UPSC CSE mains Indian Language Tamil Syllabus Paper-1 & 2

Last Updated on Oct 26, 2020

Read the complete UPSC CSE Mains Indian Language Tamil syllabus paper 1 and 2 in English. The qualifying paper on Indian Languages will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard. In IAS Mains Indian Languages, The marks obtained in this paper will not be counted for ranking. The aim of the Indian Languages paper is to test the candidates’ ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and to express his clearly and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned. In Optional Languages the Minimum marks needed is 30%. (Union Public Service Commission Commonly Known as UPSC says, the papers of Essay, General Studies GS and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cognizance who attain 30% marks in Indian Language and 25% marks in English as minimum qualifying standards in these qualifying papers.)

UPSC IAS Mains Indian Language Tamil Syllabus For Paper-1

Section A

Part 1: History of Tamil Language

Major Indian Language Families—The place of Tamil among Indian Languages in general and Dravidian in particular—Enumeration and Distribution of Dravidian languages.

The language of Sangam Literature—The language of medieval Tamil: Pallava Period only—Historical study of Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs—Tense markers and case markers in Tamil.

Borrowing of words from other languages into Tamil—Regional and social dialects—difference between literary and spoken Tamil.

Part 2: History of Tamil Literature

Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literature—The division of Akam and Puram—The secular characteristics of Sangam Literature—The development of Ethical literature—Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.

Part 3: Devotional Literature (Alwars and Nayanamars)

The bridal mysticism in Alwar hymns—Minor literary forms (Tutu, Ula, Parani, Kuravanji). Social factors for the development of Modern Tamil Literature; Novel, Short Story and New

Poetry—The impact of various political ideologies on modern writings.

Section B

Part 1 : Recent trends in Tamil Studies

Approaches to criticism : Social, psychological, historical and moralistic—the use of criticism—the various techniques in literature; Ullurai, Iraicchi, Thonmam (Myth) Otturuvagam (allegory), Angadam (Satire), Meyappadu, Padimam (image), Kuriyeedu (Symbol), Irunmai (Ambiguity)—The concept of comparative literature-the principle of comparative literature.

Part 2 : Folk literature in Tamil

Ballads, Songs, proverbs and riddles—Sociological study of Tamil folklore. Uses of translation—Translation of Tamil works into other languages-Development of journalism in Tamil.

Part 3 : Cultural Heritage of the Tamils

Concept of Love and War—Concept of Aram-the ethical codes adopted by the ancient Tamils in their warfare-customs beliefs, rituals, modes of worship in the five Thinais.

The Cultural changes as revealed in post sangam literature—cultural fusion in the medieval period (Janism and Buddhism). The development of arts and architecture through the ages (Pallavas, later Cholas, and Nayaks). The impact of various political, social, religious and cultural movements on Tamil Society. The role of mass media in the cultural change of contemporary Tamil society.

UPSC IAS Mains Indian Language Tamil Syllabus For Paper-2

The paper will require first-hand reading of the text prescribed and will be designed to test the critical ability of the candidate.

Section A

Part 1 : Ancient Literature

(1) Kuruntokai (1—25 poems)
(2) Purananuru (182—200 poems)
(3) TirukkuralPorutpal :ArasiyalumAmaichiyalum(from Iraimatchi to Avaianjamai).

Part 2 : Epic Literature

(1) Silappadikaram : Madhurai Kandam only.
(2) Kambaramayanam : Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam.

Part 3 : Devotional Literature

(1) Tiruvasagam : Neetthal Vinnappam
(2) Tiruppavai : (Full Text).

Section B

Modern Literature

Part 1 : Poetry

(1) Bharathiar : Kannan Pattu
(2) Bharathidasan : Kudumba Vilakku
(3) Naa. Kamarasan : Karappu Malarkal

Prose

(1) Mu. Varadharajanar : Aramum Arasiyalum
(2) C. N. Annadurai : Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame.

Part 2 : Novel, Short Story and Drama

(1) Akilon ; Chittairappavai
(2) Jayakanthan : Gurupeedam
(3) Cho : Yaurkkum Vetkamillai

Part 3 : Folk Literature

(1) Muthuppattan kathai Edited by Na. Vanamamalai, (Publication : Madurai Kamaraj University).
(2) Malaiyaruvi, Edited by Ki. Va Jagannathan (Publication : Saraswathi Mahal, Thanjavur).

Also Check: UPSC CSE (IAS) Prelims and Mains Syllabus in Hindi/English

In this Article, You have read the complete syllabus of Tamil for UPSC IAS Mains Indian Languages exams. Now if you have any question then you can ask us via comment box. We will try to answer your query as soon as possible.

Useful Test Courses / Study Material for UPSC IAS:

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