NCERT Class 9 Sanskrit Sharada: Chapter 13 — स्वपदविग्रहः — यदि समासस्य अर्थः समासेे नाम समस्तपदेे विद्यमानैः पदैः एव
This chapter from NCERT Class 9 Sanskrit, Book Sharada, Chapter 1, introduces the concept of 'Samasa' (समासः), which means condensation or combination of words. It explains that in a Samasa, two or more meaningful words combine to form a single word, such as 'Maha' and 'Purusha' combining to form 'Mahapurushah'. The chapter details that Samasa generally occurs between words ending in 'subanta' (सुबन्त) and that the combined word forms a 'pratipadik' (प्रातिपदिक) from which case endings are applied. It also defines 'Vigraha' (विग्रह) as a sentence that explains the meaning of a Samasa, and distinguishes between two types of Vigraha: 'Swapadavigraha' (स्वपदविग्रहः), where the meaning is explained using the words present in the Samasa itself, and 'Aswapadavigraha' (अस्वपदविग्रहः), where the meaning is explained using words other than those in the Samasa. This foundational understanding of Samasa is crucial for comprehending Sanskrit grammar and sentence structure in CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Sharada |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — स्वपदविग्रहः — यदि समासस्य अर्थः समासेे नाम समस्तपदेे विद्यमानैः पदैः एव |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 397 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and purpose of Samasa (समासः).
- Identify the formation of a single word from multiple words in a Samasa.
- Differentiate between 'Purvapada' (पूर्वपद) and 'Uttarapada' (उत्तरपद).
- Define 'Vigraha' (विग्रह) and its role in explaining Samasa.
- Distinguish between 'Swapadavigraha' (स्वपदविग्रहः) and 'Aswapadavigraha' (अस्वपदविग्रहः).
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| समसनं | condensation, combination |
| सङ्क्षेपणम् | abridgement, shortening |
| सुबन्तानां | words ending in 'subanta' (a grammatical case ending) |
| अन्वितययोः | connected, related |
| पूर्वपदम् | first word (in a compound) |
| उत्तरपदं | second word (in a compound) |
| प्रातिपदिकरूपेण | in the form of a 'pratipadik' (base word) |
| विग्रहवाक्यं | analytical sentence explaining a compound |
| स्वपदविग्रहः | explanation using words from the compound itself |
| अस्वपदविग्रहः | explanation using words not from the compound |
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Practice questions
- What is the meaning of 'Samasa' (समासः)? Answer: Samasa means condensation or combination of words.
- What is 'Vigraha' (विग्रह)? Answer: Vigraha is a sentence that explains the meaning of a Samasa.
- What is the difference between 'Purvapada' and 'Uttarapada'? Answer: Purvapada is the first word in a compound, and Uttarapada is the second word.
- When is 'Swapadavigraha' used? Answer: Swapadavigraha is used when the meaning of the Samasa is explained using the words present within the Samasa itself.
- Give an example of a Samasa and its Vigraha. Answer: Samasa: राष्ट्रनायकः (Rashtranayakaha). Vigraha: राष्ट्रस्य नायकः (Rashtrasya nayakaha).
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary meaning of 'Samasa' in Sanskrit?
The primary meaning of 'Samasa' is condensation or combination of words.
How many words typically combine in a Samasa?
In a Samasa, two, three, or even more meaningful words combine to form a single word.
What is the term for the first and second word in a compound?
The first word is called 'Purvapada' (पूर्वपद) and the second word is called 'Uttarapada' (उत्तरपद).
What is a 'Vigraha Vakya'?
A 'Vigraha Vakya' is a sentence that explains the meaning of a compound word (Samasa).
What distinguishes 'Swapadavigraha' from 'Aswapadavigraha'?
'Swapadavigraha' explains the meaning using words from the compound itself, while 'Aswapadavigraha' uses words external to the compound.
Does Samasa always occur between two words?
Samasa generally occurs between words ending in 'subanta' (सुबन्त). In 'Dvandva Samasa', it can occur between multiple 'subanta' words.
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NCERT Class 9 Sanskrit — Sharada — Chapter 13 — स्वपदविग्रहः — यदि समासस्य अर्थः समासेे नाम समस्तपदेे विद्यमानैः पदैः एव. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.