Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus for Mains 2024, Download PDF

Visakha Prashar September 12, 2023 03:56 10646 0

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

Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus for Mains 2024, Download PDF

Maithili literature is one of the 48 optional subjects available for UPSC aspirants. If you have a background in Maithili literature or consider it your native language, you can select this subject. Scroll below to know more about UPSC Maithili literature optional syllabus, book list, tips and many more.

Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus: An Overview

Maithili is one of the 22 official languages of India and is widely spoken in regions of northern Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, some districts of West Bengal, Assam, and even in Nepal. The literature of Maithili features as one of the optional available for UPSC CSE Mains Examination.

Candidates having fair knowledge of the language and its literary aspects can choose Maithili literature as one of their subjects. The study involves understanding the basics of Maithili language and its literature.

The subject consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 250 marks. Each paper consists of eight questions, divided 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, any three have to be attempted, choosing at least one from each section.

UPSC Maithili 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


Candidates have to answer the paper in
Maithili language using the Devanagari script.

Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus: A Detailed Analysis

Maithili literature optional syllabus deals with the history of the Maithili language, its evolution, and some significant literary works such as Maithili poetry and prose. The following table provides a comprehensive syllabus for the UPSC Maithili optional subject:

Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper 1 

The UPSC Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus for Paper 1 consists of the history of Maithili Literature. The candidates must write the exam in the Maithili language.

Paper 1 Syllabus

Part A: History of Maithili Language
  1. Place of Maithili in the Indo-European Language family. 
  2. Origin and development of Maithili language. (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Avhatt, Maithili) 
  3. Periodic division of Maithili Language. (Beginning, Middle era, Modern era). 
  4. Maithili and its different dialects. 
  5. Relationship between Maithili and other Eastern languages (Bengali, Assamese, Oriya) 
  6. Origin and Development of Tirhuta Script. 
  7. Pronouns and Verbs in Maithili Language.
Part B: History of Maithili Literature
  1. Background of Maithili Literature (Religious, Economic, Social, Cultural). 
  2. Periodic division of Maithili literature. 
  3. Pre-Vidyapati Literature. 
  4. Vidyapati and his tradition. 
  5. Medieval Maithili Drama (Kirtaniya Natak, Ankia Nat, Maithili dramas written in Nepal). 
  6. Maithili Folk Literature (Folk Tales, Folk Drama, Folk Stories, Folk Songs). 
  7. Development of different literary forms in modern era: 
    1. Prabandh-kavya 
    2. Muktak-kavya 
    3. Novel 
    4. Short Story 
    5. Drama 
    6. Essay 
    7. Criticism 
    8. Memoirs 
    9. Translation 
  8. Development of Maithili Magazines and Journals.

Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper 2

The UPSC Maithili Literature Optional Syllabus includes prose, poems, theatre and more. The candidates must attempt the UPSC Maithili Literature Optional Exam in the Maithili language.

Paper 2 Syllabus

Part A: Poetry 
  1. Vidyapati Geet-Shati—Publisher: Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (Lyrics— 1 to 50) 
  2. Govind Das Bhajanavali—Publisher: Maithili Acadamy, Patna (Lyrics— 1 to 25) 
  3. Krishnajanm—Manbodh 
  4. Mithilabhasha Ramayana—Chanda Jha (only Sunder-Kand) 
  5. Rameshwar Charit Mithila Ramayan—Lal Das (only Bal-kand) 
  6. Keechak-Vadh—Tantra Nath Jha. 
  7. Datta-Vati—Surendra Jah ‘Suman’ (only 1st and 2nd Cantos). 
  8. Chitra-Yatri 
  9. Samakaleen Maithili Kavita—Publisher: Sahitaya Akademi, New Delhi.
Part B
  1. Varna Ratnakar—Jyotirishwar (only 2nd Kallol) 
  2. Khattar Kakak Tarang—Hari Mohan Jha 
  3. Lorik—Vijaya Manipadma 
  4. Prithvi Putra—Lalit 
  5. Bhaphait Chahak Jinagi—Sudhanshu ‘Shekhar’ Choudhary 
  6. Kriti Rajkamlak—Publisher: Maithili Acadamy, Patna (First Ten Stories only) 
  7. Katha–Sangrah–Publisher: Maithili Acadamy, Patna.

Maithili Literature Optional Books

Candidates preparing for Maithili literature need to identify books that will help them cover the complete syllabus. Following table has a list of books that will help you complete the syllabus of Maithili literature optional:

Paper 1 Paper 2
  • Maithili ka Udgam aur Vikas by Pandit Govind Jha
  • Ucchtar Maithili Vyakaran by Pandit Govind Jha
  • Parichayika by Dr. Bhimnath Jha
  • Maithili Bhasha Shastra by Dr. Dhirendra Nath Mishr
  • Maithili Sahityik Kaalik Vibhajan by Mayanand Mishr
  • Maithili Bhasha ka Vikas by Pandit Govind Jha
  • Maithili Sahityik Itihas by Dinesh Kumar Jha
  • Varini by Dr. Veena Thakur
  • Itihas Darpan by Dr. Veena Thakur
  • Maithili Safalta Sopan by Dr. Raman Kumar Jha
  • Maithili Sahityik Aalochanatamak Itihas by Dr. Durga Nath Jha “Shreesh”
  • Maithili Gadya Gaurav
  • Govind Das Bhajanavali by Maithili Acadamy, Patna (Publisher)
  • Krishna Janm Aalochana by Dr. Raman Kumar Jha
  • Vidyapati Geet-Shati by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (Publisher)
  • Keechak-Vadh by Tantra Nath Jha.
  • Rameshwar Charit Mithila Ramayan by Lal Das
  • Datta-Vati by Surendra Jah ‘Suman’
  • Lorik by Vijaya Manipadma
  • Khattar Kakak Tarang by Hari Mohan Jha
  • Mithilabhasha Ramayana by Chanda Jha
  • Samakaleen Maithili Kavita by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (Publisher)
  • Prithvi Putra by Lalit
  • Kriti Rajkamlak by Maithili Acadamy, Patna (Publisher)
  • Chitra-Yatri
  • Varna Ratnakar by Jyotirishwar
  • Bhaphait Chahak Jinagi by Sudhanshu ‘Shekhar’ Choudhary
  • Maithili Safalta Sopan by Dr. Raman Kumar Jha
  • Katha–Sangrah by Maithili Acadamy, Patna (Publisher)

Maithili Literature Previous Question Papers

Candidates planning to prepare for Maithili literature optional can analyse previous year question papers by visiting the link given in the table below:

Year Question Paper
2023 Maithili Literature Paper 1: Maithili Literature
Paper 2: Maithili Literature
2022 Maithili Literature Paper 1: Maithili Literature
Paper 2: Maithili Literature
2021 Maithili Literature Paper 1: Maithili Literature
Paper 2: Maithili Literature
2020 Maithili Literature Paper 1: Maithili Literature
Paper 2: Maithili Literature
2019 Maithili Literature Paper 1: Maithili Literature
Paper 2: Maithili Literature

Maithili Literature Optional Preparation Tips

Maithili literature, which is similar to other literature subjects but different from non-literature optional, requires a slight tweak in the strategy. This includes extensive reading and understanding of texts to develop critical and analytical abilities:

  • Read and Understand Primary Texts: Instead of reading synopsis of texts, read the primary texts mentioned in the syllabus. This will allow you to answer the questions in your own language.
  • Multiple References: Read multiple reference works to understand different perspectives on the same set of literary works.
  • Practice Answer Writing: Candidates have to regularly practice answer writing to adjust themselves to the speed required in the exam. This will also help you to write concise answers within the time limit and achieve literary sense in your way of writing.
  • Strategy: Develop a strategy to cover the syllabus, revise multiple times, attempt test series, and participate in discussions. This will help them in their preparation.
  • Test Series: Write multiple test series for Maithili literature to understand weaknesses and strengths. Tests will also help with time management.
  • Read Toppers’ Copy: It is advisable for candidates to read answer copies of previously successful candidates to pick up the minute details and techniques that have made them successful.
  • 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.
  • Use references from Other Language Literature: Incorporate references in your answers from other literary languages such as Hindi, English, Marathi, and Greek which can add depth and cultural diversity to your expressions and narratives.

Conclusion

Maithili literature syllabus can be covered through proper planning with available resources. Previous successful students have proved that expertise in the subject is not required. However, what a candidate requires is motivation, dedication and hard-work

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 Maithili Literature Syllabus FAQs

Maithili literature optional is divided into two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 250 marks. Further, each paper is divided into sections, according to the provided syllabus.

Yes. Candidates from science background, including engineering, have scored very good marks previously in Maithili literature optional.

A candidate opting for Maithili optional has two prerequisites: first, they must possess interest in the subject and second, they must have basic knowledge of the language.

A candidate can write good marks by writing answers daily, even before attempting test series. Before beginning answer writing, candidates can refer to the answer copies of previous toppers.

Yes. To develop analytical abilities, a candidate may require to approach a topic from multiple angles. For such purposes, reading multiple books is a must.
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