IAS Exam has one of the optional literature paper as Sanskrit. It has two papers (I & II), each of 250 marks summing up to 500 for the paper. This paper proves to be a scoring subject for aspirants who are well versed & acquainted with the Sanskrit language. Having knowledge of the grammatical aspects of the language is also important. It is easy to crack this optional subject for those who are native Sanskrit speakers and familiar with it. This article provides you with the latest UPSC Sanskrit Optional Syllabus in detail.
UPSC Sanskrit Syllabus – Paper I
There will be three questions as indicated in the question paper which must be answered in Sanskrit. The remaining questions must be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium of examination opted by the candidate.
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. Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language, Prominent features of classical Sanskrit language, Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies.
3. General Knowledge of:-
- Literary history of Sanskit,
- Principal trends of literary criticism
- Ramayana,
- Mahabharata
- The origin and development of literary genres of: Mahakavya, Rupaka (drama), Katha, Akhyayika, Campu, Khandakavya, Muktaka Kavya.
Section B
4. Essentials of Indian Culture with stress on
- Purusarthas
- Samskaras
- Varnasramavyavastha
- Arts and fine arts
- Technical sciences
5. Trends of Indian Philosophy
- Mimansa
- Vedanta
- Nyaya
- Vaisesika
- Sankhya
- Yoga
- Bauddha
- Jaina
- Carvaka
6. Short Essay in Sanskrit
7. Unseen passage with the questions, to be answered in Sanskrit.
UPSC Sanskrit Syllabus – Paper II
Question from Group 4 is to be answered in Sanskrit only. Question from Groups 1, 2 and 3 are to be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate.
Section A
General study of the following groups:-
Group 1
- Raghuvamsam-Kalidasa
- Kumarasambhavam-Kalidasa
- Kiratarjuniyam-Bharavi
- Sisupalavadham-Magha
- Naisadhiyacaritam-Sriharsa
- Kadambari-Banabhatta
- Dasakumaracaritam -Dandin
- Sivarajyodayam-S.B. Varnekar
Group 2
- Isavasyopanisad
- Bhagavadgita
- Sundarakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana
- Arthasastra of Kautilya
Group 3
- Svapnavasavadattam- Bhasa
- Abhijnanasakuntalam- Kalidasa
- Mrcchakatikam-Sudraka
- Mudraraksasam-Visakhadatta
- Uttararamacaritam- Bhavabhuti
- Ratnavali-Sriharshavardhana
- Venisamharam- Bhattanarayana
Group 4
Short notes in Sanskrit on the following:-
- Meghadutam-Kalidasa
- Nitisatakam-Bhartrhari
- Panchtantra
- Rajatarangini-Kalhana
- Harsacaritam-Banabhatta
- Amarukasatakam-Amaruka
- Gitagovindam-Jayadeva
Section B
Questions from Groups 1 & 2 are to be answered in Sanskrit only. (Questions from Groups 3 & 4 are to be answered in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate). This Section will require first hand reading of the following selected texts :-
Group 1
- Raghuvansam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
- Kumarasambhavam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
- Kiratarjuniyam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
Group 2
- Isavasyopanisad-verses-1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
- Bhagavatgita II chapter verses 13 to 25
- Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition)
Group 3
- Meghadutam-verses 1 to 10
- Nitisatakam-Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication)
- Kadambari-Sukanasopadesa (only)
Group 4
- Svapnavasavadattam Act VI
- Abhijnansakuntalam Act IV verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition)
- Uttararamacaritam Act 1 verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition)
UPSC Sanskrit Syllabus 2021 – PDF Download
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