NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Deepakam: Chapter 14 — व्याकरणम्
This chapter, 'उपसर्गः प्रत्ययाः च' (Prefixes and Suffixes) from the NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Deepakam textbook, introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Sanskrit grammar related to word formation. It explains the role of prefixes (उपसर्गः) in modifying the meaning of verbs, stating that there are typically twenty-two prefixes. Examples illustrate how prefixes can change a verb's meaning or enhance it. The chapter also details the use of suffixes (प्रत्ययाः), specifically focusing on 'क्त्वा', 'ल्यप्', and 'तुमुन्' suffixes. It clarifies when to use 'क्त्वा' for prior actions, 'ल्यप्' when the verb is compounded with a prefix, and 'तुमुन्' to indicate the purpose of an action. This chapter is crucial for building a strong foundation in Sanskrit vocabulary and sentence construction for CBSE students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Deepakam |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — व्याकरणम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 358 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept and function of prefixes (उपसर्गः) in Sanskrit.
- Identify and use the twenty-two common Sanskrit prefixes.
- Learn about the formation of new verbs using prefixes.
- Understand the concept and function of suffixes (प्रत्ययाः).
- Learn to use the 'क्त्वा', 'ल्यप्', and 'तुमुन्' suffixes correctly in sentences.
- Formulate Sanskrit sentences using prefixes and suffixes.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| उपसर्गः | Prefix |
| धातुः | Root verb |
| क्रियापद | Verb |
| प्रत्ययः | Suffix |
| प्रातिपदिकम् | Nominal stem |
| क्त्वा | A suffix used for prior action |
| ल्यप् | A suffix used when the verb is compounded with a prefix |
| तुमुन् | A suffix indicating purpose |
| निर्मित् | To create/construct |
| परिवर्तते | Changes |
| अर्थः | Meaning |
| निमित्तार्थक | Indicating purpose |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- उपसर्गः कस्य पूर्वं भवन्ति? Answer: उपसर्गः धातोः पूर्वं भवन्ति।
- सामान्यतः कति उपसर्गाः सन्ति? Answer: सामान्यतः द्वाविंशतिः (२२) उपसर्गाः सन्ति।
- 'क्त्वा' प्रत्ययः कदा भवति? Answer: यदा एकः एव कर्ता कार्यद्वयं करोति, तदा पूर्व-कार्यवाचके क्रियापदे 'क्त्वा'-प्रतययः भवति।
- 'ल्यप्' प्रत्ययः कस्य स्थाने भवति? Answer: यदा धातुः उपसर्गेण युक्तः भवति, तदा 'क्त्वा'-प्रतययस्य स्थाने 'ल्यप्' भवति।
- 'तुमुन्' प्रत्ययः किं सूचयति? Answer: 'तुमुन्' प्रत्ययः निमित्तार्थक-क्रियापदं सूचयति (क्रिया का उद्देश्य बताता है)।
Frequently asked questions
What are prefixes (उपसर्गः) in Sanskrit?
Prefixes (उपसर्गः) are elements added before a root verb (धातुः) to form new verbs, often changing or enhancing their meaning.
How many common prefixes are there in Sanskrit?
There are generally twenty-two common prefixes in Sanskrit.
What is the function of the 'क्त्वा' suffix?
The 'क्त्वा' suffix is used in a verb when the same subject performs two actions, indicating the action that was done first.
When is the 'ल्यप्' suffix used instead of 'क्त्वा'?
The 'ल्यप्' suffix is used when the verb is compounded with a prefix.
What does the 'तुमुन्' suffix signify?
The 'तुमुन्' suffix is used to indicate the purpose or intention of an action.
Can a verb have more than one prefix?
Yes, a verb can have two prefixes added before it, as shown in the example 'प्रत्यागच्छति'.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Deepakam — Chapter 14 — व्याकरणम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.