UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 for IAS Exam
Anil Solonki30 Jun, 2025
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UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus 2025: Malayalam Literature is one of the optional subjects offered in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is a popular choice among aspirants with an academic background or deep interest in the language and literature of Kerala.
The Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus for 2025 is designed to assess a candidate's in-depth understanding of the language, its historical development, literary movements, and major works across genres such as poetry, prose, drama, and fiction. Read on for UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus 2025, exam pattern, books, preparation strategy, and previous question papers.
Malayalam Literature Optional Subject
Malayalam is a Dravidian language primarily spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It is one of the official languages of India and is also declared a classical language. Malayalam literature, originating from Kerala, India, boasts a rich and diverse history spanning over a millennium. Malayalam literature traces its roots to the 9th century AD with the emergence of the Manipravalam style, blending Sanskrit and Dravidian elements.The early period saw works like " Ramacharitam " by Cheeraman, exploring mythological themes. The Bhakti movement of the 14th century brought about devotional poetry, notably by Ezhuthachan. The 19th century witnessed a renaissance with writers like Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, whose works like " Mayura Sandesham " reflected social themes. Modern Malayalam literature burgeoned in the 20th century with luminaries like Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, exploring diverse genres and themes, shaping Kerala's cultural landscape.
UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus 2025
The Malayalam literature Optional Syllabus for the UPSC Mains Exam evaluates candidates' understanding of the history and literature of Malayalam. The syllabus for the optional subject of Malayalam Literature is structured into two papers, each focusing on distinct facets of the discipline. Let us have a look at the Complete Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus:Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper I
The Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus for Paper I encompasses the initial development stages of the Malayalam language , its linguistic features, the process of standardisation , as well as an exploration of ancient and medieval Malayalam literary works. Contemporary poetry and prose from modern Malayalam literature will also be addressed. Answers must be written in Malayalam.The table below contains the Complete Syllabus of Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I for the UPSC Mains:
| Section A |
1.1 Various theories : Origin from proto Dravidian, Tamil, Sanskrit. 1.2 Relation between Tamil and Malayalam : Six nayas of A. R. Rajarajavarma. 1.3 Pattu School—Definition, Ramacharitam, later pattu works—Niranam works and Krishnagatha.
2.1 Manipravalam—definition. Language of early manipravala works—Champu, Sandesakavya, Chandrotsava, minor works. Later manipravala works—medieval Champu and Attakkatha. 2.2 Folklore—Southern and Northern ballads, Mappila songs. 2.3 Early Malayalam Prose—Bhashakautaliyam, Brahmandapuranam, Attaprakaram, Kramadipika and Nambiantamil.
3.1 Peculiarities of the languages of Pana, Kilippattu and Tullal. 3.2 Contributions of indigenous and European missionaries to Malayalam. 3.3 Characteristics of contemporary Malayalam; Malayalam as an administrative language. Language of scientific and technical literature—media language. |
| Section B: Literary History |
4.1 Pattu—Ramacharitam, Niranam Works and Krishnagatha. 4.2 Manipravalam—early and medieval manipravala works including attakkatha and champu. 4.3 Folk Literature. 4.4 Kilippattu, Tullal and Mahakavya.
5.1 Venmani poets and contemporaries. 5.2 The advent of Romanticism—Poetry of Kavitraya, i.e., Asan, Ulloor and Vallathol. 5.3 Poetry after Kavitraya. 5.4 Modernism in Malayalam Poetry.
6.1 Drama. 6.2 Novel. 6.3 Short story. 6.4 Biography, travelogue, essay and criticism. |
Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper II
The UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus for Paper II will evaluate candidates' abilities in critical analysis and their comprehension of the chosen Malayalam literary works. To achieve high scores in the exam, candidates must thoroughly engage with all the designated texts of Malayalam literature. The table below contains the Complete Syllabus of Malayalam Literature Optional Paper II for UPSC Mains:| Section A |
1.1 Ramacharitam—Patalam 1. 1.2 Kannassaramayanam—Balakandam first 25 stanzas. 1.3 Unnunilisandesam—Purvabhagam 25 slokas including Prastavana. 1.4 Mahabharatham Kilippattu—Bhishmaparvam.
2.1 Kumaran Asan—Chintavisthayaya Sita. 2.2 Vailoppilli—Kutiyozhikkal. 2.3 G. Sankara Kurup—Perunthachan. 2.4 N. V. Krishna Variar—Tivandiyile pattu.
3.1 O. N. V.—Bhumikkoru Charamagitam. 3.2 Ayyappa Panicker—Kurukshetram. 3.3 Akkittam—Pandatha Messanthi. 3.4 Attur Ravivarma—Megharupan |
| Section B |
4.1 O. Chanthu Menon—Indulekha. 4.2 Thakazhy—Chemmin. 4.3 O. V. Vijayan—Khasakkinte Ithihasam.
5.1 M. T. Vasudevan Nair—Vanaprastham (Collection). 5.2 N. S. Madhavan—Higvitta (Collection). 5.3 C. J. Thomas—1128-il Crime 27.
6.1 Kuttikrishna Marar—Bharataparyatanam. 6.2 M. K. Sanu—Nakshatrangalute Snehabhajanam. 6.3 V. T. Bhatttathirippad—Kannirum Kinavum. |
UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for Malayalam Literature Optional is as follows:- Both Paper I and Paper II carry 250 marks each, for a total of 500 marks for the Malayalam Literature optional papers.
- In both Paper I and Paper II of Malayalam Literature, optional candidates have to attempt FIVE questions in all. THREE hours are allotted to attempt each paper.
- Ques Numbers 1 and 5 from both papers are compulsory to attempt, and out of the remaining questions, THREE (3) are to be attempted, choosing at least ONE (1) question from each section.
- Answers must be written in Malayalam.
| Particular | Details |
| Total Papers | Two papers, Paper I and Paper II |
| Total Marks | 500 (250 Each) |
| Time allowed | 3 Hours for each paper |
| Sections | Section A and Section B |
| Questions | total 8 questions with subparts |
| Compulsory Question | Question Nos. 1 and 5 |
| Marks Distribution | 10, 15, and 20 marker questions |
| Writing Language | Malayalam |
Recommended Books For UPSC Mains Malayalam Literature Optional
Below is the list of books for Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I and II for UPSC Mains:UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I Booklist
- Kairaliyude Kadha by M. Krishna Pillai
- Malayala Sahithya Charithram Kalaghattangalilude by Erumeli
- History of Malayalam Literature by K.M George
- Malayala Sahithya Charithram by V. R. Prabodhachandran Nayar
- Malayala Kavitha Sahithya Charithram by Dr. K. Ayyappa Paniker
- Malayala Nataka Sahithyam by Dr. N. Radhakrishnan
- Modern Malayalam Literature: An Introduction by M. Achuthan
- A Survey of Malayalam Literature by A. Sreedhara Menon
- Civil Service exam Malayalam Optional paper I – Jobin S Kottaram
UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Paper II Booklist
- The list of books prescribed in the syllabus.
- Civil Service exam Malayalam Optional paper II – Jobin S Kottaram, Renu Raj, Aswathy
Download Malayalam Literature Optional Question Papers
The table below contains the list of Previous year question papers of Malayalam Literature Optional subject, which is distributed year wise:| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper 2024 | |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I | Malayalam Literature Optional Paper II |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper 2023 | |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I | Malayalam Literature Optional Paper II |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper 2022 | |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I | Malayalam Literature Optional Paper II |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper 2021 | |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I | Malayalam Literature Optional Paper II |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper 2020 | |
| Malayalam Literature Optional Paper I | Malayalam Literature Optional Paper II |
How to Prepare For UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional?
Preparing for the UPSC with Malayalam Literature as an optional subject requires a structured and focused approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively:- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarise yourself with the UPSC syllabus for Malayalam Literature optional. This will help you understand the breadth and depth of the subject matter that you need to cover.
- Study Material: Gather all relevant study material, including textbooks, reference books, literary works, and previous years' question papers.
- Make a Study Plan: Create a study plan that covers the entire syllabus with dedicated time slots for each topic. Make sure to allocate more time to difficult topics or areas where you feel less confident.
- Read Malayalam Literature: Read extensively from the prescribed texts as well as other works of Malayalam literature. Try to analyse the themes, characters, writing style, and socio-cultural context of each work.
- Write Summary of Books: After reading books, try to write a summary of the books, get the summary evaluated by experts. Work on the feedback given by experts and then decide future course of action.
- Take Notes: Make concise notes while studying. Summarise key points, literary devices, author's background, etc. These notes will be helpful during revision.
- Read Malayalam Newspaper: Read the best newspaper in the state daily to improve your comprehension and proficiency in the language.
- Practice Answer Writing: Practice writing answers regularly, especially focusing on previous years' question papers. UPSC tends to ask questions that require critical analysis and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Pay attention to structuring your answers effectively.
- Revision: Regular revision is crucial to retaining what you've learned. Revise your notes frequently and attempt mock tests to assess your preparation level.
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UPSC Malayalam Literature Syllabus 2025 FAQs
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