UPSC Literature Optional Subjects Syllabus for UPSC Mains Exam

UPSC Mains exam is the second examination of IAS. The first seven papers of the examination are fixed but for the last two papers, candidates have options. There are 48 UPSC optional subjects in total. Out of these, 23 are literature subjects.

These 23 subjects are mainly Indian languages from different states and unions. The first paper of all the subjects mainly looks at language and literature history. While the second paper looks at particular writers, poets, and artists. Let’s take a look at the Syllabus for UPSC Literature Optional Subjects.

But before you proceed ahead with UPSC Optional Subjects syllabus, do not forget to check UPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus.

UPSC Literature Optional Subjects Syllabus

UPSC Assamese Literature Syllabus

1. UPSC Assamese Paper I Syllabus

• History and Origin of Assamese
• Developments of Assamese prose
• Vowels and consonants of Assamese
• Assamese vocabulary – sources
• Morphology of the language
• Dialectical divergences
• Assamese scripts
• Principles of Literary criticism
• Different literary genres
• Literary forms in Assamese
• Literary criticism in the Assamese.
• Periods of the literary history of Assam

UPSC Assamese Paper-II Syllabus

• Ramayana – Madhava Kandali
• Parijat-Harana – Sankaradeva
• Rasakrida- Sankaradeva
• Borgeet – Madhava Deva
• Rajasuya – Madhava Deva
• Katha-Bhagavata – Baikunthanath Bhattacharyya
• Guru Charitra-Katha -Maheswar Neog
• Mor Jeevan Sonwaran – Lakshminath Bezbaroa
• Kripabar Barbaruar Kakatar Topola – Lakshminath Bezbaroa
• Pratima – Chandra Kumar Agarwalla
• Gaonburha – Padmanath Gohain Barua
• Monamati – Rajanikanta Bordoloi
• Purani Asamiya Sahitya – Banikanta Kakati
• Karengar Ligiri – Jyotiprasad Agarwalla
• Jibanar Batat – Bina Barwa
• Mrityunjoy – Birendrakumar
• Bhattachary – ya
• Samrat – Navakanta Barua

2. UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus

UPSC Bengali Paper I Syllabus

• Historical stages of Bangla
• Dialects of Bangla
• Elements of Bangla Vocabulary
• Forms of Bangla Literary Prose
• Processes of language change in Bangla
• Problems of standardization and reform of alphabet and spelling
• Transliteration and Romanization
• Phonology, Morphology, and Syntax of Modern Bangla
• Periodization of Bangla Literature
• Points of difference between modern and pre-modern Bangla Literature
• The emergence of Modernity in Bangla Literature
• Evolution of Middle Bangla forms
• Secular forms in middle Bangla literature
• Narrative and lyric trends – Bangla poetry in the 19th Century
• Development of prose
• Bangla dramatic literature
• Tagore and post-Tagoreans
• Fiction, major authors – Bankimchandra, Tagore, Saratchandra, Bibhutibusan, Tarasankar, Manik
• Women and Bangla literature

UPSC Bengali Paper-II Syllabus

• Vaishnava Padavali
• Poems of Vidyapati, Chandidas, Jnanadas, Govindadas, and Balaramdas
• Chandimangal Kalketu episode – Mukunda
• Chaitanya Charitamrita Madya Lila – Krishnadas Kaviraj
• Meghnadbadh Kavya – Madhusudan Dutta
• Kapalkundala – Bankimchandra Chatterjee
• Samya and Bangadesher Krishak – Bankimchandra Chatterjee
• Sonar Tari – Rabindranath Tagore
• Chhinna Patrabali – Rabindranath Tagore
• Raktakarabi – Rabindranath Tagore
• Nabajatak – Rabindranath Tagore
• Grihadaha – Saratchandra Chatterjee
• Prabandha Sangraha Vol. 1 – Pramatha Chowdhury
• Aranyak – Bibhutibhusan Banerjee
• Short stories – Manik Bandyopadhyay
• Shrestha Kavita – Jibanananda Das.
• Jagori – Satinath Bhaduri.
• Evam Indrajit – Badal Sircar

3. UPSC Bodo Literature Syllabus

UPSC Bodo Paper I Syllabus

• Homeland, language family – relation to Assamese
• Phonemes and Tones
• Morphology – Gender
• Case & Case endings
• Plural suffix, Definitives, Verbal suffix
• Vocabulary and its sources
• Syntax – Sentences, Word Order
• History of Scripts
• Introduction of Bodo folk literature
• Contribution of Missionaries
• Periodization of Bodo Literature
• Critical analysis of different genres
• Translation Literature

UPSC Bodo Paper II Syllabus

• Khonthai-Methai – Madaram Brahma & Rupnath Brahma
• Hathorkhi-Hala – Pramod Chandra Brahma
• Boroni Gudi Sibsa Arw Aroz – Madaram Brahma
• Rajanilambar – Dwarendranath Basumatary
• Bibar – Prose section
• Gibi Bithai – Bihuram Boro
• Radab – Samar Brahma Chaudhury
• Okhrang Gongse Nangou – Brajendra Kumar Brahma
• Baisagu Arw Harimu – Lakshmeshwar Brahma
• Gwdan Boro – Manoranjan Lahary
• Jujaini Or – Chittaranjan Muchahary
• Mwihoor – Dharanidhar Wary
• Hor Badi Khwmsi – Kamal Kumar Brahma
• Jaolia Dewan – Mangal Singh Hozowary
• Hagra Guduni Mwi -Nilkamal Brahma

4. UPSC Dogri Paper I Syllabus

UPSC Dogri Paper I Syllabus

• Dogri language Origin
• Linguistic boundaries and its dialects
• Characteristic of Dogri language
• Structure of Dogri Language
• Sound Structure
• Morphology of Dogri
• Inflection Categories
• Word Formation
• Vocabulary
• Sentence Structure
• Dogri Language and Scripts
• Pre-independence Dogri Literature
• Development of modern Dogri Poetry
• Main trends in Dogri Poetry
• Development of Dogri in short -story
• Main trends & prominent short-story writers
• Development of Dogri Novel
• Main trends & contribution of Dogri Novelists
• Development of Dogri Drama & contribution of prominent Playwrights.
• Development of Dogri Prose
• Introduction to Dogri Folk literature

UPSC Dogri Paper-II Syllabus

• Azadi Paihle Di Dogri Kavita – Devi Ditta, Lakkhu, Ganga Ram, Ramdhan, Hardutt, Pahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram & Permanand Almast
• Modern Dogri PoetryAzadi Bad Di Dogri Kavita – Kishan Smail Puri, Tara Smailpuri , Mohan Lal Sapolia, Yash Sharma, K.S. Madhukar, Padma Sachdev, Jitendra Udhampuri, Charan Singh and Prakash Premi
• Sheeraza Dogri Number 102 Ghazal Ank – Ram Lal Sharma, Ved Pal Deep, N.D. Jamwal, Shiv Ram Deep, Ashwini Magotra and Virendra Kesar
• Sheeraza Dogri Number 147, GhazalAnk – R.N. Shastri , Jitendra Udhampur I, Champa Sharma and Darshan Darshi
• Ramayan – Shambhu Nath Sharma – up to Ayodhya Kand
• Veer Gulab – Dinoo Bhai Pant
• Ajakani Dogri Kahani – Madan Mohan Sharma, Narendra Khajuria and B.P. Sathe
• Ajakani Dogri Kahani Part-II – Ved Rahi, Narsingh Dev Jamwal, Om Goswami, Chhattrapal, Lalit Magotra, Chaman Arora and Ratan Kesar
• Katha Kunj Bhag II – Om Vidyarthi, Champa Sharma, and Krishan Sharma
• Meel Patthar – Bandhu Sharma
• Kaidhi – Deshbandhu Dogra Nutan
• Nanga Rukkh – O.P. Sharma Sarathi
• Nayan – Mohan Singh
• Satrang – VishwaNathKhajuria, Ram Nath Shastri, Jitendra Sharma, Lalit Magotra and Madan Mohan Sharma
• Dogri Lalit Nibandh – Vishwa Nath Khajuria , Narayan Mishra, Balkrishan Shastri, Shiv Nath, Shyam Lal Sharma, Lakshmi Narayan, D.C. Prashant, Ved Ghai, Kunwar Viyogi

5. UPSC Gujarati Paper I Syllabus

UPSC Gujarati Paper I Syllabus

• History and Origin
• Features of the Gujarati – Phonology, morphology and syntax
• Major dialects – Surti, Pattani, charotar and Saurastri
• History of Gujarati Literature
• Jaina tradition
• Bhakti tradition
• Non-sectarian tradition
• Sudharak yug
• Pandit yug
• Gandhi yug
• Anu-Gandhi yug
• Adhunik yug
• Literary Forms – Features, history and development of literary forms
• Narratives – Rasa, Akhyan and Padyavarta
• Lyrical – Pada
• Folk
• Bhavai
• Fiction – Novel and short story
• Drama
• Literary Essay
• Lyrical Poetry
• Criticism
• History of theoretical Gujarati criticism
• Recent research in folk tradition

UPSC Gujarati Paper-II Syllabus

• Vasantvilas phagu – Ajnatkrut
• Kadambari – Bhalan
• Sudamacharitra – Premanand
• Chandra Chandravati Ni Varta-Shamal
• Akhegeeta – Akho
• Sudharak Yug & Pandityug
• Mari Hakikat – Narmadashankar Dave
• Farbes Virah- Dalpatram
• Saraswatichandra – Part-I Govardhanram Tripathi
• Purvalap- Kant (Manishankar Ratnaji Bhatt)
• Raino Parvat – Ramanbhai Neelkanth
• Hind Swaraj – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
• Patanni Prabhuta- Kanhaiyalal Munshi
• Kavyani Shakti – Ramnarayan Vishwanath Pathak
• Saurashtra ni Rasdhar Part 1- Zaverchand Meghani
• Manvi ni Bhavai-Pannalal Patel
• Dhvani-Rajendra Shah
• Saptapadi – Umashankar Joshi
• Janantike – Suresh Joshi
• Ashwatthama – Sitanshu Yashaschandra

6. Hindi Literature UPSC Syllabus

UPSC Hindi Paper I Syllabus

• History of Hindi Language and Nagari Lipi
• History of Hindi Literature
• The relevance and importance of Hindi literature
• Literary trends of the following four periods of history of Hindi Literature
• Adikal-Sidh, Nath and Raso Sahitya
• Bhaktikal – Sant and Sufi Kavyadhara, Krishna and Ram Bhaktidhara
• Ritikal-Riti Kavya, Ritibaddhakavya & Riti Mukta Kavya.
• Adhunik Kal
• Katha Sahitya
• Drama & Theatre
• Criticism
• The other forms of Hindi prose

UPSC Hindi Paper-II Syllabus

• Kabir Granthawali, Ed, Shyam Sundar Das First hundred Sakhis
• Surdas – Bhramar Geet Sar, Ramchandra Shukla (100 Dohas)
• Tulsidas – Ramchrit Manas (Sundar Kand) Kavitawali (Uttar Kand)
• Jayasi – Padmavat Shyam Sundar Das
• Bihari – Bihari Ratnakar Jagannath Prasad Ratnakar (100 Dohas)
• Maithili Sharan Gupta – Bharat Bharati
• Prasad – Kamayani
• Nirala – Rag-Virag, Ram Vilas Sharma
• Dinkar – Kurushetra
• Agyeya – Aangan Ke Paar Dwar
• Muktibodh – BrahmaRakshas
• Nagarjun – Badal Ko Ghirte Dekha Hai, Akal Ke Bad, Harijan Gatha
• Bharatendu – Bharat Durdasha
• Mohan Rakesh – Ashad Ka Ek Din
• Ramchandra Shukla – Chintamani
• Dr. Satyendra – Nibandh Nilaya-Bal Krishna Bhatt, Premchand, Gulab Rai, Hajari Prasad Dwivedi, Ram Vilas Sharma, Agyeya, Kuber Nath Rai
• Premchand – Godan, Premchand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan, Ed. Amrit Rai, Manjusha – Premchand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan, Amrit Rai
• Prasad – Skandagupta
• Yashpal – Divya
• Phaniswar Nath Renu – Maila Anchal
• Mannu Bhandari – Mahabhoj
• Rajendra Yadav – Ek Dunia Samanantar

7. UPSC Kannada Literature Syllabus

UPSC Kannada Paper I Syllabus

• History of Kannada Language
• History of Kannada Literature
• Modern Kannada literature
• Poetics and literary criticism
• Cultural History of Karnataka

UPSC Kannada Paper-II Syllabus

• Old Kannada Literature
• Vikramaarjuna Vijaya of Pampa
• Vaddaradhane
• Medieval Kannada Literature
• Vachana Kammata, Ed- K. Marulasiddappa K.R. Nagaraj
• Janapriya Kanakasamputa, Ed. D. Javare Gowda
• Nambiyannana Ragale, Ed., T.N. Sreekantaiah
• Kumaravyasa Bharata – Karna Parva
• Bharatesha Vaibhava Sangraha Ed. Ta. Su. Shama Rao
• Poetry – Hosagannada Kavite, Ed – G.H. Nayak
• Savirada Ogatugalu – S.G. Imrapura
• Novel – Bettada Jeeva-Shivarama Karanta Madhavi-Arupama Niranjana Odalaala-Devanuru Mahadeva
• Short Story – Kannada Sanna Kathegalu, Ed. G.H. Nayak
• Drama – Shudra Tapaswi-Kuvempu
• Tughlaq-Girish Karnad
• Vichara Sahitya – Devaru-A.N. Moorty Rao
• Janapada Swaroopa- Dr. H.M. Nayak.
• Janapada Geethanjali-Ed.D. Javare Gowda
• Kannada Janapada Kathegalu-Ed. J.S. Paramashivaiah
• Beedi Makkalu Beledo. Ed. Kalegowda Nagavara

8. UPSC Kashmiri Literature Syllabus

UPSC Kashmiri Paper I Syllabus

• Genealogical relationship of the Kashmiri language
• Areas of occurrence and dialects
• Phonology and grammar
• Vowel and consonant system
• Nouns and pronouns with various case inflections
• Verbs
• Syntactic structure
• Simple, active and declarative statements
• Coordination
• Relativization
• Kashmiri literature in the 14th century
• 19 century Kashmiri literature
• Kashmiri literature in the first half of the 20 century
• Modern Kashmiri literature

UPSC Kashmiri Paper-II Syllabus

• Intensive study of Kashmiri poetry up to the nineteenth century
• Lal Dyad
• Sheikhul Aalam
• Habba Khatoon
• Kashmiri poetry- 19th Century
• Mahmud Gami (Vatsans)
• Maqbool Shah (Gulrez)
• Rasool Mir (Ghazals)
• Abdul Ahad Nadim (Nat)
• Krishna Joo Razdan (Shiv Lagun)
• Sufi Poets
• Twentieth Century Kashmiri poetry
• Literary criticism and research work- development and various trends
• An analytical study of the short story in Kashmiri
• Afsana Majmua,
• Kashur Afsana Az, – the Sahitya Akademi
• Hamsar Kashur Afsana – Sahitya Akademi
• The following short story writers only – Akhtar Mohi-ud-Din, Kamil, Hari Krishan Kaul, Hraday Kaul Bharti, Bansi Nirdosh, Gulshan Majid
• Novel in Kashmiri
• Mujrim – G.N. Gowhar
• Maroon-Ivan Ilyichun
• Drama in Kashmiri
• Natuk Kariv Band – Hari Krishan Kaul
• OK Angry Natok, ed. Motilal Keemu – Sahitya Akademi
• Razi Oedipus, tr. Naji Munawar, – Sahitya Akademi
• Kashmiri Folk Literature
• Kashur Luki Theatre – Mohammad Subhan Bhagat
• Kashiry Luki Beeth

9. UPSC Konkani Literature Syllabus

UPSC Konkani Paper I Syllabus

• Origin and development of the language and influences on it
• Major variants of Konkani and their linguistic features
• Grammatical and lexicographic work in Konkani, including a study of cases, adverbs, indeclinables and voices
• Old Standard Konkani, new Standard and standardization problems
• History of Konkani literature with emphasis on its major works, writers and movements
• Social and cultural background of the making of Konkani literature
• Indian and Western influences on Konkani literature
• Modern literary trends in genres and regions of Konkani folklore

UPSC Konkani Paper-II Syllabus

• Konkani Mansagangotri – Olivinho Gomes
• Old Konkani language and literature – the Portuguese Role
• Otomo Den Charak – A.V da Cruz
• Vadoll ani Varem – Antonio Pereira
• Devache Kurpen – V J P Saldanha
• Vajra Alikhani-Shenoi Goem-bab – Shantaram Varde Valavalikar
• Konkani Lalit Niband-Essays-ed. – Shyam Verenkar
• Teen Dasakam-An Anthology-ed. – Chandrakant Keni
• Demand Drama – Pundalik Naik
• Kadambini- A miscellany of modern Prose-ed. – OJF Gomes
• Ratha Tujeo Ghudieo – Smt. Jayanti Naik
• Ev ani Mori – Eduardo Bruno de Souza
• Abravanchem Yadnya Dan – Luis Mascarenhas
• Godde Ramayan-ed.- R.K. Rao
• Ratnakar I &II-collection of poems-ed. R.V. Pandit
• Zayo Zuyo-poems-Manohar L. Sardessai
• Kanadi Mati Konkani Kavi-Anthology – ed. Pratap Naik
• Adrushatache Kalle – Pandurang Bhangui
• Yaman – Madhav Borkar

10. UPSC Maithili Literature Syllabus

UPSC Maithili Paper I Syllabus

• Place of Maithili in Indo-European language family
• Origin and development of Maithili language
• Periodic division of Maithili Language
• Maithili and its different dialects
• Relationship between Maithili and other Eastern languages
• Origin and development of Tirhuta Script
• Pronouns and Verbs in Language
• Background of Maithili Literature – Religious, economic, social, cultural
• Periodic division of Maithili literature
• Pre-Vidyapati Literature
• Vidyapati and his tradition
• Medieval Maithili Drama
• Maithili Folk Literature
• Development of different literary forms in the modern era
• Development of Maithili Magazines and Journals

UPSC Maithili Paper-II Syllabus

• Vidyapati Geet-Shati – Sahitya Academy (Lyrics – 1 to 50)
• Govind Das Bhajanavali – Maithili Academy (Lyrics – 1 to 25)
• Krishna Janam – Manbodh
• Mithilabhasha Ramayana – Chanda Jha (only Sunder-Kand)
• Rameshwar Charit Mithila Ramayan – Lal Das (only Bal-kand)
• Keechak-Vadh – Tantra Nath Jha.
• Datta-Vati – Surendra Jha Suman
• Chitra-Yatri
• Samakaleen Maithili Kavita – Sahitaya Akademi, New Delhi
• Varna Ratnakar – Jyotirishwar
• Khattar Kakak Tarang – Hari Mohan Jha
• Lorik–Vijaya-Manipadma
• Prithvi Putra – Lalit
• Bhaphait Chahak Jinagi – Sudhanshu Shekhar Choudhary
• Kriti Rajkamlak – Maithili Academy (First Ten Stories only
• Katha–Sangrah – Maithili Academy

11. UPSC Malayalam Literature Syllabus

UPSC Malayalam Paper I Syllabus

• Various theories of origin
• Relation between Tamil and Malayalam- Six nayas of A.R. Rajaraja Varma
• Pattu school-definition, Ramacharitam, later Pattu works – Niranam works and Krishnagatha
• Manipravalam – definition
• Language of early manipravalam works – Champu, Sandesha Kavya, Chandrolsavam, minor works
• Folklore-Southern and Northern ballads, Mappila songs
• Early Malayalam prose-Bhashakautaliyam, Brahmanda Puranam, Attaprakaram, Kramadipika, and Nambiantamil
• Standardization of Malayalam
• Peculiarities of the language of Pana, Kilippattu and Thullal
• Contributions of indigenous and European missionaries to Malayalam
• Characteristics of contemporary Malayalam
• Ancient and Medieval Literature
• Pattu-Ramacharitam, Niranam works, and Krishnagatha
• Manipravalam-early and medieval manipravalam works including aattakkatha and champu
• Folk literature
• Kilippattu, Thullal, and Mahakavya
• Modern Literature-Poetry
• Venmani poets and contemporaries
• The advent of Romanticism-Poetry of Kavitraya i.e., Asan, Ulloor and Vallathol
• Poetry after Kavitraya
• Modernism in Malayalam poetry
• Modern Literature-Prose
• Drama
• Novel
• Short story
• Biography, travelogue, essay, and criticism

UPSC Malayalam Paper-II Syllabus

• Ramacharitam – Pattalam 1
• Kannassa Ramayanam – Bala Kandam
• Unnunilisandesam – Purvabhagam
• Mahabharatham Kilippattu – Bhishma Parvam
• Kumaran Asan-Chintavisthayaya Sita
• Vailoppilli-Kutiyozhikkal
• G. Sankara Kurup-Perunthachan
• N.V. Krishna Warrier – Vandiyile Pattu
• ONV -Bhumikkoru Charamagitam
• Ayyappa Paniker – Kurukshetram.
• Akkitham-Paadatha Messanthi
• Attur Ravivarma-Megharupan
• O. Chanthu Menon-Indulekha
• Thakazhi-Chemmeen
• O V Vijayan-Khasakkinte Ithihasam
• MT Vasudevan Nair-Vanaprastham
• N S Madhavan-Higuita
• C J. Thomas – 1128-il Crime 27
• Kuttikrishna Marar-Bharatha Paryatanam
• M. K Sanu-Nakshatrangalude sneha bhajanam
• V.T. Bhattathirippad-Kannirum Kinavum

12. UPSC Manipuri Literature Syllabus

UPSC Manipuri Paper I Syllabus

• Characteristics of Manipuri Language and history of its development
• Importance and status among the Tibeto-Burman Languages of North-East India
• The recent development in the study of Manipuri language
• Evolution and study of old Manipuri script
• Phonology
• Morphology
• Syntax
• Literary History of Manipuri
• Early period (up to 17th century) –
• Medieval period (18th and 19th century)
• Modern period
• Manipuri Folk Literature – Legend, Folktale, Folksong, Ballad, Proverb and Riddle
• Pre-Hindu Manipuri Faith, Advent of Hinduism and syncretism
• Performing arts – Lai Haraoba, Maha Ras

UPSC Manipuri Paper-II Syllabus

• 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 Ishing, Nungsitki Phibam
• Kanchi Warimacha – Manipur University
• R.K. Shitaljit Singh – Kamala Kamala
• M.K. Binodini – Eigi Thahoudraba Heitup Lalu
• Kh. Prakash – Wanom Shareng
• 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 – Kalagi Mahousa
• Manipuri Wareng – The Cultural Forum Manipur
• S. Krishnamohan Singh – Lan

13. UPSC Marathi Literature Syllabus

UPSC Marathi Paper I Syllabus

• Nature and Functions of Language
• Linguistic features of Marathi in the 13 century and 17 century
• Dialects of Marathi
• Marathi Grammar Parts of Speech, Case-system, Prayog Vichar
• Nature and kinds of Folk-lore
• History of Marathi Literature
• From beginning to 1818 AD – reference to the Mahanubhava writers, the Varkari poets, the Pandit poets, the Shahirs, Bakhar literature
• From 1850 to 1990 – Poetry, Fiction (Novel and Short Story), Drama; and major literary currents and movements, Romantic, Realist, Modernist, Dalit Gramin, Feminist
• Literary Criticism
• Nature and function of Literature
• Evaluation of Literature
• Nature, Objectives, and Methods of Criticism
• Literature, Culture, and Society

UPSC Marathi Paper-II Syllabus

• Smritishala
• Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Shetkaryacha Asud; Sarvajanik Satyadharma
• S.V. Ketkar Brahmankanya;
• P.K. Atre Sashtang Namaskar
• Sharchchandra Muktibodh Jana Hey Volatu Jethe
• Uddhav Shelke Shilan
• Baburao Bagul Jevha Mi Jaat Chorli Hoti
• Gouri Deshpande Ekek Pan Galavaya
• P.I. Sonkamble Athavaninche Pakshi
• Namadevanchi Abhangwani – Inamdar
• Painjan Ed – M.N. Adwant Sahitya Prasar Kendra
• Damayanti Swayamvar – Raghunath Pandit
• Balakvinchi Kavita – Balkavi
• Vishakha – Kusumagraj
• Mrudgandha – Vinda Karandikar
• Jahirnama – Narayan Surve
• Sandhyakalchya Kavita – Grace
• Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi – Namdev Dhasal

14. UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus

UPSC Nepali Paper I Syllabus

• History of the origin and development of Nepali
• Fundamentals of Nepali Grammar and phonology
• Major Dialects of Nepali
• Standardization and Modernization of Nepali – language movements
• The teaching of Nepali language in India
• History of Nepali literature – development in India.
• Fundamental concepts and theories of literature
• Major literary trends and movements
• Nepali folk tales

UPSC Nepali Paper-II Syllabus

• Santa Jnandil Das – Udaya Lahari
• Lekhnath Poudyal – Tarun Tapasi
• Agam Singh Giri – Jaleko Pratibimba Royeko Pratidhwani
• Haribhakta Katuwal – You Zindagi Khai Ke Zindagi
• Balkrishna Sama – Prahlad
• Manbahadur Mukhia-Andhyaroma Banchneharu
• Indra Sundas – Sahara
• Lil Bahadur Chhetri – Brahmaputrako Chheuchhau
• Rupnarayan Sinha – Katha Navaratna
• Indrabahadur Rai – Vipana Katipaya
• Sanu Lama – Katha Sampad
• Laxmi Prasad Devkota – Laxmi Nibandha Sangraha
• Ramkrishna Sharma – Das Gorkha

15. UPSC Oriya Literature Syllabus

UPSC Oriya Paper I Syllabus

• Origin and development of Oriya Language
• Phonetics and Phonemics
• Morphology
• Syntax
• Semantics
• Common errors
• Regional variations in Oriya Language and Dialects
• Historical backgrounds of Oriya Literature of different periods
• Ancient epics, ornate kavyas, and padavalis
• Typical structural forms of Oriya Literature
• Modern trends in poetry, drama short story, novel, essay, and literary criticism

UPSC Oriya Paper-II Syllabus

• 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

16. UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus

UPSC Punjabi Paper I Syllabus

• Origin of Punjabi language
• Different stages of development and in Punjabi language
• Characteristics of Punjabi phonology and the study of its tones
• Punjabi morphology
• Language and dialect
• Language and script
• Classical background
• Medieval literature
• Modern trends Mystic, romantic, progressive and neo mystic
• Experimentalist
• Aesthetes
• Neo-progressive
• Origin and Development of Genres
• Folk literature Folk songs, Folk tales. Riddles, Proverbs
• Epic – Vir Singh, Avtar Singh, Azad Mohan Singh
• Lyric – Gurus, Sufis, and Modern Lyricists-Mohan Singh Amrita Pritam, Shiv Kumar, Harbhajan Singh
• Drama – I.C. Nanda, Harcharan Singh, Balwant Gargi,S.S.Sekhon, Charan Das Sidhu
• Novel – Vir Singh, Nanak Singh, Jaswant Singh Kanwal, K.S.Duggal, Sukhbir, Gurdial Singh, Dalip Kaur Tiwana, Swaran Chandan
• Short Story – Sujan Singh, K.S. Virk. Prem Parkash, Waryam Sandhu
• Socio-cultural – Sanskrit, Persian Literary influences and Western
• Essay
• Literary Criticism

UPSC Punjabi Paper-II Syllabus

• Sheikh Farid The complete Bani
• Guru Nanak Japji Baramah, Asa di Var
• Bulleh Shah Kafian
• Waris Shah Heer
• Shah Mohammad Jangnama (Jang Singhan te Firangian)
• Dhani Ram Chatrik Chandan Vari
• Sufi Khana
• Nawan Jahan
• Nanak Singh (Novelist) Chitta Lahu
• Pavittar Papi
• Ek Mian Do Talwaran
• Gurbaksh Singh (Essayist) Zindagi di Ras
• Nawan Shivala
• Merian Abhul Yadaan
• Balraj Sahni (Travelogue) Mera Roosi Safarnama
• Mera Pakistani Safarnama
• Balwant Gargi (Dramatist) Loha Kutt
• Dhuni-di-Agg
• Sultan Razia
• Sant Singh Sekhon (Critic) Sahityarth
• Parsidh Punjabi Kavi
• Punjabi Kavi Shiromani

17. UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus

UPSC Sanskrit Paper I Syllabus

• Significant features of the grammar – Sanjna, Sandhi, Karaka, Samasa, Kartari and Karmani vacyas
• Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language.
• Prominent features of classical Sanskrit language.
• Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies
• The literary history of Sanskrit
• Principal trends of literary criticism
• Ramayana
• Mahabharata
• The origin and development of literary genres – Mahakavya, Rupaka (drama), Katha, Akhyayika, Campus, Khandkavya, Muktaka Kavya
• Essentials of Indian Culture – Purusharthas, Samskaras, Varnashrama Vyavastha, Arts and fine arts, Technical sciences
• Trends of Indian Philosophy – Mimansa, Vedanta, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Sankhya, Yoga, Bauddha, Jaina, Carvaka
• Short Essay in Sanskrit
• Unseen passage

UPSC Sanskrit Paper-II Syllabus

• Raghuvamsam-Kalidasa
• Kumarasambhavam-Kalidasa
• Kiratarjuniyam-Bharavi
• Sisupalavadha-Magha
• Naisadhiyacaritam-Sriharsa
• Kadambari-Banabhatta
• Dasakumaracarita -Dandin
• Sivaraj Yodayam-S.B. Varnekar
• Isavasyopanishad
• Bhagavadgita
• Sundarakanda of Valmiki Ramayana
• Arthasastra of Kautilya
• Svapnavasavadattam- Bhasa
• Abhijnanasakuntalam- Kalidasa
• Mricchakatika-Sudraka
• Mudrarakshasa-Vishakhadatta
• Uttara Ramacharitam- Bhavabhuti
• Ratnavali-Sriharshavardhana
• Venisamhara- Bhatta Narayana
• Meghadutam-Kalidasa
• Nitisatakam-Bhartrhari
• Panchatantra
• Rajatarangini-Kalhana
• Harsacaritam-Banabhatta
• Amarukasatakam-Amaruka
• Gita Govinda-Jayadeva
• 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 II chapter verses 13 to 25
• Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30
• Meghaduta – verses 1 to 10
• Nitisatakam-Verses 1 to 10
• Kadambari – Sukanasopadesa (only)
• Svapnavasavadattam Act VI
• Abhijnanasakuntalam Act IV verses 15 to 30
• Uttara Ramacharitam Act 1 verses 31 to 47

18. UPSC Sindhi Literature Syllabus

UPSC Sindhi Paper I Syllabus

• Origin and evolution of Sindhi language – scholars perspectives
• Significant linguistic features of Sindhi language – phonology, morphology, and syntax
• Major dialects of the Sindhi language
• Sindhi vocabulary – pre-partition and post-partition periods
• Historical study of – Writing Systems of Sindhi
• Changes in the structure of Sindhi language in India – after partition
• Sindhi literature through the ages
• Early medieval literature up to 1350 A.D. including folk literature.
• The late medieval period from 1350 A.D. to 1850 A.D.
• Renaissance period from 1850 A.D. to 1947 A.D.
• The modern period from 1947

UPSC Sindhi Paper II Syllabus

• Shah Jo Choond Shair – ed. H.I. Sadarangani, Published by Sahitya Akademi (First 100 pages)
• Sachal Jo Choond Kalam – ed. Kalyan B. Advani Published by Sahitya Academy (Kafis only)
• Sami-a-ja Choond Sloka – ed. B.H. Nagrani Published by Sahitya Academy (First 100 pages)
• Shair-e-Bewas – Kishinchand Bewas
• Roshan Chhanvro – Narayan Shyam
• Virhange Khanpoije Sindhi Shair jee Choond – ed. H.I. Sadarangani Sahitya Academy
• Behtareen Sindhi Natak
• h. Kako Kaloomal – Madan Jumani
• Pakheeara Valar Khan Vichhrya – Gobind Malhi
• Sat Deenhan – by Krishan Khatwani
• Choond Sindhi Kahaniyon Vol. III.-Edited by Prem Prakash,
• Bandhan – Sundri Uttamchandani
• Behtareen Sindhi Mazmoon – Hiro Thakur
• Sindhi Tanqeed – Sahitya Akademi
• Mumhinjee Hayati-a ja Sona Ropa varqa – by Popati Hiranandani
• Dr. Choitram Gidwani-Vishnu Sharma

19. UPSC Santali Literature Syllabus

UPSC Santali Paper I Syllabus

• Main Austric Language family, population and distribution
• The grammatical structure of Santali Language
• An important character of Santali Language – Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Translation, Lexicography
• Impact of other languages on Santali
• Standardization of Santali Language
• History of Santali Literature
• Ancient literature before 1854
• Missionary period – Literature between 1855 to 1889 AD
• Medieval period – Literature between 1890 to 1946 AD
• Modern period: Literature from 1947 AD to till date
• Writing tradition in History of Santali literature
• Literary forms- characteristics, history
• Folk Literature in Santali – folk song, folk tale, phrase, puzzles, and Kudum
• Modern literature in Santali
• Development of poetry and prominent poets
• Development of prose and prominent writers
• Novels and prominent Novelists
• Stories and prominent story writers
• Drama and prominent Dramatist
• Criticism and prominent critics – Essay, sketches, memoirs, travelogues, and prominent writers
• Cultural Heritage of Santali tradition, customs, festival and rituals

UPSC Santali Paper-II Syllabus

• 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

20. UPSC Tamil Literature Syllabus

UPSC Tamil Paper I Syllabus

• History of Tamil Language
• Major Indian Language Families
• Distribution of Dravidian languages
• The language of Sangam literature
• The language of medieval Tamil
• Historical study of Nouns, Verbs, adjectives, adverbs, Tense markers and case markers in Tamil
• Borrowing of words into Tamil Regional and social dialects
• Difference between literary and spoken Tamil
• History of Tamil Literature
• Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literature
• Devotional literature
• Social factors for the development of Modern Tamil literature
• Recent trends in Tamil Studies
• Approaches to criticism
• Various techniques in literature
• The concept of comparative literature
• Folk literature in Tamil
• Uses of translation
• Development of journalism in Tamil
• Cultural Heritage of the Tamils

UPSC Tamil Paper-II Syllabus

• Kuruntokai (1-25 poems)
• Purananuru (182-200 poems)
• Thirukkural Porutpal – Arasiyalum Amaichiyalum
• Silappadikaram – Madhurai Kandam only
• Kamba Ramayanam – Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam
• Thiruvasagam – Neetthal Vinnappam
• Thiruppavai – Full Text
• Bharathiar- Kannan Pattu
• Bharathidasan- Kudumba Vilakku
• Naa. Kamarasan- Karuppu Malargal
• Mu. Varadharajan. Aramum Arasiyalum
• C N Annadurai: Ye! Vazhntha Tamilagame
• Akilon – Chittirappavai
• Jayakanthan – Gurupeedam
• Cho – Yarukkum Vetkamillai
• Muthu Pattan Kathai Edited by Na. Vanamamalai
• Malaiyaruvi, Edited by Ki. Va Jagannathan

21. UPSC Telugu Literature Syllabus

UPSC Telugu Paper I Syllabus

• Place of Telugu Dravidian languages
• Major linguistic changes from old Telugu to Modern Telugu.
• Evolution of spoken Telugu compared to Telugu-Formal
• Influence of other languages and its impact on Telugu
• Modernization of Telugu language.
• Linguistic and literary movements
• Role of media in modernization of Telugu
• Problems of terminology and mechanisms
• Dialects of Telugu
• Syntax
• Processes of nominalization and relativization
• Translation
• Literature in Pre-Nannaya Period-Marga and Desi poetry
• Nannaya Period
• Saiva poets and their contribution
• Tikkana and his place in Telugu literature
• Errana and his literary works
• Srinatha and Potana
• Bhakti poets in Telugu literature
• Evolution of prabandhak
• Southern school of Telugu literature
• Modern Telugu Literature and literary forms
• Literary Movements
• Digambarakavulu, Feminist and Dalit Literature
• Main divisions of folk literature-Performing folk arts

UPSC Telugu Paper-II Syllabus

• Aesthetic approach
• Formal and Structural
• Imagery and Symbolism
• Sociological, Historical, Ideological, Psychological approaches
• Nannaya-Dushyanta Charitra
• Tikkana-Sri Krishna Rayabaram
• Srinatha-Guna Nidhi Katha
• Pingali Surana-Sugatri Salinulakatha
• Molla-Ramayanamu
• Kasula Purushothama Kavi-Andhra Nayaka Satakam
• Gurajada Appa Rao-Animutyalu
• Viswanatha Satyanarayana-Andhra Prasasti
• Devulapalli Krishna Sastry-Krishna Paksha
• Sri Sri-Mahaprasthanam
• Jashuva-Gabbilam (Part I)
• C. Narayana Reddy-Karpura Vasantha Rayalu
• Kanuparti Varalakshmamma-Sarada Lekhalu
• Atreya-N.G.O.
• Rachakonda Viswanatha Sastry-Alpajaeevi

22. UPSC Urdu Literature Syllabus

UPSC Urdu Paper I Syllabus

• Development of Urdu Language
• Development of Indo-Aryan
• Western Hindi and its dialects
• Dakhani Urdu-Origin and development
• Social and Cultural roots of Urdu language
• Script, Phonology, Morphology, Vocabulary
• Poetry – Ghazal, Masnavi, Qasida, Marsia, Rubai, Jadeed Nazm,
• Prose – Novel, Short Story, Dastan, Drama, Inshaiya, Khutoot, Biography
• Deccani, Delhi and Lucknow schools
• Sir Syed movement, Romantic movement, Progressive movement, Modernism
• Literary Criticism
• Essay writing

UPSC Urdu Paper-II Syllabus

• Mir Amman Bagho-Babar
• Ghalib Intikhab-e-Khat-e Ghalib
• Mohd. Husain Nairang-e-Khayal Azad
• Prem Chand Godan
• Rajendra Singh Apne Dukh Mujhe Bedi Dedo
• Abul Kalam Azad Ghubar-e-Khatir
• Mir Intikhab-e-Kalam-e-Mir
• Mir Hasan Sahrul Bayan
• Ghalib Diwan-e-Ghalib
• Iqbal Bal-e-Jibreel
• Firaq Gul-e-Naghma
• Faiz Dast-e-Saba
• Akhtruliman Bint-e-Lamhat

23. UPSC English Literature Syllabus

UPSC English Paper I Syllabus

• William Shakespeare – King Lear and The Tempest
• John Donne – Canonization, Death be not proud, The Good Morrow, On his Mistress going to bed, and The Relic
• William Wordsworth – Ode on Intimations of Immortality, Tintern Abbey, Three years she grew, She dwelt among untrodden ways,
• Michael, Resolution, and Independence, The World is too much with us, Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour, Upon Westminster Bridge,
• John Milton – Paradise Lost, I, II, IV, IX
• Alexander Pope – The Rape of the Lock
• Alfred Tennyson – In Memoriam
• Henrik Ibsen – A Doll’s House
• Jonathan Swift – Gulliver’s Travels
• Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice
• Henry Fielding – Tom Jones
• Charles Dickens – Hard Times
• George Eliot – The Mill on the Floss
• Thomas Hardy – Tess of the d’Urbervilles
• Mark Twain – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

UPSC English Paper-II Syllabus

• William Butler Yeats – Easter 1916, The Second Coming, A Prayer for my daughter, Sailing to Byzantium, The Tower, Among School Children, Leda and the Swan, Meru, and Lapis Lazuli
• T.S. Eliot – The LoveSong of J.Alfred Prufrock, Journey of the Magi, Burnt Norton
• W.H. Auden – Partition, Musee des Beaux-Arts, in Memory of W.B. Yeats, Lay your sleeping head, my love, The Unknown Citizen, Consider,
• Mundus Et Infans, The Shield of Achilles, September 1, 1939, and Petition
• John Osborne – Look Back in Anger
• Samuel Beckett -Waiting for Godot
• Philip Larkin – Next, Please, Deceptions, Afternoons, Days, and Mr. Bleaney
• A.K. Ramanujan – Looking for a Cousin on a Swing, A River, Of Mothers, among other Things, Love Poem for a Wife, Small-Scale Reflections on a Great House, and Obituary
• Joseph Conrad – Lord Jim
• James Joyce – Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
• D.H. Lawrence – Sons and Lovers
• E.M. Forster – A Passage to India
• Virginia Woolf – Mrs. Dalloway
• Raja Rao – Kanthapura
• V.S. Naipaul – A House for Mr. Biswas

Conclusion

The UPSC Literature Optional Subjects are the most preferred subjects by previous candidates. People having a native language from the above-mentioned subjects should definitely take literature as their option.

This article will guide you step to step about the syllabus of UPSC literature Optional Subjects. This article will clarify your decision about choosing the right for better results.

Do check the UPSC Mains Optional Subjects Syllabus