Concept:
In Hindi phonetics, द्विगुण व्यंजन (flap consonants) such as ड़ and ढ़ are modified forms of ड and ढ. These sounds are produced by a quick flap of the tongue and have specific positional constraints in word formation.
Step 1: Verification of Assertion (As)
The assertion states that these consonants do not appear at the beginning of words. This is correct because Hindi phonotactic rules do not allow flap consonants like ड़ or ढ़ to initiate a word. Words always begin with their base forms like ड or ढ.
Thus, Assertion (As) is true.
Step 2: Verification of Reason (R)
The reason states that these consonants appear only in the middle or at the end of words. This is also correct. Examples include:
सड़क, लड़का, पढ़ना, गढ़
Thus, Reason (R) is also true.
Step 3: Logical relationship
The reason correctly explains the assertion because the phonetic nature of flap consonants restricts them from occurring at word-initial positions and confines them to medial or final positions.
Therefore, both statements are correct and R is the correct explanation of As.