UPSC Odia Literature Optional Syllabus for Mains 2024, Download PDF

Aditi Sinha August 22, 2023 02:00 8677 0

Get comprehensive insights into the UPSC Odia Literature Optional Syllabus for Mains 2024, along with an in-depth analysis of the exam pattern, recommended books, and preparation strategies & tips.

UPSC Odia Literature Optional Syllabus for Mains 2024, Download PDF

Introduction to the UPSC Odia Literature Optional Syllabus

Odia literature optional syllabus is a widely queried topic by aspirants planning to take up the subject as an optional in UPSC CSE Mains. Odia literature is suitable for candidates belonging to Odisha or having very good exposure to Odia. If you plan to take up Odia literature, this article is exactly what you need to kick-start your preparation.

Odia Literature Optional Syllabus: A Brief Overview of the Subject

Odia is a language spoken in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Belonging to the Indo-Aryan language, the Odia language is also spoken across some pockets of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and also Jharkhand. Odia is one of the 22 official languages of India mentioned in the 8th schedule of the constitution. Recently, Odia has also been designated as a classical language, along with Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam. 

The whole syllabus of optional Odia literature will cover the basics of the Odia language and its important literary works. The syllabus is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II, each worth 250 marks. Both papers consist of eight questions divided equally into two sections, each having four questions. The candidates are required to attempt any five questions, with Questions 1 and 5 being compulsory. Out of the remaining six, candidates have to attempt any three, selecting at least one from each section.

UPSC Odia Literature Optional Exam Pattern

Particular Details
Total Papers Two papers, Paper I and Paper II
Total Marks 500 (250 Each)
Time allowed 3 Hours for each paper
Sections Section A and Section B
Questions total 8 questions with subparts
Compulsory Question Question Nos. 1 and 5
Marks Distribution 10, 15, and 20 marker questions


Candidates opting for Odia literature have to answer the question in
Odia using the Odia script.

Complete Odia Literature Optional Syllabus 2024

The Odia literature optional syllabus covers aspects of Odia, such as the grammar of the language, its history and evolution, the impact of other languages on it, the linguistic variation in different regions, and selected literary works. The following table contains a detailed Odia literature syllabus:

Odia Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper 1

Section A: History of the Odia Language
  1. Origin and development of Odia Language—Influence of Austric, Dravidian, Perso— Arabic and English on Odia Language. 
  2. Phonetics and Phonemics: Vowels, Consonants Principles of changes in Odia sounds. 
  3. Morphology: Morphemes (free, bound compound and complex), derivational and inflectional affixes, case inflection, conjugation of verb. 
  4. Syntax: Kinds of sentences and their trans-formation, structure of sentences. 
  5. Semantics—Different types of change in meaning. Euphemism. 
  6. Common errors in spellings, grammatical uses and construction of sentences. 
  7. Regional variations in Odia Language (Western, Southern and Northern Odia) and Dialects (Bhatri and Desia).
Section B: History of Odia Literature
  1. Historical backgrounds (social, cultural and political) of Odia Literature of different periods. 
  2. Ancient epics, ornate kavyas and padavalis. 
  3. Typical structural forms of Odia Literature (Koili, Chautisa, Poi, Chaupadi, Champu). 
  4. Modern trends in poetry, drama, short story, novel essay and literary criticism.

Odia Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper 2

Paper II of the syllabus will cover Odia poetry from ancient, medieval, and modern times, along with drama, novels, short stories, and essays from Odia literature.

Section A: Poetry 
  • Ancient
    1. Sãralã Dãs—Shanti Parva from Mahãbhãrata. 
    2. Jaganãth Dãs—Bhãgabata, XI Skadhã—Jadu Avadhuta Sambãda. 
  • Medieval 
    1. Dinakrushna Dãs—Raskallola—(Chhãndas—16 & 34) 
    2. Upendra Bhanja—Lãvanyabati (Chhãndas—1 & 2). 
  • Modern 
    1. Rãdhãnath Rãy—Chandrabhãgã. 
    2. Mãyãdhar Mänasinha—Jeevan—Chitã. 
    3. Sãtchidananda Routray—Kabitã—1962. 
    4. Ramãkãnta Ratha—Saptama Ritu.
Section B: Drama, Novel, Short Story and Essay
  • Drama
    1. Manoranjan Dãs—Kätha-Ghoda. 
    2. Bijay Mishra—Tata Niranjanä.
  • Novel
    1. Fakir Mohan Senãpati—Chhamãna Ãthaguntha. 
    2. Gopinãth Mohãnty—Dãnãpani.
  • Short Story : 
    1.  Surendra Mohãnty—Marãlara Mrityu. 
    2. 14. Manoj Dãs—Laxmira Abhisãra. 
  • Essay 
    1. Chittaranjan Dãs—Tranga O Tadit (First Five essays).  
    2. Chandra Sekhar Rath — Mun Satyadharmã Kahuchhi (First five essays).

Odia Literature Optional Books

Candidates have to identify the books that cover the Odia literature syllabus completely, both Paper 1 and Paper 2. The following is a list of books that are vital for Odia literature optional:

Paper 1 Paper 2
  • Odia Bhasa Ra Unmesha by Basudeva Sahu
  • Odia Dhwaani O Sabda Sambhra by Dhaneshwar Mahapatra
  • Odia sahityara Itihasa by Surjanarayan Dash
  • Odia Sahityara Itihasa by Surendrakumar Maharana
Read all the original texts of the literary works mentioned in the syllabus.

Odia Literature Optional Syllabus: Tips and Preparation Strategy

Before you start preparing the Odia literature optional syllabus, you need to keep in mind certain things that will help you gain an added advantage. The following strategy can be followed for higher chances of success:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and its various sections. Gain a clear understanding of the prescribed Odia literature texts and authors.
  • Make a study Schedule: Create a study schedule that allows sufficient time for each topic and text. Allocate dedicated time for reading, comprehension, and analysis of Odia literary works.
  • Read Original Text of Odia Literature: Read a wide range of Odia literature to develop a deep understanding of the language and its nuances. Pay attention to different genres and styles to broaden your knowledge.
  • Practice Answer Writing: Answer writing is the key to gaining hold of the language and developing critical thoughts. It will also ensure candidates are able to write answers within a stipulated time.
  • Analyse and Interpret: Practice analysing and interpreting Odia literary works, paying attention to themes, symbolism, and literary techniques. Discuss and share your interpretations with peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.
  • Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers: Solve past years’ question papers to become familiar with the exam pattern and gain insight into the type of questions asked. Analyze your performance to identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Stay Updated: Stay updated with the latest developments in the Odia literary world by reading newspapers, magazines, or online resources.
  • References from Other Language Literatures: Use other language literary sources like Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, Greek , etc. to  enrich your thought and dimension. You can use these references in your answer to add uniqueness to it.
  • Attempt Test Series: Candidates need to develop an exam-like mindset before actually going to the exam. For that to develop, they will have to write multiple tests. 

Conclusion

Looking at the Odia literature optional syllabus, it is clear that candidates will have to possess significant knowledge about the language and literary aspects. Only by developing these characteristics, they score good marks in the subject. But this does not mean that only candidates with a literature background can succeed by taking the subject. Students from literary backgrounds will have an added advantage over their competitors. 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

UPSC Odia Literature Optional Syllabus FAQs

Yes. The candidate has to compare the syllabus of both exams and identify the overlapping syllabus. Those parts that overlap can be prepared from the same source.

Test series help a candidate develop the mindset that is required for the exam. It will also help them identify their weaknesses and work on them before the actual exam.

The ratio of successful candidates opting for Odia optional in the last few years is zero. The number of candidates opting for Odia literature is also in single digits.

Yes. Reading the original literary text is compulsory. Reading the original work will help candidates to understand the text in a better way.

Yes. Toppers’ answer copy will provide hints about the way rewarding answers are written. After reading, candidates have to develop a proper strategy to score well in the exam.
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