उल्का
ulkā́/ul.kɑː/
The Sanskrit word for torch is उल्का (ulkā́).
The term refers to a torch, specifically a stick of wood or a similar implement with one end soaked in a flammable substance and set on fire or a similarly shaped tool with a replaceable supply of flammable material.
Meaning: stick of wood, etc., with one end soaked in a flammable substance and set on fire, similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ul.kɑː/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The term उल्का can also refer to a 'meteor' in Sanskrit astronomical texts. It describes a 'fireball' or a streak of light moving across the sky.
- Some linguists suggest a distant connection between the Sanskrit उल्का and the Latin name 'Vulcan', the god of fire and metalworking. This would link the word to an ancient, shared concept of fire and light.
Example conversation
Aditya and Kavya are walking through a dark forest.
- आदित्य Adityaकाव्या, तव समीपे उल्का अस्ति किम्?Kāvyā, tava samīpe ulkā asti kim?Kavya, do you have a torch with you?
- काव्या Kavyaआम्, मम हस्ते उल्का अस्ति।ām, mama haste ulkā asti.Yes, I have a torch in my hand.
- आदित्य Adityaकृपया तस्याः प्रकाशं दर्शयतु।kṛpayā tasyāḥ prakāśaṃ darśayatu.Please show its light.
- काव्या Kavyaपश्यतु, इदानीं मार्गः स्पष्टः अस्ति।paśyatu, idānīṃ mārgaḥ spaṣṭaḥ asti.Look, now the path is clear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry उल्का, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries उल्का, CC BY-SA 4.0.
