Tamil literature is one of the oldest literature in India and has a rich history and tradition that has been preserved over time. It has been studied and appreciated by many scholars and enthusiasts, and forms an important part of the Indian literary heritage. As a result, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has included Tamil literature as one of the optional subjects in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination.
The syllabus for Tamil literature in the IAS examination is a comprehensive one, covering various aspects of the Tamil literary tradition. The syllabus encompasses the study of classical Tamil literature, modern Tamil literature, literary criticism, and literary history. The aim of the syllabus is to provide a deep insight into the rich Tamil literary tradition and to equip the IAS aspirants with the knowledge and understanding of the Tamil culture and society.
The classical Tamil literature is an essential part of the IAS syllabus in Tamil literature. It includes the study of the Sangam literature, which is the earliest known Tamil literature. The Sangam literature consists of poetry and prose written between 300 BCE and 300 CE. The literature gives insights into the lifestyle, culture, and society of the ancient Tamils. It provides an in-depth understanding of the rich heritage of the Tamil people.
The IAS syllabus in Tamil literature also covers the study of modern Tamil literature. It includes various genres of literature like novels, short stories, drama, and poetry. The modern Tamil literature started emerging in the 19th century and is an important part of the literary tradition. The study of modern Tamil literature helps the aspirants to understand the changes that have taken place in the Tamil society over time.
In addition, the IAS syllabus in Tamil literature also includes the study of literary criticism. This aspect of the syllabus helps the aspirants to develop a critical perspective towards the literature. It includes the study of various literary theories and approaches that are used to analyze literature. The study of literary criticism equips the IAS aspirants with the necessary skills to analyze and interpret the Tamil literary texts.
The study of literary history is another important aspect of the IAS syllabus in Tamil literature. It covers the historical development of Tamil literature over time. The aspirants learn about the various literary trends, movements, and periods that have shaped the Tamil literary tradition. It provides a broader perspective on the literary tradition and helps to understand the literature in its historical context.
