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UPSC Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus 2024 for IAS Exam

UPSC Mains offers Telugu literature syllabus as an optional. Learn syllabus, books, exam pattern, prep tips for Papers I & II, with past papers link here!
authorImageAnil Solonki18 Apr, 2024
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UPSC Telugu Literature Syllabus

UPSC Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus is one of the Literature Optional offered by UPSC for the UPSC Mains Exam . Predominantly spoken in Andhra Pradesh , Telangana , and Yanam , it boasts a diverse heritage of literary compositions , spanning poetry , plays , novels , and short stories . It is one of the official languages of India and has also been declared one of the classical languages of India.

In the UPSC Mains test, the Telugu Literature optional subject comprises two papers: Paper I and Paper II , each worth 250 marks. Together, these papers contribute to a total of 500 marks for this optional subject. In this article, we will have a look at the Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus , Exam Pattern , Books , Preparation Strategy , and Previous Question Papers .

UPSC Telugu Literature Syllabus Overview

Telugu literature boasts a rich tapestry spanning over a millennium, rooted in the classical era of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions. Its origins date back to the 10th century with the Prabandha style, evolving through the Vijayanagara and Nayak periods. The Golden Age emerged during the 16th century under Krishnadevaraya's patronage , nurturing luminaries like Allasani Peddana and Nannaya Bhatta . The Bhakti movement infused spiritual fervour, witnessed through the verses of Annamacharya and Potana. Modernity brought a renaissance, with Kandukuri Veeresalingam pioneering social reform through literature. Contemporary writers like Viswanatha Satyanarayana and Sri Sr i continue to enrich Telugu literature, preserving its legacy for generations.

UPSC Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus 2024

The Telugu Literature Syllabus encompasses topics ranging from the historical progression of the language to the influences of external factors and other languages on its evolution. It delves into the intricacies of Telugu grammar , its diverse dialects , and the techniques involved in translation. It also covers the rich literary history , exploring different literary movements , genres , and notable works by renowned Telugu authors. Let us have a look at the Complete Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus:

UPSC Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper I

Paper I of the UPSC Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus delves into the basics of the language and its literary aspects. It investigates the historical background of Telugu, examining its position within Indian languages and its affiliation with the Dravidian language family . The table below contains the Complete Syllabus of Telugu Literature Optional Paper I for the UPSC Mains Exam: Paper I Syllabus
Section A: Language
  1. Place of Telugu among Dravidian languages and its antiquity—Etymological History of  Telugu,Tenugu and Andhra.
  2. Major linguistic changes in phonological, morphological, grammatical and syntactical levels, from ProtoDravidian to old Telugu and from  old Telugu to Modern Telugu.
  3. Evolution of spoken Telugu when compared to classical Telugu-Formal and functional view of Telugu  language.
  4. Influence of other languages and its impact on Telugu.
  5. Modernization of Telugu language :
  6. (a) Linguistic and literary movements and  their role in modernization of Telugu.
  7. (b) Role of media in modernization of Telugu (News-papers, Radio, TV etc.)
  8. (c) Problems of terminology and mechanisms in coining new terms in Telugu in various discourses including scientific and technical.
  9. Dialects of Telugu—Regional and social variations and problems of Standardization.
  10. Syntax—Major divisions of Telugu sentences—simple, complex and compound sentences—Noun and verb predications—Processes of nominalization and relativization—Direct and indirect reporting-conversion  processes.
  11. Translation—Problems of translation, cultural, social and idiomatic—Methods of translation— Approaches to translation—Literary and other kinds of translation—Various uses of translation.
Section B: Literature
  1. Literature in Pre-Nannaya Period—Marga and Desi poetry.
  2. Nannaya Period—Historical and literary background of Andhra Mahabharata.
  3. Saiva poets and their contribution—Dwipada, Sataka, Ragada, Udaharana.
  4. Tikkana and his place in Telugu literature.
  5. Errana and his literary works—Nachana Somana and his new approach to poetry.
  6. Srinatha and Potana—Their works and contribution.
  7. Bhakti poets in Telugu literature—Tallapaka  Annamayya, ramadasu, tyagayya.
  8. Evolution of prabandhas—Kavya and prabandha.
  9. Southern school of Telugu literature-raghunatha Nayaka, chemakura vankatakavi and women poets Literary forms like yakshagana, prose and padakavita.
  10. Modern Telugu Literature and literary forms—Novel, Short Story, Drama, Playlet and poetic forms.
  11. Literary Movements : Reformation, Nationalism, Neo-classisicism, Romanticism and Progressive, Revolutionary movements.
  12. Digambarakavulu, feminist and dalit Literature.
  13. Main divisions of folk literature—Performing folk arts.

UPSC Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper II

The UPSC Telugu Literature Optional Syllabus Paper II delves deeply into the examination of contemporary Telugu literature and its critical analysis. Candidates explore the writings of notable authors from the 19th century onward, analysing themes , writing styles , and the socio-political backdrop . This paper will require first hand reading of the  prescribed texts and will be designed to test the candidate’s critical ability, which will be in relation to the following approaches :—
  • Aesthetic approach —Rassa, Dhawani, Vakroti and Auchitya—Formal and Structural-Imagery symbolism.
  • Sociological, Historical, Ideological, Psychological approaches.
The Table below contains the Complete Syllabus of Telugu Literature Optional Paper II for UPSC Mains Exam : Paper II Syllabus
Section A
  1. Nannaya-Dushyanta Chritra (Adiparva 4th Canto verses 5—109).
  2. Tikkana-Sri Krishna Rayabaramu (Udyoga parva-3rd Canto verses 1—144).
  3. Srinath-Guna Nidhi Katha (Kasikhandam, 4th Canto, verses 76—133).
  4. Pingali Surana-sugatri Salinulakatha (Kalapurno-dayamu 4 Canto verses, 60—142).
  5. Molla-Ramayanamu (Balakanda including avatarika).
  6. Kasula Purushothama Kavi—Andhra Nayaka  Satakamu.
Section B
  1. Gurajada Appa Rao—Animutyalu (Short stories).
  2. Viswanatha Satyanarayana—Andhra prasasti.
  3. Devulapalli Krishna Sastry—Krishnapaksham (excluding Uravsi and Pravasam).
  4. Sri Sri-Mahaprasthanam.
  5. Jashuva-Gabbilam (Part I).
  6. C. Narayana Reddy—Karpuravasanta rayalu.
  7. Kanuparti Varalakshmamma—Sarada lekhalu (Part I).
  8. Atreya—N.G.O.
  9. RachaKonda Viswanatha Sastry—Alpajaeevi

UPSC Exam Pattern of Telugu Literature Optional

The exam pattern for Telugu Literature Optional is as follows:
    • The UPSC main exam is divided into two papers, i.e., Paper-I and Paper-II .
    • Both Paper I and Paper II carry 250 marks each, for a total of 500 marks for the Telugu Literature optional papers.
    • In both Paper I and Paper II of Telugu 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 Telugu.

Telugu Literature Exam Pattern

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 Telugu

Recommended Books For Telugu Literature Optional UPSC Mains

Below is the list of books for Telugu Literature Optional Paper I and II for UPSC Mains Exam:

List of Telugu Literature Books

  • A History of Telugu Literature by P.S.R. Appa Rao
  • Andhra Vangmaya Sarvaswamu by G.V. Subrahmanyam
  • Telugu Sahithya Charitra by Arudra
    • Modern Telugu Literature by G.S. Rao
    • Telugu Kavita Tarangini by Dasarathi Krishnamacharya
    • Major Telugu Poets by G. Venkatasubbaiah
    • Telugu Sahitya Sameeksha by Dr. G. Nagayya  in two volumes
    • Reading material prepared by Shri GV Subrahmanyam and others for Hyderabad Study Circle
  • Other literary texts are mentioned in the syllabus.

Download Telugu Literature Optional Question Papers

The table below contains the list of Previous year question papers of Telugu Literature Optional subject, which is distributed year wise:
Telugu Literature Optional Paper 2023
Telugu Literature Optional Paper I Telugu Literature Optional Paper II
Telugu Literature Optional Paper 2022
Telugu Literature Optional Paper I Telugu Literature Optional Paper II
Telugu Literature Optional Paper 2021
Telugu Literature Optional Paper I Telugu Literature Optional Paper II
Telugu Literature Optional Paper 2020
Telugu Literature Optional Paper I Telugu Literature Optional Paper II

How to Prepare For UPSC Telugu Literature Optional?

Preparing for UPSC Telugu Literature Optional requires a systematic approach and dedication. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
  • Understand the Syllabus: The first step is to thoroughly understand the syllabus provided by UPSC for Telugu Literature Optional. This will give you a clear idea of what topics to cover and how to prioritise your preparation.
  • Read Standard Texts: Start by reading standard textbooks and reference materials recommended for Telugu literature.
  • Analyse Previous Year Papers: Analysing previous years' question papers will give you insights into the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the weight of different topics. It will help you focus your preparation on important areas.
  • Make Notes: Make concise notes while studying each topic. These notes will come in handy during revision and will help you retain important information.
  • Practice Answer Writing: Answer writing practice is crucial for UPSC preparation. Set aside time to practice writing answers to essay-type questions, as well as short-answer questions. Focus on clarity, coherence, and depth of understanding while writing your answers.
  • Use References from Other Literature: Enrich your writing by incorporating references from other literature such Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, English, etc. It will make your answer unique and give you a competitive edge.
  • Revision: Regular revision is essential to reinforce your learning and ensure better retention of information. Make a revision schedule and stick to it religiously.
  • Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and developments in the field of Telugu literature. This will not only enrich your answers but also help you in the essay paper and the interview stage.
  • Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to evaluate your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement. It will also help you manage time effectively during the actual exam.

UPSC Telugu Literature Syllabus FAQs

Is Telugu literature a good optional for UPSC?

Telugu Literature Optional is a favoured choice among students taking the UPSC Mains Exam who have an affinity for the language.  

Is Telugu an optional in UPSC?

The UPSC permits candidates to choose Telugu literature as their optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam.  

Which optional subject is high scoring?

The scoring potential of optional subjects in the UPSC exam varies based on individual strengths and interests.  

Which 2 optional subjects are best for UPSC?

Optional Subjects that align with your background, offer ample study materials, and are scoring in nature to maximise your chances of success.
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