The UPSC Civil Services Examination offers Tamil as an optional subject for both Paper I and Paper II. Below is the detailed syllabus for Tamil Optional Paper I:
Tamil Optional Paper I Syllabus
1. History of Tamil Language
– Major Indian language families: Place of Tamil among Indian languages in general and Dravidian in particular.
– History of Tamil language: Periodization of Tamil language (from Sangam to modern period).
– Tamil languages in the context of other Dravidian languages.
– Evolution of Tamil scripts: From Tamil-Brahmi to Vattezhuthu and modern Tamil script.
– Dialects of Tamil: Regional and social variations.
2. Tamil Literature through the Ages
– Sangam Literature:
– Tolkappiyam: Phonology, morphology, and syntax.
– Ettuthogai and Pattupattu: Themes, literary techniques, and cultural significance.
– Post-Sangam Literature:
– Didactic literature: Thirukkural, Naladiyar, and others.
– Epics: Silappathikaram and Manimekalai.
– Medieval Literature:
– Bhakti literature: Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, and Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
– Kavyas and Puranas: Kamba Ramayanam, Periya Puranam, etc.
– Modern Literature:
– Development of prose and poetry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
– Contributions of Subramania Bharati, Bharathidasan, Kalki, and others.
– Contemporary Tamil literature: Trends and themes.
3. Tamil Grammar and Linguistics
– Phonology: Sounds of Tamil, phonemes, and their distribution.
– Morphology: Word formation, inflection, and derivation.
– Syntax: Sentence structure, case relations, and word order.
– Semantics: Meaning and interpretation of words and sentences.
– Comparative study of Tamil grammar with other Dravidian languages.
4. Tamil Culture and Society
– Tamil society and culture as reflected in literature.
– Role of Tamil in religious and philosophical traditions: Saivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism.
– Tamil folk traditions: Folklore, proverbs, and folk songs.
– Tamil cinema and its influence on culture and society.
– Tamil Nadu’s contribution to Indian art, architecture, and music.
5. Tamil Lexicography
– History of Tamil lexicography.
– Major Tamil dictionaries: Their scope and methodology.
– Technical terms in Tamil: Development and standardization.
6. Translation and Comparative Literature
– Principles and techniques of translation.
– Comparative study of Tamil literature with other Indian and world literatures.
– Influence of Tamil literature on other languages and vice versa.
7. Tamil Epigraphy and Manuscriptology
– Study of Tamil inscriptions: Their historical and cultural significance.
– Tamil manuscripts: Preservation and study.
– Role of epigraphy and manuscripts in reconstructing Tamil history.
8. Tamil in the Digital Age
– Tamil computing: Fonts, encoding, and software.
– Digital preservation of Tamil literature and manuscripts.
– Role of the internet and social media in promoting Tamil language and culture.
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Preparation Tips for UPSC Tamil Optional Paper I
1. Focus on Core Texts: Study Sangam literature, Thirukkural, and major epics in detail.
2. Grammar and Linguistics: Understand the basics of Tamil grammar and its evolution.
3. Cultural Context: Relate Tamil literature to its historical and cultural background.
4. Current Trends: Stay updated on contemporary Tamil literature and digital advancements.
5. Practice Answer Writing: Write answers in Tamil to improve fluency and presentation.
This syllabus provides a comprehensive framework for preparing for the UPSC Tamil Optional Paper I. For Paper II, the focus shifts to specific texts, authors, and critical analysis of Tamil literature.
