शृगाल
śṛgāla
The Sanskrit word for jackal is शृगाल (śṛgāla).
The word refers to the wild canine species known as a jackal.
Meaning: wild canine (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
śṛgāla
Did you know?
- In traditional Indian iconography, the presence of a शृगाल near a cremation ground is a common motif used to signify the impermanence of life.
- In the Panchatantra and other ancient Indian fables, the शृगाल is often portrayed as a cunning trickster, similar to the fox in European folklore.
- The spelling of शृगाल uses a vocalic 'r' (the letter ऋ), which is a distinct sound in Sanskrit that distinguishes it from many modern Indo-Aryan derivatives.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a picture book in a library.
- ईशा Ishaविवान, किम् एतत् चित्रम्?Vivāna, kim etat citram?Vivan, what is this picture?
- विवान Vivaanईशा, एषः शृगालः अस्ति।Īśā, eṣaḥ śṛgālaḥ asti.Isha, this is a jackal.
- ईशा Ishaअहो, शृगालः अतीव सुन्दरः अस्ति!Aho, śṛgālaḥ atīva sundaraḥ asti!Oh, the jackal is very beautiful!
- विवान Vivaanआम्, वने शृगालः वसति।Ām, vane śṛgālaḥ vasati.Yes, a jackal lives in the forest.
