ होती हैं: ह्रस्व (एक मात्रा), दीर्घ (दो मात्रा), और प्लुत (तीन मात्रा)।
- प्लुतः स्वर का प्रयोग किन संदर्भों में होता है? Answer: प्लुतः स्वर का प्रयोग प्रायः किसी को दूर से पुकारने या वेद-मंत्रों के उच्चारण में होता है।
- व्यञ्जन की कितनी मात्रा होती है? Answer: व्यञ्जन की नित्यम् 'अर्ध-मात्रा' (आधा मात्रा) होती है।
- ह्रस्व, दीर्घ और प्लुत स्वरों को उदाहरण सहित समझाइए। Answer: ह्रस्व (एक मात्रा) जैसे अ, इ, उ; दीर्घ (दो मात्रा) जैसे आ, ई, ऊ; प्लुत (तीन मात्रा) जैसे अ3, इ3, उ3।
Frequently asked questions
What are the different lengths of vowels in Sanskrit?
In Sanskrit, vowels have three lengths: Hrasva (short, 1 matra), Dirgha (long, 2 matras), and Pluta (triple length, 3 matras).
When is the Pluta vowel typically used in Sanskrit?
The Pluta vowel is generally used when calling someone from a distance or in the pronunciation of Vedic mantras.
Do consonants also have different lengths like vowels?
No, consonants do not have Hrasva, Dirgha, or Pluta lengths. They always have a half matra (ardha matra).
What is the significance of the number '3' (e.g., अ3, इ3) in Sanskrit vowels?
The number '3' indicates the Pluta or triple length of the vowel, meaning it is pronounced for three matras.
How many total vowels are there in Sanskrit according to the chapter?
According to the chapter, there are a total of 22 vowels in Sanskrit, considering all lengths and diphthongs.
What is the meaning of 'matra' in Sanskrit phonetics?
'Matra' refers to the duration of a vowel sound. Hrasva is one matra, Dirgha is two matras, and Pluta is three matras.
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NCERT Class 7 Sanskrit — Deepakam — Chapter 13 — समाानााक्षराणि अ आ अ3 इ ई इ3 उ ऊ उ3. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.