Sanskrit is an ancient Hindu language from Northern India. It is a member of the Indo-European family.
The words from this language include Hindu religious terms ("ashram", "guru", "yoga"), precious stones ("beryl", "opal") and food items ("bhaji", "candy", "orange", "sugar").
Two words associated with Nazi Germany (1933 - 1945) are from Sanskrit ("Aryan", "swastika").
| Word | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aryan | noble | The same root as "Iran". Originally referring to Indo-European peoples; later used by Germany to denote Germanic peoples. |
| ashram | hermitage | Hindu religious retreat. |
| Banyan | Indian tree associated with the story of the Buddha. | |
| beryl | Pale green stone containing the metal Beryllium. | |
| bhaji | to fry | Indian starter (example "mushroom bhaji"). |
| brilliant | cat's eye | |
| Buddha | enlightended one | Founder of Buddhism. |
| camphor | White aromatic substance. | |
| candy | crystalised sugar | Used in USA in place of the UK word "sweets". |
| crimson | Deep red colour. One of many colour words from Sanskrit. | |
| ginger | antler shaped | Root (named after its shape) used in cooking. |
| guru | teacher | Hindu teacher. |
| hemp | Name of an Indian plant used for fibre. | |
| indigo | Blue dye from India. | |
| lacquer | Coloured varnish. | |
| mandarin | counsellor | Used for a government officer and eventually became the name of a Chinese language. |
| mantra | thought | Hindu chant. |
| musk | scrotum | After the shape of the deer's scent bag. |
| Nile | blue | Egyptian river. |
| nirvana | be extinguished | State of bliss reached after all desire is extinguished. |
| opal | precious stone | |
| orange | Citrous fruit and colour. | |
| pepper | berry | Aromatic condiment. |
| Punjab | five rivers | Indian state; Pakistani province. |
| raja | king | Indian king or prince. UK rule in India became known as "The Raj". |
| Singapore | lion city | Asian City State. |
| sugar | Sweet crystals. | |
| swastika | luck | The swastika was originally a Buddhist symbol for luck. It can still be found on Hindu and Buddhist temples in India. |
| yoga | union | Hindu system of meditation. A devotee of yoga is a "yogi". |
