The IAS exam is one of the toughest exams in India, and it requires a lot of hard work and determination to crack it. The exam has been conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) since 1922, and it has undergone numerous changes over the years. One of the changes that have been seen in recent years is the rising popularity of Tamil optional subjects in IAS exams.
Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world, and it is the official language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is also spoken in other parts of India, including Puducherry, Karnataka, and Kerala. Tamil literature is rich and diverse, and it includes works from ancient times to modern-day writers. The language has gained popularity in recent years, and this has led to many IAS aspirants choosing Tamil as their optional subject.
Tamil Literature
Tamil literature has a vast array of works, including poetry, plays, novels, and short stories, that are studied not only in India but all over the world. Its oldest works, which date back to the 2nd century BC, are the Sangam Literature. These collections of poems and ballads depict the way of life in ancient Tamil society and its culture. The newer works include works by contemporaries like Mauni, Jayakanthan, and Ashokamitran to name a few. The language is also used extensively in cinema and music, and this has contributed to its popularity.
Tamil Optional Subject in IAS Exams
Tamil has been included as an optional subject for the IAS exam for many years, but the recent years have seen a steep rise in the number of aspirants opting for it. This is mainly due to the growing popularity of the language and the comparative ease of studying the subject.
Tamil literature covers many topics that are relevant to the IAS exam. These include history, society, literature, culture, and politics. It also includes books on ethics, philosophy, and religion, making it a comprehensive subject. The subject is also considered to be scoring in the exam, as the syllabus is well-defined, and the questions asked are usually straightforward.
The popularity of Tamil is not limited to Tamil Nadu, as many aspirants from other states also opt for it as their optional subject. It is a language that is spoken extensively in other states and countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
