UPSC Manipuri Literature Optional Syllabus for Mains 2024, Download PDF

Introduction to the UPSC Manipuri Literature Optional Subject

Manipuri is one of the 22 official languages of the Union and is also listed in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution. Candidates having interest in the language and literature of Manipuri can take up the subject. If you are looking to prepare for Manipuri literature optional subject for UPSC CSE Mains Examination 2024, this article is for you.

UPSC Manipuri Literature Optional Syllabus: A Brief Overview

Manipuri is a Tibetan Burman language, which is spoken in the north-eastern state of Manipur and also in some parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

UPSC offers Manipuri literature as one of the 48 optionals for UPSC CSE Mains examination. Candidates aiming to select Manipuri literature for UPSC will need to know the basics of the language before taking it up.

The Manipuri literature syllabus is divided into two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, each worth 250 marks. Each paper has eight questions, divided equally into two sections of four questions each. Candidates have to attempt any five questions, with question 1 and question 5 being compulsory. Out of the remaining six questions, candidates have to attempt any three questions with at least one from each section.

Candidates have to write answers in the Manipuri language and no other language will be allowed in the paper.

UPSC Manipuri Literature Optional Syllabus: A Detailed Analysis

As part of the subject, UPSC will be testing the candidate’s knowledge regarding the important works from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Manipuri literature. Following is a detailed list of Manipuri literature syllabus.

Manipuri Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper 1

Section A of Paper 1 comprises the evolution, significance, and characteristics of the Manipuri language, while features of Manipuri culture, literary history of Manipuri, and Manipuri history make up part B of paper 1.

Manipuri Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper 2

Section A includes old Manipuri literature and medieval Manipuri literature while section B revolves around modern Manipuri literature.

UPSC Manipuri Literature Optional Books

Candidates have to collect the right books needed for the preparation of Manipuri literature. These books must completely cover the syllabus. Here are the books suggested for Manipuri literature:

Manipuri Literature Optional Previous Year Question Paper

Candidates preparing for Manipuri literature optional need to refer to previous question papers to have a clear idea about the nature of questions asked and how to tackle them effectively. Previous year question papers can be divided from following table:

Manipuri Literature Optional Preparation Tips

Optional subjects, including literature, have a very good weightage, and therefore it is important to score well in them. Manipuri literature needs specific preparation to score well. Following are some tips to excel in Manipuri literature optional:

• Completely Understand the Syllabus: The syllabus of Manipuri literature needs to be understood properly to address the demand of the questions. This must be the first step in preparation.
• Identify Reference Books: Reference books have to be collected before the preparation stage itself so that the candidate’s focus is on reading.
• Writing Practice: Candidates have to practice answer writing daily to ensure they are able to attempt maximum marks within the stipulated time.
• PYQ Analysis: Analysing previous year questions will give candidates insights of the examiner’s mind and also to prepare important topics for exam.
• Read Toppers’ Answer Copies: Reading answer copies of toppers will help candidates to properly structure their answers and also pick up minute details that can help them score maximum marks.
• Read the Original Literature Texts: It is important to read the original writings in literature. This helps you create your own way of writing answers.
• Address the Demand of the Question: Stick to directly answering the question and avoid going off topic. Keep your response centred on the particular aspects of Manipuri literature that are being inquired about.
• Attempt Test Series: Test series help candidates increase their confidence before exam by preparing their mind for the vigorous writing session. Test series must be attempted in both sectional and full-length modes.

Manipuri Literature Optional Test Series

Test series is an important aspect of UPSC optional preparation. Manipuri literature optional preparation also needs attempting test series. For this purpose, candidates are advised to enrol themselves in any good test series that allows them to introspect their preparation levels. In case of any drawbacks, they can address them before the actual exams.

Literature subjects, including Manipuri, test a candidates’ knowledge about the language and also their literary capabilities.  Applicants who have previously studied Manipuri during school or at the graduation level and those who are fluent in Manipuri should opt for this language as an optional subject.

With proper preparation and guidance, they can score very good marks in the examination. candidates are advised to think thoroughly before choosing Manipuri literature as optional.