Chapter 11 of Abhyaswaan Bhav, the NCERT Sanskrit textbook for Class 10, is titled “वाच्यम् (Vaachyam)”, which focuses on one of the most interesting and practical aspects of Sanskrit grammar — the voice or expression of action. In simple words, this chapter teaches students how a single action can be expressed in different ways, depending on the focus of the sentence. It helps learners understand how meaning changes when the same verb is used in kartari vachya (active voice), karmani vachya (passive voice), and bhave vachya (impersonal voice).
I chose to write about this chapter because Vaachyam is not just a grammar topic but a foundation for clear communication in Sanskrit. Many students find it confusing at first, but once understood, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in mastering the language. It helps in framing correct sentences, improving translations, and understanding literary verses with precision. This chapter is especially useful for students who want to score well in grammar sections and develop a strong conceptual base for advanced Sanskrit studies.
About Chapter 11: वाच्यम् (Vaachyam)
The word Vaachyam comes from the root “वच्”, meaning “to speak”. It refers to the expression of an action — that is, who performs the action, who receives it, and how it is represented in a sentence. In Sanskrit grammar, this is studied through three types of voices: Kartari (Active), Karmani (Passive), and Bhave (Impersonal).
This chapter in Abhyaswaan Bhav introduces these three forms systematically, using simple examples and exercises. Each section includes practical illustrations that make the concept easier to grasp for Class 10 students.
Types of Vaachyam in Sanskrit
1. कर्तरि वाच्यम् (Kartari Vaachyam – Active Voice)
In this form, the focus is on the doer (subject) of the action.
Example:
रामः पुस्तकं पठति – Rama reads a book.
Here, ‘रामः’ is the doer of the action, and the verb is in active voice.
2. कर्मणि वाच्यम् (Karmani Vaachyam – Passive Voice)
Here, the focus shifts to the object (receiver of action). The doer may or may not be mentioned.
Example:
पुस्तकं रामेण पठ्यते – The book is read by Rama.
In this case, ‘पुस्तकं’ becomes the subject, and the emphasis is on the action done to it.
3. भावे वाच्यम् (Bhave Vaachyam – Impersonal or Neuter Voice)
In Bhave Vaachyam, the doer is not mentioned at all, and the sentence focuses only on the action itself.
Example:
पठ्यते – It is being read.
Here, the doer is unknown or unimportant, but the action is clearly shown.
How to Download NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Chapter 11 Vaachyam PDF
Students can download the NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit – Abhyaswaan Bhav Chapter 11 Vaachyam PDF from here.
