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UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus For Mains 2024, Download PDF

Visakha Prashar September 01, 2023 11:10 14323 0

Get comprehensive insights into the UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus for Mains 2024, along with an in-depth analysis of the exam pattern, recommended books, preparation strategies, previous year's questions, and insights from toppers' answer sheets.

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus For Mains 2024, Download PDF

Introduction to the UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Subject

Hindi Literature is one of the optional subjects out of 23 language optional subjects mentioned in the UPSC mains examination. UPSC Syllabus has separately mentioned the category of “Literature of any of the following languages,” in which Hindi literature is mentioned. In this article, we will try to explore every possible dimension of Hindi literature, which will help candidates score high marks in this subject.

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Subject

According to the current structure of the UPSC Civil Services Exam, the main stage examination requires optional subjects, and Hindi Literature is one of the most preferred literature optional subjects. The Hindi Literature optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination covers comprehensive study of ancient, medieval, and modern Hindi literature, along with critical analysis and literary movements. Candidates opting for this subject are expected to have a strong command of Hindi language and literature. 

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Exam 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 Hindi only.

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UPSC Hindi 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

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus: A Detailed Analysis

The syllabus of Hindi Literature Optional includes prominent literary works, poets, playwrights, and essayists, providing a broad understanding of the evolution and diversity of Hindi literature. While study materials are widely available, candidates often refer to textbooks, literary critiques, and anthologies to prepare thoroughly for the examination. Success in this optional subject demands not only memorization but also a deep understanding and interpretation of literary texts, making it a challenging yet rewarding choice for aspirants. The syllabus of Hindi Literature is divided into two segments, i.e., Paper 1 and Paper 2.

UPSC Hindi literature Optional Syllabus For Paper 1

The Paper 1 syllabus of UPSC Hindi Literature covers both classical and modern levels of Hindi literary tradition. It includes the study of ancient and medieval poetry featuring renowned poets like Kabir, Surdas, and Tulsidas, as well as modern poets such as Nirala and Mahadevi Varma. Candidates also explore ancient and medieval prose, examining texts from the Bhakti and Riti periods, alongside modern prose including essays, biographies, and literary criticism Paper 1 aims to provide candidates with a comprehensive understanding of Hindi literary works across different genres and historical periods, fostering critical analysis and interpretation skills essential for the examination.

Paper 1: History of Language and Literature

Section A: History of Hindi Language and Nagari Lipi 
  1. Grammatical and applied forms of Apbhransh, Awahatta & Arambhik Hindi.
  2. Development of Braj and Awadhi as Literary language during medieval period.
  3. Early form of Khari-boli in Siddha-Nath Sahitya, Khusero, Sant Sahitaya, Rahim etc. and Dakhni Hindi.
  4. Development of Khari-boli and Nagari Lipi during the 19th Century.
  5. Standardisation of Hindi Bhasha & Nagari Lipi.
  6. Development of Hindi as a National Language during the freedom movement.
  7. The development of Hindi as a National Language of the Union of India.
  8. Scientific & Technical Development of Hindi Language.
  9. Prominent dialects of Hindi and their inter-relationship.
  10. Salient features of Nagari Lipi and the efforts for its reform & Standard form of Hindi.
  11. Grammatical structure of Standard Hindi.
Section B: History of Hindi Literature
  1. The relevance and importance of Hindi literature and tradition of writing History of Hindi Literature.
  2. Literary trends of the following four periods of history of Hindi Literature.
    1. Adikal—Sidh, Nath and Raso Sahitya. Prominent poets—Chandvardai, Khusaro, Hemchandra, Vidyapati.
    2. Bhaktikal—Sant Kavyadhara, Sufi Kavyadhara, Krishna Bhaktidhara and Ram Bhaktidhara. Prominent Poets—Kabir, Jayasi, Sur & Tulsi.
    3. Ritikal—Ritikavya, Ritibaddhkavya & Riti Mukta Kavya. Prominent Poets—Keshav, Bihari, Padmakar and Ghananand.
    4. Adhunik KaL
      1. Renaissance, the development of Prose, Bharatendu Mandal.
      2. Prominent Writers—Bharatendu, Bal Krishna Bhatt & Pratap Narain Mishra.
      3. Prominent trends of modern Hindi Poetry: Chhayavad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, Nai Kavita, Navgeet and Contemporary poetry and Janvadi Kavita. Prominent Poets—Maithili Sharan Gupta, Prasad, Nirala, Mahadevi, Dinkar, Agyeya, Muktibodh, Nagarjun.

3. Katha Sahitya

  1. Upanyas & Realism
  2. The origin and development of Hindi Novels.
  3. ProminentNovelists—Premchand, Jain-endra, Yashpal, Renu and Bhism Sahani.
  4. The origin and development of Hindi short stories.
  5. Prominent Short Story Writers—Premchand, Prasad, Agyeya, Mohan Rakesh & Krishna Sobti

4. Drama & Theatre

  1. The Origin & Development of Hindi Drama.
  2. Prominent Dramatists—Bharatendu, Prasad, Jagdish Chandra Mathur, Ram Kumar Verma, Mohan Rakesh.
  3. The development of Hindi Theatre.

5. Criticism

  1. The origin and development of Hindi criticism : Saiddhantik, Vyavharik, Pragativadi. Manovishleshanvadi & Nai Alochana.
  2. Prominent critics—Ramchandra Shukla, Hajari Prasad Dwivedi, Ram Vilas Sharma & Nagendra.

6. The other forms of Hindi prose—Lalit Nibandh,Rekhachitra, Sansmaran, Yatra-vrittant.

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper II 

The Paper-II syllabus for UPSC Hindi Literature Optional covers the historical trajectory, critical analysis, and socio-cultural context of Hindi literature. It covers the evolution of Hindi literature from its inception to the present day to make candidates aware about the major literary movements and critical theories. Paper-II syllabus aims to equip candidates with the analytical skills necessary to interpret and evaluate Hindi literary texts within their broader historical and cultural frameworks.

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Paper II Syllabus

Section A

1. Kabir : Kabir Granthawali, Ed. Shyam Sundar Das (First hundred Sakhis)

2. Soordas : Bhramar Geetsar, Ed. Ramchandra Shukla (First hundred Padas)

3. Tulsidas : RamcharitManas (Sundar Kand) Kavitawali (Uttarkand)

4. Jayasi : Padmawat Ed. Shyam Sundar Das (Sinhal Dwip Khand & Nagmativiyog Khand)

5. Bihari : Bihari Ratnakar Ed. Jagnnath Prasad Ratnakar (First 100 Dohas)

6. Maithili Sharan Gupta : Bharat Bharati

7. Prasad : Kamayani (Chinta and Shraddha Sarg)

8. Nirala : Rag-Virag, Ed. Ram Vilas Sharma (Ram Ki Shakti Pooja & Kukurmutta)

9. Dinkar : Kurukshetra

10. Agyeya : Angan Ke Par Dwar (Asadhya Veena)

11. Muktiboth  : Brahm Rakhashas 

12. Nagarjun : Badal Ko Ghirte Dekha Hai, Akal Ke Bad, Harijan Gatha.

 Section B

1. Bharatendu : Bharat Durdasha

2. Mohan Rakesh : Ashadh Ka Ek Din

3. Ramchandra : Chintamani (Part I) (KavitaKya Shukla Hai, ShraddhaAurBhakti)

4. Dr. Satyendra : Nibandh Nilaya—Bal Krishna Bhatt, Premchand, Gulab Rai, Hajari Prasad, Dwivedi, Ram Vilas Sharma, Agyeya, Kuber Nath Rai.

5. Premchand : Godan, Premchand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan, Ed. Amrit Rai/Manjusha—Prem Chand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan. Ed. Amrit Rai.

6. Prasad : Skandgupta

7. Yashpal : Divya

8. Phaniswar Nath : Maila Anchal Renu

9. Mannu Bhandari : Mahabhoj

10. Rajendra Yadav : Ek Dunia Samanantar (All Stories)

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Books

It is advisable for candidates to choose books wisely from a wide range of options to score good marks in UPSC Hindi 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 Hindi literature books and other subject-specific books mentioned below to excel in the exam.

Hindi Literature Optional Books For Paper 1 (History of Hindi Literature)

  • Adikal (Ancient Period)
    • Chhayavad: Main Tendencyein” (छायावाद: मुख्य प्रवृत्तियाँ) by Ramchandra Shukla
    • Hindi Sahitya ka Aadi Itihas” (हिन्दी साहित्य का आदि इतिहास) by Hazari Prasad Dwivedi
  • Madhyakal (Medieval Period)
    • Hindi Bhaktikavya” (हिन्दी भक्तिकाव्य) by Ram Vilas Sharma
    • Tulsi Ki Kavya Drishti” (तुलसी की काव्य दृष्टि) by Ram Murti Sharma
  • Bhakti Kal (Devotional Period)
    • Surdas” by Ramdas Gaur
    • “Kabir” by Hazari Prasad Dwivedi
  • Adhunik Kal (Modern Period)
    • “Hindi Sahitya: Bhumika aur Vivechana” (हिन्दी साहित्य: भूमिका और विवेचना) by Namwar Singh
    • “Hindi Sahitya ka Adhunik Swarup” (हिन्दी साहित्य का आधुनिक स्वरूप) by Ram Vilas Sharma

Hindi Literature Optional Books For Paper 2: Literary Genres (Poetry, Prose, Drama etc.)

  • Kavya (Poetry)

    • “Kavya Vivechana” (काव्य विवेचन) by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla
    • “Chhayavadi Kavya” (छायावादी कविता) edited by Ram Vilas Sharma
  • Katha Sahitya (Prose)

    • “Hindi Gadya ka Vikas” (हिन्दी गद्य का विकास) by Ramchandra Shukla
    • “Dwivedi Yug ka Gadya Sahitya” (द्विवेदी युग का गद्य साहित्य) by Shivapujan Mishra
  • Natak (Drama)

    • “Hindi Natak ka Itihas” (हिन्दी नाटक का इतिहास) by Ram Vilas Sharma
    • “Bharatendu Harishchandra” by Nagendra
  • Other literary works are mentioned in the syllabus.

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Previous Year Question Papers

To gain command and score high marks in Hindi Optional Subject, it becomes very important to analyse the patterns and topics that have been asked in the last few years. Previous-year Year Question Papers of Hindi Literature can help candidates get used to the question pattern, weights of topics, and time management for the actual exam. The list of Hindi previous year papers is as follows:

UPSC History Optional Previous Year Question Papers

Year UPSC History Optional Question Papers PDF Link
2023 UPSC History Optional Question Paper 1

UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2

2022 UPSC History Optional Question Paper 1

UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2

2021 UPSC History Optional Question Paper 1

UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2

2020 UPSC History Optional Question Paper 1

UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2

2019 UPSC History Optional Question Paper 1

UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2

2018 UPSC History Optional Question Paper 1

UPSC History Optional Question Paper 2

Advantages and Disadvantages Of UPSC Hindi Optional

Optional subjects in UPSC are numerous, and each subject has its own domain. 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 Hindi Optional subjects.

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Advantages  Disadvantages
  • Lower Competition: Compared to other optional subjects, Hindi Literature attracts fewer candidates. This can be beneficial for aspirants who are confident in their understanding of the subject and analysis of Hindi literature.
  • Rich Content: Hindi literature boasts a long and rich history with diverse genres and influential figures. Studying it can provide a deeper understanding of Hindi culture and society.
  • Essay Writing and Interview Skills: Extensive reading and analysis of Hindi literature can enhance your essay writing and analytical skills, which are valuable assets for other parts of the UPSC exam.
  • Static Syllabus: The syllabus for Hindi Literature generally undergoes minimal changes, so your preparation remains relevant for multiple attempts.
  • Subjectivity: Evaluation of answers in Hindi literature can be subjective. Your interpretation of the text might differ from the examiner’s, potentially affecting your score.
  • Limited Resources: Compared to mainstream optional subjects, there might be fewer coaching institutes and readily available study materials for Hindi Literature.
  • No Overlap with GS Papers: The subject offers minimal overlap with General Studies papers in the UPSC exam, requiring dedicated preparation time.

How to Prepare for Hindi Literature Optional?

Getting a good score in the UPSC exam for Hindi 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 Hindi literature part of the exam, you can do better by following these steps:

  • Understanding the Syllabus: First, grasp the specific topics you need to study for Hindi literature. Once you’re clear on this, you can begin your study process.
  • Creating a Study Plan: Develop a timetable that outlines how you’ll prepare for the main exam. Effective planning increases your chances of scoring well.
  • Taking Notes: Record important points as you study. These notes will aid in quick revision closer to the exam. Jot down quotes and lines from poems or books to enhance your answers.
  • Regular Practice in Answer Writing: Dedicate time daily to practice writing answers. This is crucial, as the exam requires you to write in Hindi quickly. Though challenging initially, regular practice improves your writing speed and proficiency. Utilize knowledge from other subjects, like general studies, as needed to gauge your preparedness and areas for improvement.
  • Reading Original Texts: It’s essential to read literature in its original form. This helps in developing your own writing style using eloquent language.
  • Staying Relevant: Focus on directly addressing the question and avoid unnecessary diversions. Keep your response centered on the specific aspects of Hindi literature being asked about.
  • Comparing Different Literatures: Drawing comparisons between Hindi literature and works from other languages like English, Greek, African, Telugu, Tamil, etc., can add depth and uniqueness to your answers.
  • Developing Analytical Thinking: Hindi literature, akin to other literature subjects, demands thoughtful analysis. Crafting responses with depth impresses examiners and boosts your chances of scoring well.
  • Solving Previous Year Questions: Successful candidates often refer to questions from past years to identify important areas. Solving these questions instills confidence and enhances performance.

IAS Hindi Literature Optional Toppers’ Answer Sheets

Answer Sheets of the toppers who have given mock tests for Hindi Literature Optional can help candidates get familiar with the writing style and flow of the answer that UPSC demands and can excel in this exam. The topper answer copy can be easily available to various blogs and telegram groups, where candidates can avail themselves of it and analyse it. 

Preparing for any optional subject is not enough without planning. If candidates are willing to choose Hindi Literature as their optional subject, then they need to have a plan for both General Studies and Hindi 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 Hindi Literature Syllabus FAQs

Hindi 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 Hindi 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. Hindi is one of the scheduled languages, so it is allowed for the essay paper.

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

It depends, Candidates with non Hindi backgrounds 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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