The Cambridge Introduction to Sanskrit

In Chapter 13, we were introduced to ī- and ū-stems. These employed nearly identical endings and were parallel in how their stems changed in the different cases. The same is the case with their short-vowel counterparts: i- and u-stems have identical endings and undergo the same stem changes. This chapter thus discusses only i-stems in detail; u-stems will be briefly compared further down.

I-STEM NOUNS

All three genders are found of i-stem nouns. Each gender has a separate paradigm. Briefly look over the following examples, and then use the notes below to guide you through these forms.

Neuters

Neuter i-stems are the most straightforward in their declension. They add an -n to the end of their stem before any ending that begins with a vowel: वारि- –› वारिन्-, thus giving e.g. INSTR SG वारिणा, DAT SG वारिणे (with n > ṇ after r; –› Chapter 6 on this sandhi) etc. They effectively employ the same endings as neuter consonant stems (cf. neuter s-stems, Chapter 24). Note the long -ī- in the GEN PL वरीणाम्, parallel to all other vowel-stems (such as a- and ā-stem -ānām, ī-stem -īnām and ū-stem -ūnām). As in all neuters, NOMACC are identical within each number.

Masculines

Masculine i-stems require the most attention. In the INSTR SG, they add an unexpected -n- to their stem (अग्निना, parallel to NTR वारिणा). Where they do not add -n-, the grade of their stem-final vowel changes, and so may the grade of the case ending: in the VOCDATABLGEN SG and in the NOM PL, their stem ends in -e rather than -i, that is, in the full rather than zero grade of this vowel. This full grade appears as -e- before a consonant, as in GEN SG अग्नेः, but as -ay- before a vowel, as in DATABL SG अग्नये. DAT SG and Nom PL add the expected endings onto this strong stem (agnay-e, agnay-aḥ). In the ABLGEN SG, on the other hand, it appears that we are getting the full grade of the stem (अग्ने- rather than अग्नि-) combined with the zero grade of the ending (-ḥ instead of -aḥ). Finally, note the LOC SG ending in -au. Given these numerous unexpected forms, it is best to memorise especially the singular of this paradigm rather than try to remember it in reference to others.