UPSC Bengali Syllabus 2020 For IAS Mains | PDF Download

Bengali Literature Syllabus For UPSC IAS Mains 2020

Bengali is one of the optional literature paper in IAS Mains Exam. It consists of two papers, i.e. (paper 1 and 2) carries 250 marks each, in a total of 500 marks. This paper is considered an easy one, for aspirants who are well versed with the Bengali language and are familiar with the grammatical aspects too! It is considered an easy ride for those who are native Bengali speakers and have a hold on the general aspects of the language. This article provides you with the latest Bengali literature optional syllabus for UPSC IAS Mains 2020. Download the complete syllabus PDF from here.

UPSC Bengali Optional Syllabus – Paper I

History of Language and Literature. Answers must be written in Bengali.

Section A

Topics from the History of Bangla language

1. The chronological track from Proto Indo-European to Bangla (Family tree with branches and approximate dates).
2. Historical stages of Bangla (Old, Middle, New) and their linguistic features.
3. Dialects of Bangla and their distinguishing characteristics.
4. Elements of Bangla Vocabulary.
5. Forms of Bangla Literary ProseSadhu and Chalit.
6. Processes of language change relevant for Bangla. Apinihiti (Anaptyxis), Abhishruti (umlaut), Murdhanyibhavan (cerebralization), Nasikyibhavan (Nasalization), Samibhavan (Assimilation), Sadrishya (Analogy), Svaragama (Vowel insertion)-Adi Svaragama, Madhya Svaragama or Svarabhakti, Antya Svaragama, Svarasangati (Vowel hormony), yshruti and w-shruti.
7. Problems of standardization and reform of alphabet and spelling, and those of transliteration and Romanization.
8. Phonology, Morphology and Syntax of Modern Bangla. (Sounds of Modern Bangla, Conjuncts; word formations, compounds; basic sentence patterns.)

Section B

Topics from the History of Bangla Literature.

1. Periodization of Bangla Literature : Old Bangla and Middle Bangla.
2. Points of difference between modern and pre-modern Bangla Literature.
3. Roots and reasons behind the emergence of modernity in Bangla Literature.
4. Evolution of various Middle Bangla forms : Mangal kavyas, Vaishnava lyrics, Adapted narratives (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata) and religious biographies.
5. Secular forms in middle Bangla literature.
6. Narrative and lyric trends in the nineteenth century Bangla poetry.
7. Development of prose.
8. Bangla dramatic literature (nineteenth century, Tagore, Post-1944 Bangla drama).
9. Tagore and post-Tagoreans.
10. Fiction, major authors : (Bankimchandra, Tagore, Saratchandra, Bibhutibusan, Tarasankar, Manik).
11. Women and Bangla literature : creators and created.

Candidates preparing for UPSC Exam may want to check the linked article.

UPSC Bengali Optional Syllabus – Paper II

Prescribed texts for close study. Answers must be written in Bengali.

Section A

1. Vaishnava Padavali (Calcutta University) Poems of Vidyapati, Chandidas, Jnanadas, Govindadas and Balaramdas.
2. Chandimangal Kalketu episode by Mukunda (Sahitya Akademi).
3. Chaitanya Charitamrita Madya Lila, by Krishnadas Kaviraj (Sahitya Akademi).
4. Meghnadbadh Kavya by Madhusudan Dutta.
5. Kapalkundala by Bankimchandra Chattarjee.
6. Samya and Bangadesher Krishak by Bankimchandra Chatterjee.
7. Sonar Tari by Rabindranath Tagore.
8. Chhinnapatravali by Rabindranath Tagore.

Section B

1. Raktakarabi by Rabindranath Tagore.
2. Nabajatak by Rabindranath Tagore.
3. Grihadaha by Saratchandra Chatterjee.
4. Prabandha Samgraha Vol. 1, by Pramatha Choudhuri.
5. Aranyak by Bibhutibhusan Banerjee
6. Short stories by Manik Bandyo-padhyay : Atashi Mami, Pragaitihasik, Holud-Pora, Sarisrip, Haraner Natjamai, Chhoto-Bokulpurer Jatri, Kustharogir Bou, Jakey Ghush Ditey Hoy.
7. Shrestha Kavita by Jibanananda Das.
8. Jagori by Satinath Bhaduri.
9. Ebam Indrajit by Badal Sircar.

Also, Check Other UPSC IAS Optional Subject’s Syllabus

Facts about the Bengali Language

Bengali is considered a very beautiful language not just in India but the world over. The language is filled with a lot of elegancy and intricacy that gives writers, poets and authors to create magic with their writing swords using the raw language. Unlike other states that have drifted from their own native languages to make a place for a blend of other-state languages, it is Bengali that has maintained its charm and beauty over the years.

The population base that speaks Bengali is huge and over 200 million all over the country. It is also regarded as the 7th most widely spoken language in our country. It is popular not just in our own country but finds a national language status in Bangladesh.

The state of West Bengal is considered as the native place for the Bengali language. Apart from West Bengal, the language is also widely spoken in Tripura, Assam and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The spoken language of Bengali is considered a tough skill at hand and a new bee would take some time to learn and be fluent with the language. A big advantage of the written language is that the language does not discriminate between genders, similar to the English language.

The verbs used in the language should be used with a lot of care as they tend to give multiple meanings for a single verb usage.

Bengali activists staged demonstrations and protests in the year 1952 after our country gained independence to set the language as the national language of the country of Bangladesh.

Though it led to a lot of bloodshed and violence among the Bengali youth, UNESCO came up with solidarity and identified the sacrifice behind the protests and violence.

So, the 21st of February every year came to be known as the International Mother Tongue Day. This declaration was made as late as 1997. Till date, Bengali’s are revered for this heritage status of their mother tongue.

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