Kashmiri Optional Syllabus

The Kashmiri Optional for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is an excellent choice for candidates who have a deep interest in the Kashmiri language and its rich literary heritage. The syllabus encompasses a wide range of topics, including the history of the language, classical and modern Kashmiri literature, and linguistic aspects of the language. It allows aspirants to explore various genres like poetry, prose, and literary criticism, providing an in-depth understanding of Kashmiri culture and traditions. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

Paper I: Kashmiri Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Genealogical relationship of the Kashmiri language: various theories.
   2. Areas of occurence and dialects (geographical/social)
   3. Phonology and grammar:
      i. Vowel and consonant system.
      ii. Nouns and pronouns with various case inflections.
      iii. Verbs: various types and tenses.
   4. Syntactic structure:
      i. Simple, active and declarative statements.
      ii. Coordination.
      iii. Relativisation.

2. Section B:

   1. Kashmiri literature in the 14th century (Socio-cultural and intellectual background with special reference to Lal Dyad and Sheikhul Alam).
   2. Nineteenth century Kashmiri literature (development of various genres : vatsun; ghazal and mathnavi.)
   3. Kashmiri literature in the first half of the twentieth century (with special reference to Mahjoor and Azad; various literary influences).
   4. Modern Kashmiri literature (with special reference to the development of the short story, drama, novel and nazm).

Paper II: Kashmiri Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Intensive study of Kashmiri poetry up to the nineteenth century:
      (i) Lal Dyad.
      (ii) Sheikhul Aalam
      (iii) Habba Khatoon
   2. Kashmiri poetry : 19th Century
      (i) Mahmood Gami (Vatsans)
      (ii) Maqbool shah (Gulrez)
      (iii) Rasool Mir (Ghazals)
      (iv) Abdul Ahad Nadim (N’at)
      (v) Krishanjoo Razdan (Shiv Lagun)
      (vi) Sufi Poets (Test in Sanglaab, published by the Deptt. of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir)
   3. Twentieth Century Kashmiri poetry (text in Azich Kashir Shairi, published by the Deptt. of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir).
   4. Literary criticism and research work : development and various trends.

2. Section B:

   1. An analytical study of the short story in Kashmiri.
      (i) Afsana Majmu’a, published by the Deptt. of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir.
      (ii) Kashur Afsana Az, published by the Sahitya Akademi.
      (iii) Hamasar Kashur Afsana, published by the Sahitya Akademi.
   2. The following short story writers only : Akhtar Mohi-ud Din, Kamil, Hari Krishan Kaul, Hraday Kaul Bharti, Bansi Nirdosh, Gulshan Majid.
   3. Novel in Kashmiri:
      (i) Mujrim by G. N. Gowhar
      (ii) Marun—Ivan Ilyichun, (Kashmiri version of Tolstoy’s) The Death of Ivan Ilyich (published by Kashmiri Deptt.)
   4. Drama in Kashmiri:
      (i) Natuk Kariv Band by Hari Krishan Kaul
      (ii) Qk Angy Natuk, ed. Motilal Keemu, published by the Sahitya Akademi.
      (iii) Razi Oedipus, tr. Naji Munawar, published by the Sahitya Akademi.
   5. Kashmiri Folk Literature:
      Kashur Luki Theatre by Mohammad Subhan Bhagat,published by the Deptt. of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir.
      Kashiry Luki Beeth (all volumes) published by the J&K Cultural Akademy.