The UPSC Tamil Optional Paper 2 syllabus includes a section on Folk Literature, which is an integral part of Tamil literary tradition. Folk literature reflects the cultural, social, and spiritual life of the Tamil people and provides insights into their traditions, beliefs, and values. Below is the detailed syllabus for the Folk Literature section:
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UPSC Tamil Optional Paper 2 – Folk Literature Syllabus
1. Introduction to Tamil Folk Literature:
– Definition and Scope:
– Understanding folk literature as an oral tradition.
– Distinction between classical literature and folk literature.
– Historical Development:
– Evolution of Tamil folk literature over time.
– Influence of regional and cultural factors.
2. Folk Songs (நாட்டுப்புற பாடல்கள்):
– Types of Folk Songs:
– Work songs (உழவுப் பாடல்கள்), ritual songs (சடங்குப் பாடல்கள்), and entertainment songs (விளையாட்டுப் பாடல்கள்).
– Themes:
– Agriculture, love, marriage, festivals, and daily life.
– Literary Features:
– Use of simple language, repetition, and rhythm.
– Role of music and dance in folk songs.
– Examples:
– Study of selected folk songs from different regions of Tamil Nadu.
3. Folk Tales (நாட்டுப்புற கதைகள்):
– Types of Folk Tales:
– Mythological tales, moral tales, and humorous tales.
– Themes:
– Good vs. evil, wisdom, and cultural values.
– Literary Features:
– Use of allegory, symbolism, and moral lessons.
– Examples:
– Study of selected folk tales like “நந்திவர்மன் கதை”, “முத்துக்குமாரன் கதை”.
4. Folk Drama (நாட்டுப்புற நாடகம்):
– Types of Folk Drama:
– Therukoothu (தெருக்கூத்து), Villupattu (வில்லுப்பாட்டு), and Oyilattam (ஒயிலாட்டம்).
– Themes:
– Religious, social, and historical themes.
– Literary Features:
– Use of dialogue, music, and dance.
– Role of improvisation and audience participation.
– Examples:
– Study of selected folk dramas like “குமரக்கடவுள் கூத்து”, “சூரசம்ஹாரம்”.
5. Proverbs and Riddles (பழமொழிகள் மற்றும் விடுகதைகள்):
– Proverbs (பழமொழிகள்):
– Study of common Tamil proverbs and their meanings.
– Role of proverbs in conveying wisdom and cultural values.
– Riddles (விடுகதைகள்):
– Study of traditional Tamil riddles.
– Literary and cultural significance of riddles.
6. Folk Rituals and Festivals (நாட்டுப்புற சடங்குகள் மற்றும் திருவிழாக்கள்):
– Rituals:
– Study of folk rituals related to birth, marriage, and death.
– Festivals:
– Study of folk festivals like Pongal, Thaipusam, and Karthigai Deepam.
– Literary and Cultural Significance:
– Role of rituals and festivals in preserving folk traditions.
7. Influence of Folk Literature on Tamil Culture:
– Cultural Impact:
– Role of folk literature in shaping Tamil identity and heritage.
– Influence on Classical Literature:
– How folk literature has influenced classical Tamil literature.
– Contemporary Relevance:
– The relevance of folk literature in modern Tamil society.
8. Critical Analysis of Folk Literature:
– Literary Criticism:
– Study of scholarly interpretations and commentaries on folk literature.
– Comparative Study:
– Comparison of Tamil folk literature with folk traditions of other Indian cultures.
– Preservation and Documentation:
– Efforts to preserve and document Tamil folk literature.
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Preparation Tips for Folk Literature Section:
1. Read Original Folk Texts: Focus on reading folk songs, tales, and dramas in their original form.
2. Understand Cultural Context: Pay attention to the cultural, social, and historical context of folk literature.
3. Study Commentaries: Refer to scholarly works and commentaries for deeper insights.
4. Practice Answer Writing: Write answers in Tamil, focusing on clear explanations and critical analysis.
5. Compare and Contrast: Highlight the similarities and differences between folk literature and classical literature.
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This syllabus provides a comprehensive framework for studying Tamil folk literature for the UPSC exam. Candidates should focus on both the content and the analytical aspects of the texts to excel in this section.
