Vowels and Numerals

LESSON 2

Today we learned to read, write and pronounce two new vowels.

    इ    (pronounced like i in ink)      and           ई     (pronounced like ee in feet)

We also started learning the Sanskrit संख्याः (Sankhyah) or Numbers

              ० शून्यं (Shoonyam)
              १ ऐकम (Ekam)

              २ द्वे (Dve)

              ३ त्रीणि  (Thrini)

Here are the links to some very interesting essays on Sanskrit's contribution to Mathematics and the interconnectedness of Mathematics and Philosophy.
1) Zero and Infinity: Foundations of Spirituality or Mathematics?
2) Zero: A philosophical history of an Indian Idea – II

The concept of very large numbers existed in the times of the early evolution of Sanskrit. While large numbers that defy the concept of the human brain are just being computed by super computers, these concepts existed several centuries ago in ancient Sanskrit texts. To give you an idea of the number system take a look at the table below:

Word-Numeral	Decimal Equivalent
Ekam	100
Dashkam	101
1 Shatam	102
1 Shahashram	103
10 Dash Shahashram	104
Laksha	105
Dash Laksha	106
Kotihi	107
Ayutam	109
Niyutam	1011
Kankaram	1013
Vivaram	1016
Pararadahaa	1017
Nivahata	1019
Utsangaha	1021
Bahulam	1023
Naagbaalaha	1025
Titlambam	1027
Vyavasthaanapragnaptihi	1029
Hetuhellam	1031
Karahuhu	1033
Hetvindreeyam	1035
Sampaata Lambhaha	1037
Gananaagatihi	1039
Niravadyam	1041
Mudraabalam	1043
Saraabalam	1045
Vishamagnagatihi	1047
Sarvagnaha	1049
Vibhutangaama	1051
Tallakshanaam	1053

Homework:
1) Practice one page (at least 100 times) each of the 2 alphabets इ and ई .
2) Practice writing the Sanskrit numerals at least 25 times each.
Remember to pronounce each word while writing. If in doubt click on the link to the vowels and the numbers to hear the correct pronunciation. We want to get the pronunciation right!