Odia Optional Syllabus

The Odia Optional for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a valuable choice for candidates with a strong background in the Odia language and its literature. The syllabus covers the historical development of Odia as a language, its grammar, and a detailed study of classical and modern literary works, including poetry, prose, and drama. This option allows candidates to explore the rich cultural and literary heritage of Odisha. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

Paper I: Odia Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Origin and development of Odia Language—Influence of Austric, Dravidian, Perso— Arabic and English on Odia Language.
   2. Phonetics and Phonemics : Vowels, Consonants Principles of changes in Odia sounds.
   3. Morphology : Morphemes (free, bound compound and complex), derivational and inflectional affixes, case inflection, conjugation of verb.
   4. Syntax : Kinds of sentences and their trans-formation, structure of sentences.
   5. Semantics—Different types of change in meaning. Euphemism.
   6. Common errors in spellings, grammatical uses and construction of sentences.
   7. Regional variations in Odia Language (Western, Southern and Northern Odia) and Dialects (Bhatri and Desia).

2. Section B:

   1. Historical backgrounds (social, cultural and political) of Odia Literature of different periods.
   2. Ancient epics, ornate kavyas and padavalis.
   3. Typical structural forms of Odia Literature (Koili, Chautisa, Poi, Chaupadi, Champu).
   4. Modern trends in poetry, drama short story, novel essay and literary criticism.

Paper II: Odia Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Ancient:

      1. Sarala Das—Shanti Parva from Mahabharata.
      2. Jaganath Das—Bhagabata, XI Skadha—Jadu Avadhuta Sambada.

   2. Medieval:

      1. Dinakrushna Das—Raskallola—(Chhandas—16 & 34)
      2. Upendra Bhanja—Lavanyabati (Chhandas—1 & 2)

   3. Modern

      1. Radhanath Ray—Chandrabhaga.
      2. Mayadhar Manasinha—Jeevan—Chita.
      3. Satchidananda Routray—Kabita—1962.
      4. Ramakanta Ratha—Saptama Ritu.

2. Section B:

   1. Drama:

      1. Manoranjan Das—Katha-Ghoda.
      2. Bijay Mishra—Tata Niranjana.

   2. Novel:

      1. Fakir Mohan Senapati—Chhamana Athaguntha.
      2. Gopinath Mohanty—Danapani.

   3. Short Story:

      1. Surendra Mohanty—Maralara Mrityu.
      2. Manoj Das—Laxmira Abhisara.

   4. Essay:

      1. Chittaranjan Das—Tranga O Tadit (First Five essays).
      2. Chandra Sekhar Rath — Mun Satyadharma Kahuchhi (First five essays).