UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Syllabus, Download PDF

Aditi Sinha August 21, 2023 03:30 6610 0

Prepare for the UPSC Assamese Literature Optional exam including syllabus, paper pattern, recommended books, previous year question papers, expert preparation tips.

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Syllabus, Download PDF

UPSC Assamese literature Optional is listed as one of the subjects in the UPSC mains exam, categorized under “Literature of any one of the following languages.” Among the 23 language subjects mentioned by UPSC, Assamese literature is included. In this article, we will try to explore every possible dimension of Assamese literature which will help candidates to score high marks in this subject.

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Subject

The UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Subject offers candidates an opportunity to find out the literary tradition and development of Assamese literature. It covers a range of topics from medieval to modern Assamese literature. It offers candidates to go through the works of prominent literary figures and analyze the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped Assamese literature over the centuries. 

UPSC Assamese Optional Paper Pattern

Like all other optional subjects of UPSC optional subject list, the subject is made up of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each paper carrying 250 marks. Each paper is divided into two sections. Each paper has a total of eight questions, divided equally into four questions. A candidate has to attempt any five questions. Question 1 and Question 5 are compulsory. Out of the remaining six, any three have to be attempted, with at least one from each section. Answers must be written in Assamese language only.

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Exam Pattern
Particular Details
Total Papers Two, 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 No. 1 and 5
Marks Distribution 10, 15, and 20 marker questions

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Syllabus

The UPSC Assamese Literature syllabus includes a comprehensive coverage into the Assamese Language and literary heritage of Assam. It covers the language’s development, from its origin to modern grammar and dialects. Candidates will also find literary criticism and historical periods, with a focus on the Vaisnavite era, folk influences, and the post-colonial landscape. Syllabus of Assamese Literature is divided into two segments i.e Paper 1 and Paper 2.

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional  Syllabus For Paper 1

The UPSC Assamese Syllabus Paper 1 is divided into two sections: Section A focuses on Language, and Section B covers Literary Criticism and Literary History. Below is the detailed syllabus of UPSC Assamese Syllabus Paper 1.

Section A
1. Language 
  1. History of the origin and development of the Assamese Language —its position among the IndoAryan language—periods in its history.
  2. Development of Assamese prose.
  3. Vowels and consonants of the Assamese Language—Rules of phonetic changes with stress on Assamese coming down from Old Indo-Aryan.
  4. Assamese vocabulary—and its sources.
  5. Morphology of the language—conjugation—enclitic definitives and pleonastic suffixes.
  6. Dilectical divergences—the Standard colloquial and the Kamrupi dialect in particular.
  7. Assamese script—its evolution through the ages till 19th century A.D.
Section B
2. Literary Criticism and Literary History
  1. Principles of literary criticism up to New criticism.
  2. Different literary genres.
  3. Development of literary forms in Assamese.
  4. Development of literary criticism in Assamese.
  5. Periods of the literary history of Assam from the earliest beginnings, i.e. from the period of the charyyageeta with their socio-cultural background : the proto Assamese Pre-Sankaradeva— Sankaradeva—Post-Sankaradeva—Modern period (from the coming of the Britishers)—PostIndependence period. Special emphasis is to be given on the Vaisnavite period, the gonaki and the post-independence periods. 

 

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Syllabus Paper II focuses on the candidates’ critical reading skills. This paper will require first-hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the candidate’s critical ability. The UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 2 syllabus includes topics such as Ramayana (only Ayodhya Kanda), Parijat-Harana, Rasakrida by Sankaradeva, Bargeet, Rajasuya, Mor Jeevan Sonwaran, Gaonburha, and more. Find the detailed syllabus below.

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional  Syllabus For Paper 2

Section A
  • Ramayana (Ayodhya Kanda)—by Madhava Kandali
  • Parijat-Harana —by Sankaradeva.
  • Rasakrida —by Sankaradeva (From Kirtana Ghosa)
  • Bargeet —by Madhavadeva
  • Rajasuya —by Madhavadeva
  • Katha-Bhagavata(Books I and II) —by Baikuntha Nath Bhattacharyya.
  • Gurucharitra-Katha (Sankara deva’s Part only) —ed. by Maheswar Neog
Section B
  • Mor Jeevan Sonwaran —by Lakshminath Bezbaroa
  • Kripabar BorbaruarKakatar Topola —by Lakshminath Bezbaroa.
  • Pratima —by Chandra Kumar Agarwalla.
  • Gâonburha —by Padmanath Gohain Barua
  • Manomata —by Rajanikanta Bordoloi
  • Purani Asamaya Sahitya —by Banikanta Kakati
  • Karengar Ligiri —by Jyotiprasad Agarwalla
  • Jeevanar Batat —by Bina Barva(BirinchiKumar Barua)
  • Mrityunjoy —by Birendrakumar Bhattacharyya
  • Samrat —by Navakanta Barua

List Of Books for UPSC Assamese Literature Optional

It is advisable for candidates to choose books wisely from a wide range of options to score good marks in UPSC Assamese literature optional exam in IAS exam. The right books will help them cover all the topics easily and gain a better and more in-depth understanding of the exam sections. To ensure the best preparation, candidates can refer to the Assamese literature books and other subject-specific books mentioned below to excel in the exam.

Booklist for Paper I Book list for Paper II 
  • “Assamese Literature: Its History and Development” by Maheswar Neog
  • “A History of Assamese Literature” by Birinchi Kumar Barua
  • “A Critical History of Assamese Literature” by Birendranath Dutta
  • “The Heritage of Assam” by Padmeshwar Gogoi
  • “Modern Assamese Literature” by Sisir Kumar Das
  • “Padum Kunwari Aru Anyanya Galpa” by Lakhminath Bezbarua
  • “Bakor Putek” by Navakanta Barua
  • “Chameli Memsaab” by Raseswar Saikia
  • “Karengar Ligiri” by Phanindranath Sharma
  • “Katha Sankalan” (Collection of Assamese Short Stories), edited by Prafulladutta Goswami
  • Other Literary texts have been mentioned in the Paper II Syllabus.

UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Previous Year Question Papers

To gain command and to score high marks in Assamese Optional Subject it becomes very important to analyse the patterns and topics which have been asked in the last few years for this Previous Year Question Papers plays a crucial role. Previous year question papers.

Previous Year Question Papers of Assamese Literature can help candidates to get used to the question styles, weightage of topics, time management for the actual exam. List of Assamese Previous Year Question Papers are as follows.

Year Download Link
2022 UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 1

UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 2

2020 UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 1

UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 2

2019 UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 1

UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 2

2018 UPSC Optional Paper 1

UPSC Assamese Optional Paper 2

Advantages and Disadvantages of UPSC Assamese Literature Optional

UPSC Optional subjects are numerous and each subject has its own domain and that is why each subject has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the interest and background of candidates. Still we try to find out some advantages and disadvantages of Assamese Optional subjects.

Advantages  Disadvantages
  • Less Competition: Compared to other optionals, far fewer candidates opt for Assamese Literature. This translates to potentially higher marks for scoring well.
  • Interest-driven Preparation: If you have a passion for Assamese literature, studying for the exam can be enjoyable and less stressful. Engaging with the content itself can be motivating.
  • Well-defined Syllabus: The syllabus for Assamese Literature is stable and rarely changes. This allows you to build a strong foundation over time through consistent preparation.
  • Essay & Interview Boost: Studying literature improves your analytical and writing skills, which are beneficial for the essay paper and interview stages of the UPSC exam.
  • Unique Answers: Literature allows for interpretation and analysis, giving you the opportunity to develop unique and insightful answers.
  • Limited Resources: Compared to more popular optionals, finding study materials and coaching specifically for Assamese Literature might be challenging.
  • Subjectivity in Marking: The evaluation of answers in literature can be subjective, meaning your score might depend on how well your views align with the examiner’s.
  • No GS Overlap: The syllabus for Assamese Literature may not directly overlap with the General Studies papers, requiring separate preparation for both sections.
  • Not for Everyone: If you don’t have a strong foundation or interest in Assamese literature, the preparation can feel overwhelming.

How to Prepare for the UPSC Assamese Literature Optional Exam?

Getting a good score in the UPSC exam for Assamese literature needs careful planning and doing things step by step. It’s important to get help from different places to do well in the exam. If you’re getting ready for the Assamese literature part of the exam, you can do better by following these steps:

  • Understand the Syllabus: First, understand exactly what topics you need to study for Assamese literature. Once you know this, you can start studying.
  • Make a Study Plan: Make a timetable that shows how you’ll study for the main exam. If you plan well, you have a better chance of getting high marks.
  • Take Notes: Write down important points as you study. These notes will help you revise quickly when the exam is near. Notes about quotes and lines from poems or books can make your answers stronger.
  • Practice Writing Answers Regularly: You need to practice writing answers every day. This is important because you’ll have to write quickly in the Assamese language during the exam. It might be hard at first, but it gets easier with practice. Use your knowledge from other subjects like General Studies when needed. This helps you understand how well you’re prepared and where you need to improve.
  • Read the Original Texts: It’s important to read the original texts in literature. This helps you develop your own writing style using beautiful language.
  • Stay Relevant: Focus on answering the question directly and avoid unnecessary tangents. Keep your response focused on the specific aspects of Assamese literature that are being asked about.
  • Compare Different Literatures: Comparing literature from different languages like English, Greek, African, Telugu, Tamil, and others can make your answers more interesting and unique.
  • Think Analytically: Assamese literature, like other literature subjects, needs you to think carefully. If you answer questions with deep thinking, it impresses the people who check your exam and helps you get good marks.
  • Solve Previous Year Questions: People who pass the exam have often looked at questions from previous years to see what’s important. Solving these questions gives you the confidence to do well.

Topper’s Answer Sheets for UPSC Assamese Literature Optional

Answer Sheets of the toppers who have given mock tests for Assamese Literature Optional can help candidates to get familiar with the writing style and flow of the answer which UPSC demands and can excel in this exam. The topper marksheet can be easily available to various blogs and telegram groups from where candidates can avoid them and analyse it. 

Preparing for any optional subject is not enough without planning. If candidates are willing to choose Assamese Literature as their optional subject then they need to have a plan for both General Studies and Assamese Literature separately. This is because for literature candidates need to practice writing in the language script. Also candidates can look at previous successful candidates’ notes and watch their strategy videos to make their own plan for handling the challenges.

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 Assamese Literature Syllabus FAQs

Assamese can be a good optional subject for the UPSC exam for candidates who have a strong command of the language or have studied it extensively. It offers an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and expertise in Assamese literature and language.

The UPSC essay paper needs to be written in either English or any of the scheduled languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Assamese is one of the scheduled languages, so it is allowed for the essay paper.

No, Assamese Paper 1 and Assamese Compulsory Papers are not the same in the UPSC exam. Assamese Paper 1 typically refers to the optional subject paper where candidates can choose Assamese literature as their optional subject. On the other hand, Assamese Compulsory Papers usually refer to the language papers that are compulsory for all candidates, which include the Assamese language paper along with papers for English and other Indian languages.

It depends, Candidates with non assamese background can find it very challenging to opt this subject.

It's advisable to choose a literature optional subject for UPSC if you've extensively studied it during your college years. This is because the preparation involves reading a significant amount of material. Additionally, finding coaching resources for these optional subjects might be limited, so prior familiarity with the subject can be beneficial.
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