A solution combustion route for the synthesis of Eu(3+)-activated M(2)V(2)O(7) (M = Sr, Ba) and their luminescent properties have been investigated. Structure and luminescent characteristics of Sr(2)V(2)O(7):Eu(3+) and Ba(2)V(2)O(7):Eu(3+) nanophosphors have been studied by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectrometry and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. The incorporation of Eu(3+) activator in these nanoparticles has been checked by luminescence characteristics. These nanoparticles have displayed red color under a UV source which is due to characteristics transition of Eu(3+) from (5)D(0) → (7)F(2) at 613 nm in both Sr(2)V(2)O(7):Eu(3+) and Ba(2)V(2)O(7):Eu(3+) nanophosphors. In addition, the optimal Eu(3+) - doped contents of Sr(2(1-x))Eu(2x)V(2)O(7) and Ba(2(1-x))Eu(2x)V(2)O(7) nanophosphors for both were 4 mol%.