Maithili Optional Syllabus

The Maithili Optional for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is an excellent choice for candidates familiar with the language and its literary heritage. The syllabus delves into the historical development of Maithili, its grammar, and the evolution of its literature across different periods. It includes an exploration of classical Maithili texts, poetry, prose, and drama, allowing aspirants to appreciate the rich cultural and linguistic traditions of the Maithili-speaking regions. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

Paper I: Maithili Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Place of Maithili in 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, Asamese, Oriya)
   6. Origin and Development of Tirhuta Script.
   7. Pronouns and Verbs in Maithili Language.

2. Section B:

   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 :
      (a) Prabandh-kavya
      (b) Muktak-kavya
      (c) Novel
      (d) Short Story
      (e) Drama
      (f) Essay
      (g) Criticism
      (h) Memoirs
      (i) Translation
   8. Development of Maithili Magazines and Journals.

Paper II: Maithili Optional Syllabus

1. Part A:

   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.

2. 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.