UPSC IAS Tamil Optional Syllabus 2020 | Free PDF Download

Tamil Optional Syllabus For UPSC IAS Mains 2020

Tamil 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 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 aspects of the language. This article provides you with the latest UPSC Tamil optional syllabus for IAS Mains 2020. Download the complete syllabus PDF from here.

UPSC Tamil Optional 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.

IAS aspirants who are targeting UPSC Exam may check the linked article.

UPSC Tamil Optional 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)

Also, Check Other UPSC IAS Optional Subject’s Syllabus

Facts about the Tamil Language

Tamil is a language with Indian roots. It is spoken in our country in the state of Tamil Nadu as well as the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It is the official language at these two places. Apart from these places, outside the country, it is also spoken in Sri Lanka and Singapore, where it is one of the official languages.

Tamil is also widely spoken in parts of Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, and South Africa. Tamil enjoys the classical language status in our country, a privilege that was accorded to the language in the country in the year 2004. Tamil received this privilege on account of three grounds as the language has an ancient history attached to it.

The tradition associated with the growth of the language was also independent, and the literature forms are found in huge volumes, thus making it a language that belongs to the classic language category.

It is interesting to note that the Tamil speaking population outside India or Tamil immigrants to be precise are found in huge numbers outside the country.

Their distribution can be traced to pockets all around the world. The evolution of Tamil literature has been segregated into seven beautiful phases, namely, Sangam period, later Sangam period, Pallava period, Cholas period, Nayaks period, European period and finally the current period.

The literature can be broadly grouped into four important categories, namely, the Sangam classics, devotional literature, ethical literature and finally what we get to see today, the modern literature.

The earliest form of Tamil classical literature is called the Singham classics. Roughly around 200 to 500 BC, the literature that was created belonged to this group. This group of literature mainly had topics like nature, love, description of human feelings, war, etc. that were the areas of interest. Pathuppattu and Ettuthokai are considered the greatest form of anthologies of the Singham group.

Also, Read Other UPSC 2020 Articles