The Union Public Service Commission puts down the syllabus for the exam every year. But for literature subjects, the syllabus mostly remains the same. But even with this advantage, the syllabus is very diverse and takes months to cover it thoroughly.
Thus it becomes important to choose the right reference book to study. Because many books available in the market will give you low standard information and maybe unverified as well. It is important to learn from reliable sources so that you can make use of it for future readings as well.
This list includes books about poetry, prose, short stories, and novels as well. And many of the books mentioned below have chapter summaries as well that can speed up your revision process. There are certain books from which many questions appear in the UPSC exam every year.
Thus it becomes very important to choose the right book for UPSC preparation for literature especially. This is a list of UPSC books for Mains Literature Optional Paper. Let us take a look at them now.
English Books for UPSC Exam
- Introduction to English Literature by W. H Hudson
- King Lear by William Shakespeare
- The Tempest by William Shakespeare
- Canonization by John Donne
- Death be not proud by John Donne
- The Good Morrow by John Donne
- On his Mistress going to bed by John Donne
- The relic by John Donne
- Paradise Lost, I, II, IV, IX by John Milton
- The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope
- Ode on Intimations of Immortality by William Wordsworth
- Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth
- Three years she grew by William Wordsworth
- She dwelt among untrodden ways by William Wordsworth
- Michael by William Wordsworth
- Resolution and Independence by William Wordsworth
- The World is too much with us by William Wordsworth
- Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour by William Wordsworth
- Upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth
- Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
- Hard Times by Charles Dickens
- The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
- Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- Easter 1916 by William Butler Yeats
- The Second Coming byWilliam Butler Yeats
- A Prayer for my daughter by William Butler Yeats
- Sailing to Byzantium by William Butler Yeats
- The Tower by William Butler Yeats
- Among School Children by William Butler Yeats
- Leda and the Swan by William Butler Yeats
- Meru by William Butler Yeats
- Lapis Lazuli by William Butler Yeats
- The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock by T. S. Eliot
- Journey of the Magi by T. S. Eliot
- Burnt Norton by T. S. Eliot
- Partition by W.H. Auden
- Musee des Beaux Arts by W.H. Auden
- In Memory of W.B. Yeats by W.H. Auden
- Lay your sleeping head, my love by W.H. Auden
- The Unknown Citizen by W.H. Auden
- Consider by W.H. Auden
- Mundus Et Infans by W.H. Auden
- The Shield of Achilles by W.H. Auden
- Look In Anger by John Osborne
- Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
- Next by Philip Larkin
- Please by Philip Larkin
- Deceptions by Philip Larkin
- Afternoons by Philip Larkin
- Days by Philip Larkin
- Bleaney by Philip Larkin
- Looking for a Cousin on a Swing by A.K. Ramanujan
- A River by A.K. Ramanujan
- Of Mothers, among other Things by A.K. Ramanujan
- Love Poem for a Wife 1 by A.K. Ramanujan
- Small-Scale Reflections on a Great House by A.K. Ramanujan
- Obituary by A.K. Ramanujan
- Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad
- Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
- Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
- A Passage to India by E.M. Forster.
- Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.
- Kanthapura by Raja Rao
- A House for Mr. Biswas byV.S. Naipal
Do not forget to check Best UPSC Books for Prelims and Mains
Hindi Books for UPSC Exams
- Aadhunik Sahitya ki Pravritiyan by Namavar Sinha
- Jayashree Aakalan ke Aayam by Sadanand Shaahee
- Kabeer by Param Anand Srivastav
- Kabeer ke Sabad by Dr. Sukadev Sinha
- Khadi Boli ka Prarambhik Swaroop by Nilesh Jain
- Mahabhoj Mulyankan ke Paripekshy by Sadaanand Shaahee
- Mohan Raakesh aur Ashadh ka Ek din by Gireesh Rastogi
- Niraala Rachita Ram Kee Shakti Pooja Bhaashy by Dr. Surya Prasaad Dikshit
- Prasāda Aura Skandagupta by Dr. Rēvatīramana
- Triveni by Acharya Ramachandra Shukla
Tamil Books for UPSC Exams
- Tamil mozhi varalaru by Su. Sakthivel
- Mozhi nool by Mu. Varadarasanar
- Mozhi varalaru by Mu. Varadarasanar
- Tamil ilakkiya varalaru by Mu. Varadarasanar
- Tamil ilakkiya varalaru by Thamizannal
- Tamil ilakkiya varalaru by Madhu Sa. Vimalananda
- Oppilakkiya kotpadu by Ka.Na.Kailasapathy
- Naatupura iyal aaivu by Su.Sakthivel
- Ulaga sevviyal mozhigalin varisaiyil tamil by V.C. Kulandaisamy
- Valluvar padikkum vaiyathu sorkkam by V.C. Kulandaisamy
- Tamil mozhiyum varalarum by Devira
- Tamil thiranaaivum panpadum by Devira
- Tamizhar valartha azhagu kalaigalin by Mayilai seeni Venkatasamy
- Ithazhiyal by Su. Sakthivel
- Tholkappiar Kanda Samuthayam by Dr. Natesan
- Idhazhiyal kalai by Dr. Ma.Pa. Gurusamy
- Ilakkiya Marabu by Mu. Varadarasanar
- Sanga ilakkiyam: ilakkiya valamum vazhviyal aramum by Dr. R. Chandrasekaran
- Tamilaga nattupuraviyal by Dr. Sargunavathy
- Silappathikara Thiranaaivu by Dr. Ma.Po.Sivagnanam
- Silapathikaram urai by Gna. Manickavasagan
- Kurunthogai by Puliyur Kesikan urai
- Thirukkural by Parimelazhagar urai
- Kumbakarnan vadhai padalam by Dr. Durai Rasaram Urai
- Vanakkam valluva by Erode Tamilanban
- Thiruppavai by C.Subramanian
- Kambar kaatum Kumbakarnan by Arunagiri
- Thiruvasagam by A. S. Gnanasambandan
- Mozhi iyal by Dr. R. Srinivasan
- Tamil ilakkiya varalaru by C. Balasubramanian
- Tamil ilakkiya varalaru by Muthamizh Selvan
- Puthiya nokkil tamil ilakkiya varalaru by Tamilanban
- Tamilar Nagarigamum Panpaadum by Thatchinamoorthy
- Tamilar varalarum panpadum by K.K. Pillai
- Tamil Kaadhal by V. Suba Manickam
- Thambiyar iruvar by A. S. Gnanasambandan
- Silambo silambu by Arasan Santhuvanar
- Silapathikaram Tamizhagam by Sami Chidambaranar
Kannada Books for UPSC Exams
- Linguistic History of Kannada Language by M.H. Krishnaiah
- Kannada Bhasha Shastra by R.Y. Dharwadkar
- Kannada Sahitya Charitre by R.S. Mugali
- Bettada Jeeva by Shivarama Karanth
- Madhavi by Arupama Niranjana
- Odalaala by Devanuru Mahadeva
- Devaru by A.N. Moorty Rao
- Janapada Swaroopa by Dr. H.M. Nayak.
- Janapriya Kanakasamputa by D.G Javare Gowda
- Kannada Janapada Kathegalu by J.S. Paramashivaiah
- Kannada Sanna Kathegalu by G.H. Nayak
- Kumaravyasa Bharata by Kumaravyasa
- Nambiyannana Raagale by T.N. Sreekantaiah
- Pampana Samastha Bharata Kathamrita by L. Basavaraju
- Shudra Tapaswi by Kuvempu
- Tughlaq by Girish Karnad.
- Vachana Kammata by K. Marulasiddappa K.R. Nagaraj
- Vikramarjuna Vijaya of Pampa
Telugu Books for UPSC Exams
- Akella Raghavendra book on Telugu Literature
- Andhra Bhasha Charitra by Bhadriraju Krishnamurti
- Dushyanta Charitra Nannayya Sri Krishna Rayabaram
- Tikkana Gunanidhi Katha
- Andhra Sahitya Charitra by Nagayya
- Vakyam by Chekuri Ramarao
- Srinathudu Sugatri Saleenula Katha
- Pingali Surana
Gujarati Books for UPSC Literature Optionals
- Arvachin Gujarati Sahitya ni Vikas Rekha
- Bhasha Parichay Ane Gujarati Bhashanu Swarup by Jayant Kothari
- Bhasha Vigyan by Jayant Kothari
- History of Gujarati Literature by Dhirubhai Thakar
- Loksahitya by Pamphlets
- Madhyakalin Gujarati Literature by Vasuben Trivedi book
- Madhyakalin Gujarati Sahitya No Itihas by Dr Ramesh M
- Sattar Sahitya Swarup by Prasad Brahmbhatt
- AkheGeeta by Akho
- Ashwatthama by Sitanshu Yashaschandra
- Chandra-Chandrawati Varta by Shamal
- Dhvani by Rajendra Shah
- Farbas Virah by DalpatRam
- Hind Swaraj by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- Janantike by Suresh Joshi
- Kaavya ni Shakti by RamNarayan Vishvanath Pathak
- Kadambari by Balan
- Manvi ni Bhavai by Pannalal Patel
- Mari Hakikat by Narmadashankar Dave
- Patan ni Prabhuta by Kanaiyalal Munshi
- Purvalap by ‘Kant’ ManiShankar Ratnaji Bhatt
- Raino Parvat by Ramanbhai Nilkanth
- Saptapadi by UmaShankar Josh
- Saraswatichandra (Part – 1) by GovardhanRam Tripathi
- Saurashtra ni Rasdhar (Part – 1) by Zaverchand Meghani
- Sudama Charitra by Premanand
- Vasant Vilas Fagu by AgyanKruti
Assamese Books for UPSC Exams
- Borgeet by Madhava Deva
- Gaonburha by Padmanath Gohain Barua.
- Guru Charitra Katha by Maheswar Neog.
- Jeevanar Batat by Bina Barwa
- Karengar Ligiri by Jyotiprasad Agarwalla
- Katha Bhagavata (Books I and II) by Baikuntha Nath Bhattacharyya.
- Kripabar Barbaruar Kakatar Topola by Lakshminath Bezbaroa.
- Monamati by Rajanikanta Bordoloi.
- Mor Jeevan Sonwaran by Lakshminath Bezbaroa.
- Mrityunjoy by Birendrakumar Bhattacharyya
- Parijat-Harana by Sankaradeva
- Pratima by Chandra Kumar Agarwalla
- Purani Asamiya Sahitya by Banikanta Kakati
- Rajasurya by Madhava Deva
- Ramayana by Madhava Kandali
- Rasakrida by Sankaradeva
- Samrat by Navakanta Barua
Sindhi Books for UPSC Exams
- Shah Jo Choond Shair by Sahitya Akademi
- Sachal Jo Choond Kalam by Sahitya Akademi
- Sami-a-ja Choond Sloka by Sahitya Akademi
- Shair-e-Bewas by Kishinchand Bewas
- Roshan Chhanvro by Narayan Shyam
- Virhange Khapoi je Sindhi Shair jee Choond by Sahitya Akademi
- Behtareen Sindhi Natak by M. Kamal Published
- Kako Kaloomal by Madan Jumani
- Pakheeara Valar Khan Vichhrya by Gobind Malhi
- Sat Deenhan by Krishin Khatwani
- Choond Sindhi Kahaniyon by Prem Prakash
- Bandhan by Sundari Uttamchandani
- Behtareen Sindhi Mazmoon by Gujarat Sindhi Academi
- Sindhi Tanqeed by Harish Vaswani Sahitya Akademi
- Mumhinjee Hayati-a-ja Sona Ropa varqa’ by Popati Hiranandani
- Dr. Choithram Gidwani by Vishnu Sharma
Kashmiri Books for UPSC Exams
- Anhaar by Kashmir University Journal
- Kasher Adbuk Tawarikh by Shafi Shouq
- Kashir Zaban Te Adab by Cultural Academy
- Kashiruk Grammar by Shafi Shauq
- Kashiry Luki Beeth
- Kashur Luki Theatre by Mohammad Subhan Bhagat
- Marun by Ivan Ilyich
- Mujrim by G.N. Gowhar
- Natuk Kariv Band by Hari Krishan Kaul
- Qk Angy Natuk by Motilal Keemu
- Razi Oedipus by Naji Munawar
- Sheraza by Cultural Academy
Malayalam Books for UPSC Exams
- Bhashaposhini Magazine
- Kairaliyude Kadha by M. Krishna Pillai
- Malayala Sahithya Charithram by Kalaghattangalilude – Erumeli
- Civil Service exam Malayalam Optional paper I by Jobin S Kottaram
- Civil Service exam Malayalam Optional paper II by Jobin S Kottaram, Renu Raj, Aswathy
- Prescribed books in syllabus
Nepali Books for UPSC Exams
- Himalayan Voices – An Introduction to Modern Nepali Literature
- Modern Literary Nepali – An Introductory Reader
- Gems of Nepali Literature by LB Thapa
- Nepal by Robert Ferguson
- Nepali – A National Language and Its Literature by Michael Hutt
Bengali Books for UPSC Exams
- The Oxford India Anthology of Bengali Literature by Kalpana Bardhan
- Bangla Sahityer Sankshipta Itihas by Bhudeb Chaudhuri
- Bangla Natoker Itihas by Ajit Kumar Ghosh
- The Bengalis – A Portrait of a Community by Sudeep Chakravarti
- The Epic City – The World on the Streets of Calcutta Paperback by Kushanava Choudhuri
- Bengali Prose Style by Dinesh Chandra Sen
- Types of Early Bengali Prose by Mitra
Bodo Books for UPSC Exams
- Khonthai Methai by Madaram Brahma & Rupnath Brahma
- Hathorkhi Hala by Pramod Chandra Brahma
- Boroni Gudi Sibsa Arw Aroz by Madaram Brahma
- Raja Nilambar by Dwarendra Nath Basumatary
- Bibar by Satish Chandra Basumatary
- Bibi Bithai by Bihuram Boro
- Radab by Samar Brahma Chaudhury
- Okhrang Gongse Nangou by Brajendra Kumar Brahma
- Baisagu Arw Harimu by Laksheswar Brahma
- Gwdan Boro by Manoranjan Lahary
- Jujaini Or by Chittaranjan Muchahary
- Mwihoor by Dharanidhar Wary
- Hor Badi Khwmsi by Kamal Kumar Brahma
- Jaolia Dewan by Mangal Singh Hozowary
- Hagra Guduni Mwi by Nilkamal Brahma
Konkani Books for UPSC Exams
- Konkani Manasagangotri by Prof Olivinho Gomes.
- Old Konkani language and literature
- Otmo Denvcharak by A. V. da Cruz
- Vadoll ani Varem by Antonio Pereira
- Devache Kurpen by V.J.P. Saldanha
- Vajralikhani Shenoi golem by Shantaram Varde Valavalikar
- Konkani Lalit Niband by Shyam Verenkar
- Teen Dasakam by Chandrakant Keni
- Demand-Drama by Pundalik Naik
- Kadambini – A Miscellany of Modern Prose
- Ratha Tujeo Ghudieo by Smt. Jayanti Naik
- Ev ani Mori by Eduardo Bruno de Souza
- Abravanchem Yadnya Dan by Luis Mascarenhas
- Godde Ramayan by R.K. Rao
- Ratnahar I and II collection of poems ed. R. V. Pandit
- Zayo Zuyo poems by Manohar L. Sardessai
- Kanadi Mati Konkani Kavi by Pratap Naik
- Adrushatache Kalle Poems by Pandurang Bhangui
- Yaman Poems by Madhav Borkar
Manipuri Books for UPSC Exams
- Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.) – Numit Kappa
- M. Gourachandra Singh (Ed.) – Thawanthaba Hiran
- N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.) – Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba
- M. Chandra Singh (Ed.) – Panthoibi Khongul
- M. Chandra Singh (Ed.) – Samsok Ngamba
- R.K.Snehal Singh (Ed.) – Ramayana Adi Kanda
- N. Khelchandra SIngh (Ed.) – Dhananjoy Laibu Ningba
- O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.) – Chandrakirti Jila Changba
- Manipuri Seireng Manipuri Sahitya Parishad
- Kh. Chaoba Singh – Pi Thadoi, Lamgi Chekla Amada, Loktak
- Dr. L. Kamal Singh – Nirjanata, Nirab Rajani
- A. Minaketan Singh – Kamal Da, Nonggumlakkhoda
- L. Samarendra Singh – Ingagi Nong, Mamang Leikai Thambal Satle
- E. Nilakanta Singh – Manipur, Lamangnaba
- Shri Biren — Tangkhul Hui
- Th. Ibopishak – Anouba Thunglaba Jiba
- Kanchi Sheireng – Manipur University
- Dr. L. Kamal Singh – Biswa-Prem
- Shri Biren – Cheap Hadraba Laigi Yen
- Th. Ibopishak – Norok Patal Prithivi
- A. Dorendrajit Singh – Kansa Bodha
- H. Anganghal Singh- Khamba-Thoibi Sheireng
- S. Lalit Singh – Areppa Marup
- G.C. Tongbra – Matric Pass
- A. Samarendra – Judge Sahebki Imung
- Dr. L. Kamal Singh – Madhabi
- H. Anganghal Singh – Jahera
- H. Guno Singh – Laman
- Pacha Meetei – Imphal Amasung, Magi Fishing, Nungsitki Phibam
- Kanchi Warimacha – Manipur University
- R.K. Shitaljit Singh – Kamala Kamala
- M.K. Binodini – Eigi Thahoudraba Heitup Lalu
- Kh. Prakash – Wanom Sharing
- Parishadki Khangatlaba Wari Macha – Manipuri Sahitya Parishad
- S. Nilbir Shastri – Loukhatpa
- R.K. Elangba – Karinunggi
- Anouba Manipuri Warimacha – The Cultural Forum Manipur
- N. Kunja Mohan Singh – Ijat Tanba
- E. Dinamani – Nongthak Khongnang
- Warenggi Saklon – The Cultural Forum Manipur
- Kh. Chaoba Singh – Khamba-Thoibigi Wari Amasung Mahakavya
- Kanchi Wareng – Manipur University
- B. Manisana Shastri – Phajaba
- Ch. Manihar Singh – Lai-Haraoba
- Apunba Wareng – Manipur University
- Ch. Pishak Singh – Samaj Amasung, Sanskriti
- M.K. Binodini – Thoibidu Warouhouida
- Eric Newton – Kalaji Mahousa
- Manipuri Wareng – The Cultural Forum Manipur
- S. Krishnamohan Singh – Lan
Odia Books for UPSC Exams
- São Galã Das – Shanti Parva from Mahãbhãrata.
- Jaganãth Das – Bhãgãbate, XI Skandha – Jadu Avadhuta Sambãda.
- Dinãkrushna Dãs – Rasakallola
- Upendra Bhanja – Lãvanyabati
- Rãdhãnãth Rãy – Chandrabhãgã
- Mãyã Nhã Manazinha – Jeevan Chitã
- Satchidãnanda Routray – Kabitã-1962
- Ramãkãnta Ratha – Saptama Ritu.
- Manoranjan Dãs – Kãtha-Ghodã
- Bijay Mishra – Tata Niranjanã
- Fakir Mohan Senãpati – Chhamãna Ãthaguntha
- Gopinãth Mohanty – Dãnãpãni
- Surendra Mohãnty – Marãlãra Mrityu
- Manoj Dãs – Laxmira Abhisara
- Chittaranjan Dãs – Taranga O Tadit
- Chandra Sekhar Rath-Mun Satya – dhãrma Kahuchhi
Santali Books for UPSC Exams
- Kherwal Bonso Dhorom Puthi – Majhi Ramdas Tudu “Rasika”
- Mare Hapramko Reyak Katha – L. O. Skrefsrud
- Jomsim Binti Lita – Mangal Chandra Turkulumang Soren
- Marang Buru Binti – Kanailal Tudu
- Karam Sereng – Nunku Soren
- Devi Dasain Sereng – Manindra Hansda
- Horh Sereng – W.G. Archer.
- Baha Sereng – Balaram Tudu.
- Dong Sereng – Padma Shri Bhagwat Murmu Thakur
- Hor Sereng – Raghunath Murmu
- Soros Sereng – Babulal Murmu “Adivasi”
- More Sin More Nida – Rup chand Hansda
- Judasi Madwa Latar – Tez Narayan Murmu
- Birsa Bir – Ravi Lal Tudu
- Onorhen Baha Dhalwak – Paul Jujhar Soren
- Asar Binti – Narayan Soren Tore Sutam
- Chand Mala – Gora Chand Tudu
- Onto Baha Mala – Aditya Mitra Santali
- Tairyo Tentang – Hari Har Hansda
- Sisirjon Rar – Thakur Prasad Murmu
- Harmawak Ato – R.Karstiars
- Manu Mati – Chandra Mohan Hansda
- Ato Orak – Doman Hansdak
- Ojoy Gada Dheere – Nathenial Murmu
- Jiyon Gada – Rup Chand Hansda and Jadumani Beshra
- Mayajaal – Doman Sahu ‘Samir’ and Padmashri Bhagwat Murmu ‘Thakur’
- Kherwar Bir – Pandit Raghunath Murmu
- Juri Khatir – Dr. K.C. Tudu
- Santal Ko Ren Mayam Gohako – Dr. Biswanath Hansda
Urdu Books for UPSC Exams
- Ansaf-e-SuKhan Aur Sher Haiyyaten by Shamian Ahmed
- Moka Adwa; Tarikh-e-Zuban-e-Urdu by Prof. Maswood Husain Khan
- Urdu Adab Ki Tareekh by Noorul Hasan Naqvi
- Urdu ki Lisani Tashkil by Mirza Khalil Ahmad Beg
- Urdu Nasr ka Tanquidi Mutala by Sumbul Nigaar
- Urdu Shayari ka Tanqeedi Mutala by Sumbul Nigaar
Maithili Books for UPSC Exams
- Maithili Sahitya Itihas by Dr. Durganath Jha
- Maithili Patrakaritak Itihas by Chandranath Mishra Amar
- Tirhuta Lipik Vikas by Dr. Rajeshwar Jha
- Maithili Kathak Vikas by Sahitya Academy
- Maithili Padyak Vikas by Sahitya Academy
- Maithili Gadyak Vikas by Sahitya Academy
Marathi Books for UPSC Exams
- Athavaninche Pakshi by P.I. Sonkamble
- Balakvinchi Kavita by Balkavi
- Brahmankany by S.V. Ketkar
- Damayanti-Swayamvar by Raghunath Pandit
- Ekek Pan Galavaya by Gouri Deshpande
- Jahirnama by Narayan Surve
- Jana Hey Volatu Jethe by Sharchchandra Muktibodh
- Jevha Mi Jaat Chorli Hoti by Baburao Bagul
- Lōkasāhitya mimānsā by Vishwanath Shinde
- Mridgandh byVinda Karandikar
- Nama Devanchi Abhangwani by Inamdar, Relekar, Mirajkar
- Painjan by M.N. Adwant Sahitya Prasar Kendra
- Prācīna marāṭhī vāṅmayācā itihāsa by la. Rā. Nasirābādakara
- Pradashikna 1 and 2
- Sandhyakalchya Kavita by Grace
- Shilan by Uddhav Shelke
- Sashtang Namaskar by P.K. Atre
- Shetkaryacha Asud Sarvajanik Satyadharma by Jotiba Phule
- Sugama marāṭhī vyākaraṇa va lēkhana by Mo. Ra. Valambe
- Vishakha’ by Kusumagraj
- Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi by Namdev Dhasa
Books for Punjabi UPSC Optionals
- Punjabi Bhasha Da Janam Te Vikas by Dr. Prem Prakash Singh
- Sidhantak Bhasha Vigyan by Dr. Prem Prakash Singh
- Punjabi Bhasha Da Viakaran: Part 1, 2 and 3
- Panchayat Bhasha Vigyan by Ved Agnihotri
- Punjab di Lok Dhara by Sohinder Singh Bedi
- Aadhunik Prageet Shilap by Dr Thakar Dutt Joshi
- Principal Teja Singh Di Rachna by Bikram Singh Ghuman
- Teja Singh Di Vartak Kala by Diwan Singh, Bikram Singh Ghuman
- Professor Puran Singh Di Gad Shelli by Dr Gurdev Singh
- Punjabi Nibandh by Balbir Singh Duggal
- Punjabi Aalochana by Harbhajan Singh Bhatia
- Sheikh Farid Steek of Sheikh Farid Shalokas by Bhai Sahib Singh
- Guru Nanak Steek of Jap ji Sahib, Asa di var and Barahmah by Bhai Sahib Singh
- Bulleh Shah Kafian by Dr Gurdev Singh
- Kafian Bulleh Shah by T. R. Shingaari
- Waris Heer Heer Waris by Jeet Singh Sheetal
- Shah Muhammad Jangnama Singh ate Firangian by War Shah Muhammad
- Nanak Singh Sahit Samachar by Nanak Singh Ank
- Balraj Sahni Jeewan te Rachna by Amrit Lal Pal
- Balwant Gargi-Sultan Razia- Ik Mulakan by Dr Pritam Saini
- Madh Kaal Di Chonvi Kavita by Pritam Singh
- Sur Sanvedna by Dr Satinder Singh
- Punjabi Bhasha Diyan Navintam Parvirtiyaan te Samasyavaan by Dr Prem Prakash Singh
- Khoj Patrika by Adhunik Kavi Ank
- Punjabi Sahit Da Itihaas by Dharampal Singal
Sanskrit Books for UPSC Exams
- Rachna Nuvid Kaumudi by Kapildev Dwivedi
- M. R. Kale’s books
- Brihad Anuvad Chandrika by Chakradhar Nautiyal
- Bhasha Vigyan evam Bhasha Shastra by Kapildev Dwivedi
- Sanskrit Sahitya ka Itihaas by Umashankar Sharma
- Sanskrit Kavi Darshan by Bhola Shankar Vyas
- Separate books for topics of Group 2 – Prachin Sahitya
- Raghuvansham – Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
- Kumarasambhavam – Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
- Kiratarjuniya – Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
- Isavasyopanishad – verses -1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
- Bhagavad Gita chapter II verses 13 to 25
- Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30
- Meghaduta – verses 1 to 10
- Nitisatakam – Verses 1 to 10
- Kadambari – Sukanaso-Padesa
- Shukanasopadesh Varnanam by Dr Rajendra Kumar
Conclusion
This is the list of all important reference books for UPSC Mains Literature Optional Papers. We think that they contain valuable information that can help your score better in your UPSC examinations.
Most of them are novels and short stories with questions and summaries that can help you practice as well before the exam. Most of them are easily accessible online if not physically near you. Because literature optional subjects have very less number of coaching and tuition classes.
It becomes important to have a good reference book next to you. This article will help you discover which book will really help you prepare well for the exam. All the UPSC aspirants must give it a read before appearing for the exam.