UPSC Manipuri Literature Optional Syllabus 2026

Manipuri Optional Syllabus for UPSC Paper 1

Section

Topics of Manipuri UPSC Syllabus

Section-A

Language

General characteristics of Manipuri Language and history of its development; importance and status among the Tibeto-Burman Languages of North-East India; recent development in the study of Manipuri Language; evolution and study of old Manipuri script.

Significant features of Manipuri Language

Phonology: Phoneme-vowels, consonants juncture, tone, consonant cluster and its occurrence, syllable-its structure, pattern and types.

Morphology: Word-class, root and its types; affix and its types; grammatical categories-gender, number, person, case, tense and aspects, process of compounding (samas and sandhi).

Syntax: Word order; types of sentences, phrases and clause structures.

Section-B

Literary History of Manipuri

Early period (up to 17th Century)–Social and cultural background; Themes, diction and style of the works.

Medieval period (18th and 19th Century)-Social, religious and political background; Themes, diction and style of the works.

Modern period-Growth of major literary forms; change of Themes, diction and style.

Manipuri Folk Literature

Legend, Folktale, Folksong, Ballad, Proverb and Riddle.

Aspects of Manipuri Culture

Pre-Hindu Manipuri Faith; Advent of Hinduism and the process of syncretism;

Performing arts-Lai Haraoba, Maha Ras;

Indigenous games-Sagol Kangjei, Khong Kangjei, Kang.

Manipuri Optional Syllabus for UPSC Paper 2

Section

Topics of Manipuri UPSC Syllabus

Section-A

Old Manipuri Literature

O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.): Numit Kappa

M. Gourachandra Singh (Ed.): Thawanthaba Hiran

N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.): Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba

M. Chandra Singh (Ed.): Panthoibi Khongul

Medieval Manipuri Literature

M. Chandra Singh (Ed.): Samsok Ngamba

R.K. Snahal Singh (Ed.): Ramayana Adi Kanda

N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.): Dhananjoy Laibu Ningba

O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.): Chandrakirti Jila Changba

Section-B - Modern Manipuri Literature

Poetry

Kh. Chaoba Singh: Pi Thadoi, Lamgi Chekla Amada, Loktak

Dr. L. Kamal Singh: Nirjanata, Nirab Rajani

A. Minaketan Singh: Kamal Da, Nonggumlalk Khoda

L. Samarendra Singh: Ingagi Nong, Mamang Leikai Thambal Satle

E. Nilakanta Singh: Manipur, Lamangnaba

Shri Biren: Tangkhul Hui

Th. Ibopishak: Anouba Thunglaba Jiba

Dr. L. Kamal Singh: Biswa Prem

Shri Biren: Chaphadraba Laigi Yen

Th. Ibopishak: Norok Patal Prithivi

Epic

A. Dorendrajit Singh: Kansa Bodha

H. Anganghal Singh: Khamba-Thoibi Sheireng (San-Senba, Lei Langba, Shamu Khonggi Bichar)

Drama

S. Lalit Singh: Areppa Marup

G.C. Tongbra: Matric Pass

A. Samarendra: Judge Saheb ki Imung

Novel

Dr. L. Kamal Singh: Madhabi

H. Anganghal Singh: Jahera H.

Guno Singh: Laman

Pacha Meetei: Imphal Amasung, Magi Ishing, Nungsitki Phibam

Short Story

Kanchi Warimacha (Pub) Manipur University 1997 (Ed.)

R.K. Shitaljit Singh: Kamala Kamala

M.K. Binodini: Eigi Thahoudraba Heitup Lalu

Kh. Prakash: Wanom Shareng

Parishadki Khangatlaba Warimacha (Pub) Manipuri Sahitya Parishad 1994 (Ed.)

S. Nilbir Shastri: Loukhatpa

R.K. Elangba: Karinunggi

Anouba Manipuri Warimacha (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1992 (Ed.)

N. Kunjamohon Singh: Ijat Tanba

E. Dinamani: Nongthak Khongnang

Prose

Warenggi Saklon [Due Part] (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1992 (Ed.)

Kh. Chaoba Singh: Khamba-Thoibigi Wari Amasung Mahakavya

Kanchi Wareng (Pub) Manipur University, 1998 (Ed.)

B. Manisana Shastri: Phajaba

Ch. Manihar Singh: Lai-Haraoba

Apunba Wareng (Pub) Manipur University, 1986 (Ed.)

Ch. Pishak Singh: Samaj Amasung Sanskriti

M.K. Binodini: Thoibidu Warouhouida

Eric Newton: Kalagi Mahousa (translated by I.R. Babu)

Manipuri Wareng (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1999 (Ed.)

S. Krishnamohan Singh: Lan