Sanskrit Optional Syllabus

The Sanskrit Optional for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is an excellent choice for candidates with a strong background in Sanskrit language and literature. The syllabus covers the historical development of Sanskrit, its grammar, and a comprehensive study of classical Sanskrit literary works, including poetry, prose, and drama. This option allows candidates to immerse themselves in the ancient and rich cultural heritage of India. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

Paper I: Sanskrit Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Significant features of the grammar, with particular stress on Sanjna, Sandhi, Karaka, Samasa, Kartari and Karmani vacyas (voice usages) (to be answered in Sanskrit).
   2. 1. Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language
      2. Prominent feature of classical Sanskrit language
      3. Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies
   3. 1. Literary history of Sanskrit
      2. Principal trends of literary criticism
      3. Ramayana
      4. Mahabharata
      5. The origin and development of literary geners of :
         Mahakavya
         Rupaka (drama)
         Katha
         Akhyayika
         Campu
         Khandakavya
         Muktaka Kavya.

2. Section B:

   1. Essential of Indian Culture with stress on:

      1. Purusarthas
      2. Samskãras
      3. Varnasramavyavastha
      4. Arts and fine arts
      5. Technical Sciences.

   2. Trends of Indian Philosophy:

      1. Mimansa
      2. Vedanta
      3. Nyaya
      4. Vaisesika
      5. Sankhya
      6. Yoga
      7. Bauddha
      8. Jaina
      9. Carvaka
   3. Short Essay (in Sanskrit)
   4. Unseen passage with the questions (to be answered in Sanskrit).

Paper II: Sanskrit Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Group-1:

      1. Raghuvamsam—Kalidasa
      2. Kumarasambhavam—Kalidasa
      3. Kiratarjuniyam—Bharavi
      4. Sisupalavadham—Magha
      5. Naisadhiyacaritam—Sriharsa
      6. Kadambari—Banabhatta
      7. Dasakumaracaritam—Dandin
      8. Sivarajyodayam—S.B. Varnekar

   2. Group-2:

      1. Isavasyopanisad
      2. Bhagavadgita
      3. Sundarakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana
      4. Arthasastra of Kautilya

   3. Group-3:

      1. Svapanavasavadattam—Bhasa
      2. Abhijnanasakuntalam—Kalidasa
      3. Mricchakatikam—Sudraka
      4. Mudraraksasam—Visakhadatta
      5. Uttararamacaritam—Bhavbhuti
      6. Ratnavali—Sriharshavardhana
      7. Venisamharam—Bhattanarayana

   4. Group-4:

      1. Meghadutam—Kalidasa
      2. Nitisatakam—Bhartrhari
      3. Pancatantra
      4. Rajatarangini—Kalhana
      5. Harsacaritam—Banabhatta
      6. Amarukasatakam—Amaruka
      7. Gitagovindam—Jayadeva.

2. Section B:

   1. Group-1:

      1. Raghuvamsam—CantoI, Verses 1 to 10
      2. Kumarasambhavam—Canto I, Verses1 to 10
      3. Kiratarjuniyaue—Canto I, Verses 1 to 10

   2. Group-2:

      1. Isavasyopanisad—Verses—1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
      2. Bhagavatgita II Chapter Verses13 to 25
      3. Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition)

   3. Group-3:

      1. Meghadutam—Verses 1 to 10
      2. Nitisatakam—Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication)
      3. Kadambari—Sukanasopadesa (only)

   4. Group-4:

      1. Svapnavasavadattam Act VI
      2. Abhijnansakuntalam Act IV Verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition)
      3. Uttararamacaritam Act I Verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition).