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UPSC Marathi Literature Optional Syllabus 2026

The UPSC Marathi Literature optional syllabus consists of two papers worth 250 marks each. The syllabus covers the evolution of the Marathi language, literary criticism, major literary trends, and prescribed texts. It allows you to explore Marathi literary heritage while preparing for a 500-mark optional subject in the UPSC Mains examination.
authorImageAnil Solonki11 Jun, 2026
UPSC Marathi Literature Syllabus

Literature often reveals dimensions of history, society, and culture that cannot be understood through facts alone. Marathi Literature Optional allows you to study one of India's richest literary traditions, spanning devotional poetry, social reform movements, modern prose, drama, and literary criticism. As you explore the subject, you encounter influential writers, landmark texts, and ideas that have shaped the Marathi language and literature over centuries.

The UPSC Marathi Literature optional syllabus is divided into two papers carrying 250 marks each. Paper I focuses on the language, literary history, and critical concepts, while Paper II is based on prescribed literary works. Familiarity with the syllabus can help you understand the scope of the subject and plan your preparation with greater clarity.

Marathi Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper I

Paper I introduces you to the foundations of the Marathi language and literature. It covers the development of the language, major literary periods, critical approaches, and important literary forms that have contributed to the growth of Marathi literature.

Paper I Syllabus

Section A: Language and Folk-lore
  1. Nature and Functions of Language (with reference to Marathi)
Language as a signifying system: Langue and Parole; Basic functions; Poetic Language; Standard Language and dialect; Language variations according to social parameters. Linguistic features of Marathi in the thirteenth century and seventeenth century.
  • Dialects of Marathi
Ahirani; Varhadi; Dangi.
  • Marathi Grammar
Parts of Speech; Case-system; Prayog-vichar (Voice).
  1. Nature and kinds of Folk-lore (with special reference to Marathi)
Lok-Geet, Lok Katha, Lok Natya.
Section B (History of Literature and Literary Criticism)
  • History of Marathi Literature
      1. From the beginning to 1818 AD, with special reference to the following: The Mahanubhava writers, the Varkari poets, the Pandit poets, the Shahirs, Bakhar Literature.
      2. From 1850 to 1990, with special reference to developments in the following major forms: Poetry, Fiction (Novel and Short Story), and Drama; and major literary currents and movements, Romantic, Realist, Modernist, Dalit, Gramin, Feminist.
  • Literary Criticism
    1. Nature and function of Literature;
    2. Evaluation of Literature;
    3. Nature, Objectives and Methods of Criticism;
    4. Literature, Culture and Society.

UPSC Marathi Literature Optional Syllabus for Paper II

Paper II focuses on selected literary works prescribed by UPSC. While studying this paper, you should pay attention to literary themes, characterisation, language, style, and the wider significance of each text within Marathi literature.
Part A (Prose)
  • ‘Smriti Sthal’
  1. Mahatma Jotiba Phule
‘‘ Shetkaryacha Asud ’ ‘ Sarvajanik Satyadharma ’
  1. S.V. Ketkar
‘ Brahmankanya ’
  1. P.K. Atre
‘ Sashtang Namaskar ’
  1. Sharchchandra Muktibodh
‘ Jana Hey Volatu Jethe ’
  1. Uddhav Shelke
‘ Shilan ’
  1. Baburao Bagul
‘ Jevha Mi Jaat Chorli Hoti ’
  1. Gouri Deshpande
‘ Ekek Paan Galavaya ’
  1. P.I. Sonkamble
‘ Athavaninche Pakshi ’
Section B (Poetry)
  1. ‘ Nama Devanchi Abhangwani ’
Ed: Inamdar, Relekar, Mirajkar Modern Book Depot, Pune
  1. ‘ Painjan ’
Ed : M.N. Adwant Sahitya Prasar Kendra, Nagpur
  1. ‘ Damayanti-Swayamvar ’
By Raghunath Pandit
  1. ‘ Balakvinchi Kavita ’
By Balkavi
  1. ‘ Vishakha ’
Kusumagraj
  1. ‘ Maridgandh ’
By Vinda Karandikar
  1. ‘ Jahirnama ’
By Narayan Surve
  1. ‘ Sandhyakalchya Kavita ’
By Grace
  1. ‘ Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi ’
By Namdev Dhasal
 

Also check: UPSC Mains Marathi Literature Optional PYQs

Preparing for the Marathi Literature Optional requires a combination of literary texts, reference books, and literary history resources. The books listed below can help you gain a deeper understanding of important literary developments and prescribed works included in the syllabus.

Books

  • Athavaninche Pakshi – P.I. Sonkamble

  • Balakvinchi Kavita – Balkavi

  • Damayanti-Swayamvar – Raghunath Pandit

  • Ekek Paan Galavaya – Gouri Deshpande

  • Brahmankany – S.V. Ketkar

  • Lōkasāhitya mimānsā – Vishwanath Shinde

  • Jevha Mi Jaat Chorli Hoti – Baburao Bagul

  • Jana Hey Volatu Jethe – Sharchchandra Muktibodh

  • Jahirnama- Narayan Surve

  • Mridgandh’ – Vinda Karandikar

  • Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi’ – Namdev Dhasa

  • Painjan – Ed: M.N. Adwant Sahitya Prasar Kendra

  • Namadevanchi Abhangawani – Ed: Inamdar, Relekar, Mirajkar

  • Pradashikna 1 and 2

  • Prācīna marāṭhī vāṅmayācā itihāsa – la. Rā. Nasirābādakara

  • Shilan’ – Uddhav Shelke

  • Sashtang Namaskar – P.K. Atre

  • Sandhyakalchya Kavita -Grace

  • Shetkaryacha Asud’, ‘Sarvajanik Satyadharma’ – Mahatma Jotiba Phule

  • Smritishala

  • Vishakha’ -Kusumagraj

  • Sugama marāṭhī vyākaraṇa va lēkhana – Mo. Ra. Valambe

UPSC Marathi Literature Syllabus FAQs

Is proficiency in Marathi required for choosing this option?

Yes, a good command of Marathi is necessary to understand, analyze, and interpret the literature effectively.

Are English translations of Marathi literary works sufficient for preparation?

While English translations can help understand the themes and contexts, reading original texts in Marathi is essential for deeper comprehension.

How can I effectively prepare for the optional Marathi literature?

Focus on thoroughly understanding the prescribed texts, analyzing literary trends, and practising writing answers.

Where can I find study materials for Marathi literature?

Look for books by renowned Marathi authors, university syllabi, and online resources dedicated to Marathi literature.

Can I score well in UPSC with Marathi literature as my optional?

Yes, with dedicated preparation and a deep understanding of the literature, Marathi literature can be a scoring option.
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