The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination every year to recruit candidates for various civil services positions in the Indian government. One of the optional subjects for this examination is Tamil Literature. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the UPSC Tamil Literature Syllabus.
The UPSC Tamil Literature Syllabus can be divided into two parts – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I deals with the history of Tamil Literature, while Paper II focuses on the analysis and critique of Tamil literary works.
Paper I:
- The Sangam Age: Literature, Society, and Religion
- The Hindu Religious System
- The Six Systems of Indian Philosophy with special reference to the Tamils
- Epics, Silappadhikaram, Kamba Ramayanam, religious literature and secular literature
- Bhakti Movement and its contribution to Tamil literature
- Shaiva and Vaishnava Literature
- Contemporary Literature
Paper II:
- Literary forms – Ettuthogai, Pattupattu, and Karka kasappu
- The nature of the Tamil literary language: Literary genres, literary movements and their influence on Tamil society
- Literature of the Sangam Period – Akam and Puram
- Post-Sangam literature
- Devotional literature, literature on music, and literary criticism
- Folk literature, transmitted orally, collected by ethnographers and printed
To excel in the Tamil Literature subject, candidates must have a deep understanding of Tamil literature, culture, and history. It is recommended that aspirants read Tamil literary works from the Sangam Age to contemporary literature. Familiarity with Tamil language and grammar is very important for success in this subject.
Candidates must also have an analytical and critical approach towards Tamil literature. They should be able to evaluate the historical, social, and cultural aspects of a literary work. They must be able to explain the literary features and techniques used by the authors.