Marathi is one of the regional languages spoken in India. The primary language spoken in the state of Maharashtra is Marathi. It is also spoken in some areas of the states of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka. It is a part of the Indo-Aryan language family.
In the syllabus of Marathi Literature Optional for UPSC Exam, the Marathi language, grammar, history, and dialects are covered. Along with Marathi as a poetic language and as prose, the curriculum also includes general science and linguistics. Such optionals usually cover the function of literature.
- What Is Marathi Literature Optional For UPSC?
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Mastering The Subject From Basics
- Marathi Literature Optional UPSC Strategy
- Importance Of Academic Background
- Overlapping Syllabus With GS
- UPSC Marathi Optional Syllabus
- Additional Information
- UPSC Optional Marathi Literature Books
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What Is Marathi Literature Optional For UPSC?
The language, history, and purposes of the Marathi language are some of the topics that are being covered in the UPSC Marathi literature syllabus. Apart from Maharashtra, neighboring states like Odisha and Karnataka also use this language as their official language. The Marathi language’s foundational concepts, including grammar and dialects, are covered in the curriculum. Additionally, it covers prose and poetry subjects. This all helps to check the critical ability of the candidate as well.
One of the most important pieces of Marathi literature is Dnyaneshwar’s Dnyaneshwari, which he wrote when he was just sixteen. The Varkari sect adopted this work as their founding text. It was written in the Ovi meter, a style of meter that was initially utilized in Maharashtra for female songs. Reading Prose for this optional paper is highly recommended.
Marathi literature has grown in popularity as a UPSC optional subject in recent years, with more applicants clearing it with flying colors. It’s a wise move to take a course in Marathi literature to increase your chances of success. To get a head start on your preparation, you can enroll in an online course in Marathi literature.
Advantages
- Reading the curriculum could be enjoyable because it contains several short, memorable stories.
- For the optional portion, at the very least, you need not worry about current events.
- In comparison to the arts and sciences, the syllabus is constrained.
Disadvantages
Despite the fact that the topic initially seems incredibly simple and intriguing. However, there are several drawbacks to taking Marathi literature as an elective.
- It’s difficult to get good grades in Marathi literature. The Marathi language’s history and grammar are covered in the course material. Additionally, it discusses social topics, religion, and certain prose works.
- Although the course has a small syllabus, students must be passionate about the material. Additionally, pupils need to be proficient writers.
- It is a subject low-grade grade point average and is individualized. As a result, only those pupils who have studied it at college or university should choose it.
- Additionally, finding qualified coaching for the subject is challenging.
- Additionally, there are not many test series for this.
Mastering The Subject From Basics
- It’s crucial to start at the beginning if you wish to master Marathi literature and want the quality of answers to be excellent.
- Marathi linguistics, history, literature, philosophy, and trends are all covered in a decent Marathi literature course. Also included will be literary criticism. It will offer you the groundwork necessary for academic success in the field.
- Reading brief texts and portions of the language is beneficial.
- Reading Literature Papers could be useful.
- The most crucial step is to read the headlines, blurbs, and papers for reference in these little portions carefully.
- Talking to Marathi speakers in your neighborhood can also be helpful.
- Finding Marathi speakers who speak the dialect you want to learn can also be done online.
Marathi Literature Optional UPSC Strategy
- Understanding the UPSC Marathi optional syllabus is the first thing candidates need to undertake.
- For a better understanding of the language, candidates should concentrate on the literary style of the literature.
- In order to make their revision easier, candidates must write brief notes from the books.
- Candidates should review the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers that are covered after preparing it thoroughly.
- Maintaining the proper balance is essential whether one is simultaneously studying for the optional paper and the UPSC Prelims Syllabus or UPSC Mains Syllabus.
Importance Of Academic Background
- Candidates should take into account both their academic background and aptitude in the topic before choosing a subject for the UPSC exam. They need to be aware of whether they enjoy the subject and whether they have the time to finish the course material.
- It’s also important to take the subject’s success rate into account.
- Candidates should also be aware of their ability to receive quality instruction on the topic. Additionally, they ought to confirm the coaching center’s connection to GS.
Overlapping Syllabus With GS
If the students are studying Marathi literature as an optional subject, it is important to note that the syllabus of GS has little overlap with the optional syllabus. However, students should prepare for the GS Paper – I paper in history, as the topic of this paper is often included in the syllabus of the optional subjects.
UPSC Marathi Optional Syllabus
- One can score well in UPSC CSE Marathi literature by planning their study.
- First, read as much as you can about Marathi literature. The more you read, the higher your score will be. Secondly, practice and study the syllabus.
- The optional subject Marathi literature is divided into two papers, each carrying 250 marks. The syllabus also includes Marathi grammar and folklore.
- It is important to prepare well for the exam. The paper is subjective, which means that one needs to understand the questions well. If answered outside the lines, one may lose marks.
Marathi Literature Optional Syllabus Of Paper I
Section-A
Language and Folk-Iore
(a) Nature and Functions of Language (with reference to Marathi)
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.
(b) Dialects of Marathi
Ahirani; Varhadi; Dangi
(c) Marathi Grammar
Parts of Speech; Case-system; Prayog-vichar (Voice)
(d) Nature and kinds of Folk-lore (with special reference to Marathi)
Lok-Geet, Lok Katha, Lok Natya
Section-B
History of Literature and Literary Criticism
(a) History of Marathi Literature
- From the beginning to 1818 AD, with special reference to the following: The Mahanubhava writers, the Varkari poets, the Pandit poets, the Shahirs, Bakhar literature.
- 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.
(b) Literary Criticism
- Nature and function of Literature;
- Evaluation of Literature;
- Nature, Objectives and Methods of Criticism;
- Literature, Culture and Society.
Marathi Literature Optional Syllabus Of Paper II
Section-A
Prose
(1) ‘Smritishala’
(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’
Section-B
Poetry
(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) ‘Mridgandh’ By Vinda Karandikar
(7) ‘Jahirnama’ By Narayan Surve
(8) ‘Sandhyakalchya Kavita’ By Grace
(9) ‘Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi’ By Namdev Dha
Additional Information
- Marathi literature is not a required subject for UPSC but is one of the top-performing optional subjects.
- During the Civil Service (Main) Examination 2009, 53 candidates appeared with Marathi as an optional.
- The syllabus for the optional literature subject is detailed and requires ample practice.
UPSC Optional Marathi Literature Books
UPSC has made Marathi literature optional in the IAS Mains examination. It is a well-established language that has played an important role in the freedom struggle and has influenced literary movements in the country to the present.
Study material is easily available and IAS aspirants should focus on reading prescribed works. Previous year’s question papers are also valuable resources.
The optional subject Marathi literature is divided into two papers, each carrying 250 marks. The syllabus also includes Marathi grammar and folklore. Some of the reference books are mentioned below:
- Athavaninche Pakshi – P.I. Sonkamble
- Brahmankany – S.V. Ketkar
- Jahirnama- Narayan Surve
- Lōkasāhitya mimānsā – Vishwanath Shinde
- Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi’ – Namdev Dhasa
- Smritishala
- Painjan – Ed: M.N. Adwant Sahitya Prasar Kendra
- Sandhyakalchya Kavita -Grace
- Vishakha’ -Kusumagraj
- Balakvinchi Kavita – Balkavi
- Mridgandh’ – Vinda Karandikar
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Conclusion
The Marathi literature syllabus for UPSC 2023 includes information on the Marathi language and its history. The subject is highly interesting because it contains a lot of poetry, prose, and folklore. Additionally, Marathi grammar is used.
All in all, it gives an in-depth knowledge of the said language to the learner.
But before choosing this subject as an optional for UPSC, one must be extremely confident and willing to learn the language. Literature subjects demand a lot of time and dedication. It is not a very high-scoring subject and is very subjective. Therefore, students should opt for it only if they have studied it in college or university.
FAQs
Is There A Marathi Subject At UPSC?
Yes, there is a subject called Marathi Literature as optional for UPSC.
Is Literature A Good Optional For UPSC?
They are considered less scoring since a lot of things are subjective here. Generally, it is recommended that you take any of the literature optional only if you have studied the subject in-depth during your graduation. This is because a lot of material has to be read during the preparation.