Tamil Literature Optional UPSC Syllabus

The official UPSC Tamil Optional Syllabus is available here. Aspiring candidates with a passion and understanding of the Tamil language and its literature can choose Tamil as their optional subject in the UPSC examination. The Tamil Literature UPSC Syllabus delves into the diverse aspects of Tamil literature, including classical and modern works, poetry, prose, drama, and literary criticism. With a deep exploration of UPSC Tamil Literature Optional Syllabus, candidates can gain a comprehensive understanding of the language's evolution and its influence on Indian literature. Embracing the UPSC Tamil Optional Syllabus allows aspirants to celebrate the richness of Tamil literature while equipping them with an exceptional opportunity to excel in the UPSC examination.

UPSC Tamil Optional Syllabus For Paper 1

UPSC provides an elaborate section-wise syllabus for both papers of the UPSC Tamil Literature subject. Have a look at the detailed UPSC Tamil Literature Syllabus for the Optional Paper 1 of the IAS Mains exam.

Section A

1. History Of Tamil Language

• Major Indian Language Families—The place of Tamil among Indian Languages in general and Dravidian in particular—Enumeration and Distribution of Dravidian languages.
• The language of Sangam Literature—The language of medieval Tamil: Pallava Period only—Historical study of Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs—Tense markers and case markers in Tamil.
• Borrowing of words from other languages into Tamil—Regional and social dialects—the difference between literary and spoken Tamil.

2. History Of Tamil Literature

• Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literature—The division of Akam and Puram—The secular characteristics of Sangam Literature—The development of Ethical literature—Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.

3. Devotional Literature (Alwars and Nayanamars)

• The bridal mysticism in Alwar hymns—Minor literary forms (Tutu, Ula, Parani, Kuravanji).
• Social factors for the development of Modern Tamil Literature; Novel, Short Story and New Poetry—The impact of various political ideologies on modern writings.

Section B

1. Recent trends in Tamil Studies

• Approaches to criticism: Social, psychological, historical and moralistic—the use of criticism—the various techniques in literature; Ullurai, Iraicchi, Thonmam (Myth) Otturuvagam (allegory), Angadam (Satire), Meyappadu, Padimam (image), Kuriyeedu (Symbol), Irunmai (Ambiguity)—The concept of the comparative literature-the principle of comparative literature

2. Folk literature in Tamil

• Ballads, Songs, proverbs and riddles—Sociological study of Tamil folklore.
• Uses of translation—Translation of Tamil works into other languages-Development of journalism in Tamil.

3. Cultural Heritage of the Tamils

• Concept of Love and War—Concept of Aram-the ethical codes adopted by the ancient Tamils in their warfare-customs beliefs, rituals, modes of worship in the five Thinais.
• The Cultural changes as revealed in post-Sangam literature—cultural fusion in the medieval period (Jainism and Buddhism).
• The development of arts and architecture through the ages (Pallavas, later Cholas and Nayaks).
• The impact of various political, social, religious and cultural movements on Tamil Society.
• The role of mass media in the cultural change of contemporary Tamil society.

Tamil Literature UPSC Syllabus For Optional Paper 2

Given below is the detailed UPSC Tamil Literature Syllabus for Optional Paper 2.

Section A

1. Ancient Literature

• Kuruntokai (1—25 poems)
• Purananuru (182—200 poems)
• TirukkuralPorutpal: ArasiyalumAmaichiyalum (from Iraimatchi to Avaianjamai)

2. Epic Literature

• Silappadikaram: Madhurai Kandam
• Kambaramayanam: Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam

3. Devotional Literature

• Tiruvasagam: Neetthal Vinnappam
• Tiruppavai

Section B

1. Poetry & Prose

• Bharathiar: Kannan Pattu
• Bharathidasan: Kudumba Vilakku
• Naa. Kamarasan: Karappu Malarkal
• Mu. Varadharajanar: Aramum Arasiyalum
• C. N. Annadurai: Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame

2. Novel, Short Story and Drama

• Akilon: Chittairappavai
• Jayakanthan: Gurupeedam
• Cho: Yaurkkum Vetkamillai

3. Folk Literature

• Muthuppattan Kathai, Edited by Na. Vanamamalai (Publication: Madurai Kamaraj University)
• Malaiyaruvi, Edited by Ki. Va Jagannathan (Publication: Saraswathi Mahal, Thanjavur)

Check the detailed UPSC IAS Mains Syllabus here.

Tamil Literature Optional UPSC Syllabus PDF

The Tamil Literature optional subject in the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam offers candidates the opportunity to explore the rich literary heritage of the Tamil language. Covering classical and modern works, this syllabus delves into various genres, themes, and historical contexts, allowing aspirants to gain insights into the cultural, social, and artistic evolution of the Tamil-speaking region.

UPSC Tamil Optional Exam Pattern 2023

Tamil Literature Optional Subject is important for the mains examination stage of the UPSC Civil Services exam. The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination consists of several papers of different subjects. Check below the exam pattern of UPSC Mains examination for Tamil Literature Optional Subject:

• There will be two papers for Tamil Literature (or any other selected optional subjects) in UPSC Mains Examination. 
• Both the papers of the Tamil Literature optional subject will be of 250 marks each, which totals up to 500 marks.
• All papers including both the Tamil Literature optional subject papers are subjective.
• There is no negative marking.
• Both the Tamil Literature Optional Subject Papers are supposed to be written in Tamil language only. 

Check out the UPSC Exam Pattern in detail here.

How To Prepare For UPSC Tamil Optional Syllabus?

Tamil Literature as well as other optional subjects need special attention and preparation than other subjects. It is difficult to find good guidance and resources for these subjects. That is why it is important to plan the preparation and act on it efficiently so that candidates can cover the entire syllabus in the available time. Only then, the candidates will be able to stand a chance of getting selected in the UPSC Civil Services Exam Merit List and get shortlisted for the available posts.

Here are some tips that may help candidates while preparing for the Tamil Literature Subject are:

• Candidates must read all the primary texts and come up with their own interpretations, criticisms and analyses. First-hand reading is the most important method of preparing for the Tamil Literature Optional Subject.
• Candidates should use the UPSC Tamil syllabus PDF provided by Testbook to keep track of all the material that they have finished reading.
• Consider understanding the time period of the literature and the impact of the current socio-political scenario over those texts.
• Use reference books to understand other people’s perspectives on those same works of literature.
• Make a daily planner or to-do list as well as a long-term study planner containing broad goals for completion of syllabus, practice time, revision sessions, test series, current affairs etc.
• Candidates must attempt several UPSC IAS Test Series, Mock Tests, Current Affairs and UPSC Previous Year Question Papers.
• Creating a study calendar is a very efficient way to plan things. Candidates should try to stick to the study calendar as much as they can and set realistic goals.

Check out UPSC Tamil Literature Previous Year Papers here.

Books For UPSC Tamil Optional Syllabus

Here is a section on the curation of books and preparation material that Testbook recommends for the candidates. Get the detailed list of UPSC Books for Tamil literature syllabus and get a brief idea about it below:

We hope that you have gone through the UPSC Tamil Optional Syllabus thoroughly. We, at testbook, are committed to providing the candidates with the best study material for various government examinations such as for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Download the Testbook App now and get quick access to the best online learning resources curated by experts.