Which of the following words is a Tatsam word?

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

Tatsam (तत्सम) words are words that are borrowed directly from Sanskrit into modern Indo-Aryan languages like Hindi without any phonetic or spelling changes.
The word 'Sakal' (सकल) is identical to the Sanskrit word 'Sakala' (सकल), which means 'entire,' 'whole,' or 'all'.
Since it is used in Hindi in its original Sanskrit form, 'Sakal' is a classic example of a Tatsam word.

Option A: 'Mayand' (मयंद) is a Tadbhav word, not a Tatsam word. It is a poetic form, often found in dialects like Braj, that evolved from the Sanskrit word 'Mrigendra' (मृगेन्द्र), meaning 'lion'.
Option C: 'Nakhat' (नखत) is a Tadbhav word. It is a phonetically simplified form of the Sanskrit word 'Nakshatra' (नक्षत्र), which means 'star' or 'constellation'. The complex 'ksha' sound evolved into the simpler 'kha' sound.
Option D: 'Taksal' (टकसाल) is a Tadbhav word derived from the Sanskrit 'Tankashala' (टंकशाला), which means 'mint' (a place where coins are made). The word has been shortened and altered over time.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of Tatsam words in Hindi grammar as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this question is from a non-nursing subject, general aptitude sections are a common component of nursing entrance and recruitment exams.
These questions assess a candidate's overall cognitive abilities, language proficiency, and reasoning skills, which are crucial for effective communication and problem-solving in a healthcare setting.
A strong command of language ensures that a nurse can understand medical terminology, communicate clearly with patients and colleagues, and accurately document care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Tatsam word'.
Recall the definition of 'Tatsam': a word borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi with no changes.
Contrast this with 'Tadbhav': a word that originated in Sanskrit but has been phonetically changed or simplified over time.
Examine each option to determine its origin and form.
Evaluate 'Sakal'. It sounds classical and is used in formal contexts, suggesting a direct Sanskrit link. It is identical to the Sanskrit 'Sakala'.
Evaluate the other options. 'Nakhat' (from Nakshatra), 'Taksal' (from Tankashala), and 'Mayand' (from Mrigendra) all show clear signs of phonetic evolution, disqualifying them as Tatsam.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full UPPSC-2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.