Marathi Optional Syllabus

The Marathi Optional for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a great choice for candidates who have a deep understanding of the Marathi language and its literary traditions. The syllabus covers the historical development of Marathi as a language, its grammar, and a comprehensive study of classical and modern Marathi literary works, including poetry, prose, and drama. This option allows candidates to engage with the rich cultural and literary heritage of Maharashtra. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

Paper I: Marathi Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Nature and Functions of Language:
      Language as a signifying system : Langue and Parole; Basic functions; Poetic Language; Standard Language and dialect; Language variations according to social parameters.
      Linguistic features of Marathi in thirteenth century and seventeenth century.
   2. Dialects of Marathi:
      Ahirani; Varhadi; Dangi.
   3. Marathi Grammar: Parts of Speech; Case-system; Prayog-vichar (Voice).
   4. Nature and kinds of Folk-lore:
      Lok-Geet, Lok Katha, Lok Natya.

2. Section B:

   1. History of Marathi Literature:
      1. From beginning to 1818 AD, with special reference to the following : The Mahanubhava writers, the Varkari poets, the Pandit poets, the Shahirs, Bakhar Literature.
      2. From 1850 to 1990, with special reference to developments in the following major forms : Poetry, Fiction (Novel and Short Story), Drama; and major literary currents and movements, Romantic, Realist, Modernist, Dalit, Gramin, Feminist.
   2. Literary Criticism:
      1. Nature and function of Literature.
      2. Evaluation of Literature.
      3. Nature, Objectives and Methods of Criticism.
      4. Literature, Culture and Society.

Paper II: Marathi Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Smritisthala
   2. Mahatma Jotiba Phule
      (Shetkaryacha Asud)
      (Sarvajanik Satyadharma)
   3. S.V. Ketkar
      (Brahmankanya)
   4. P.K. Atre
      (Sashtang Namaskar)
   5. Sharchchandra Muktibodh
      (Jana Hey Volatu Jethe)
   6. Uddhav Shelke
      (Shilan)
   7. Baburao Bagul
      (Jevha Mi Jaat Chorli Hoti)
   8. Gouri Deshpande
      (Ekek Paan Galavaya)
   9. P.I. Sonkamble
      (Athavaninche Pakshi)

2. Section B:

   1. Namadevanchi Abhangawani
      Ed: Inamdar, Relekar, Mirajkar
      Modern Book Depot, Pune
   2. Painjan
      Ed : M.N. Adwant
      Sahitya Prasar Kendra, Nagpur
   3. Damayanti-Swayamvar
      By Raghunath Pandit
   4. Balakvinchi Kavita
      By Balkavi
   5. Vishakha
      By Kusumagraj
   6. Maridgandh
      By Vinda Karandikar
   7. Jahirnama
      By Narayan Surve
   8. Sandhyakalchya Kavita
      By Grace
   9. Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi
      By Namdev Dhasal