Tamil is one of the optional literature paper in IAS Mains Exam. It consists of two papers, i.e. (Paper I and II) 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 Tamil language and are familiar with the grammatical aspects too! It is considered an easy ride for those who are native Tamil speakers and have a hold on the general characteristics of the language. This article provides you with the latest UPSC Tamil Syllabus for IAS Mains 2021. Download the complete syllabus PDF from here.
UPSC Tamil Syllabus – Paper I
Answers must be written in Tamil.
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 – Histories 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 Nayanmars) 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), Meyppadu, Padimam(image), Kuriyeedu (Symbol), Irunmai (ambiguity)-The concept[t 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 (Jainism & Buddhism). The development of arts and architecture through the ages (Pallava, 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 Tamil Syllabus – Paper II
Answers must be written in Tamil. 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
- Kuruntokai (1-25 poems)
- Purananurui (182-200 poems)
- Tirukkural Porutpal: Arasiyalum Amaichiyalum (from Iraimatchi to Avaianjamai)
Part 2 – Epic Literature
- Silappadikaram: Madhurai Kandam only.
- Kambaramayanam: Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam
Part 3 – Devotional Literature
- Tiruvasagam: Neetthal Vinnappam
- Tiruppavai: (Full Text)
Section B
Modern Literature
Part 1 – Poetry
- Bharathiar: Kannan Pattu
- Bharathidasan: Kudumba Vilakku
- Naa. Kamarasan: Karuppu Malarkal
Prose
- Mu. Varadharajanar. Aramum Arasiyalum
- C N Annadurai: Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame.
Part 2 – Novel, Short story and Drama
- Akilon: Chittirappavai
- Jayakanthan: Gurupeedam
- Cho: Yarukkum Vetkamillai
Part 3 – Folk Literature
- Muthuppattan Kathai Edited by Na. Vanamamalai, (Publication: Madurai Kamaraj University)
- Malaiyaruvi, Edited by Ki. Va Jagannathan (Publication: Saraswathi, Mahal, Thanjavur)
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