Choosing Maithili as your optional subject in the BPSC Mains Examination can be advantageous if you have a strong understanding of the language and its literary heritage. Before beginning your preparation, it is essential to study the official syllabus carefully.
The BPSC Maithili Language and Literature Syllabus 2026 covers language, literary history, and prescribed texts, helping candidates build both conceptual understanding and analytical skills required for the optional paper.
BPSC Maithili Language and Literature Syllabus 2026 is prescribed for candidates who choose Maithili as their optional subject in the BPSC Mains Examination. The syllabus is divided into two sections, covering the historical and linguistic development of the Maithili language, its literary evolution, and the detailed study of prescribed literary texts.
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BPSC Maithili Language and Literature Syllabus 2026 Overview |
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Particulars |
Details |
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Exam |
BPSC Mains Examination |
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Optional Subject |
Maithili Language and Literature |
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Paper Type |
Descriptive |
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Sections |
Two |
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Focus Areas |
Language, Literature, Literary History, Prescribed Texts |
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Official Authority |
Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) |
The syllabus has been designed to assess both your knowledge of the Maithili language and your understanding of its literary heritage. Candidates should prepare every topic in detail, as questions may be asked from any part of the syllabus.
Part I introduces the origin and development of the Maithili language along with its literary traditions. It also covers the evolution of modern Maithili literature across different genres.
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Maithili Language and Literary History |
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Topic |
Details |
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Origin of Maithili |
Origin and evolution of the Maithili language |
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Language Family |
Position of Maithili in the Indo-European family of languages |
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Historical Development |
Historical growth and development of Maithili |
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Relationship with Other Languages |
Relationship of Maithili with Hindi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Magahi and Santhali |
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Dialects |
Different dialects of the Maithili language |
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Standard Maithili |
Characteristics and features of Standard Maithili |
The second part of Section I focuses on the evolution of Maithili literature across different periods and literary genres.
Candidates are expected to understand the characteristics of each literary age, trace the development of modern Maithili literature, and study the contributions of major writers. This section assesses your knowledge of literary history and the growth of various forms of Maithili writing.
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Part II: Literature |
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Topic |
Details |
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Literary Periods |
Classification of different periods of Maithili literature and their chief characteristics |
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Modern Poetry |
Development of modern Maithili poetry |
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Modern Novels |
Development of modern Maithili novels |
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Modern Drama |
Development of modern Maithili drama |
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Short Stories |
Growth of the modern Maithili short story |
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Essays and Criticism |
Development of Maithili essays and literary criticism |
Section II requires candidates to study the prescribed literary works in detail. Questions are designed to test textual understanding, interpretation, and critical appreciation.
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Prescribed Texts |
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Author |
Prescribed Work |
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Vidyapati |
Vidyapati Geetawali (Poems 1–50, Maithili Academy, Patna) |
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Govinddas |
Govinddas Bhajanawali (Poems 1–50, Maithili Academy, Patna) |
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Manboth |
Krishnajanma |
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Chanda Jha |
Mithila Bhasha Ramayan (Sundarkand only) |
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Yatri |
Chitra |
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Munshi Raghunandan Das |
Mithila Natak |
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Aysi Prasad Singh |
Suryamukhi |
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Prof. Hari Mohan Jha |
Kanyadan and Dwiragaman |
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Prof. Ramanath Jha |
Prabandh Sangrah |
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Raj Kamal Choudhary |
Lalka Paag |
Candidates should read these works carefully and develop the ability to analyse themes, language, literary style, and cultural significance.
The following books and reference materials are useful for covering the syllabus thoroughly.
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Recommended Books for BPSC Maithili Language and Literature Syllabus 2026 |
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Book |
Author/Publisher |
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Vidyapati Geetawali |
Maithili Academy, Patna |
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Govinddas Bhajanawali |
Maithili Academy, Patna |
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Krishnajanma |
Manboth |
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Mithila Bhasha Ramayan |
Chanda Jha |
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Chitra |
Yatri |
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Mithila Natak |
Munshi Raghunandan Das |
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Suryamukhi |
Aysi Prasad Singh |
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Kanyadan & Dwiragaman |
Prof. Hari Mohan Jha |
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Prabandh Sangrah |
Prof. Ramanath Jha |
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Lalka Paag |
Raj Kamal Choudhary |
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History of Maithili Literature |
Standard reference books |
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Previous Years' BPSC & UPSC Optional Papers |
BPSC/UPSC |
Preparing for the Maithili optional paper requires a balanced approach to both language and literature. Here are a few tips to improve your preparation:
Read the official syllabus carefully before starting your preparation.
Build a strong understanding of the history and development of the Maithili language.
Study each prescribed text thoroughly and make concise notes.
Learn the important literary movements and contributions of major Maithili writers.
Practise descriptive answer writing regularly.
Revise literary periods, important authors, and key themes frequently.
Solve previous years' BPSC optional question papers to understand the exam pattern.