The UPSC Tamil Optional Paper 2 syllabus includes a section on Poetry and Prose, which covers a wide range of Tamil literary works from ancient to modern times. Below is the detailed syllabus for the Poetry and Prose section:
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UPSC Tamil Optional Paper 2 – Poetry and Prose Syllabus
1. Ancient Tamil Poetry:
– Sangam Poetry:
– Kuruntokai, Purananuru, Akananuru, and Patirruppattu: Study of selected poems.
– Themes, literary techniques, and cultural significance of Sangam poetry.
– Didactic Poetry:
– Thirukkural: Study of selected couplets from Aram, Porul, and Inbam sections.
– Literary and philosophical significance of Thirukkural.
2. Medieval Tamil Poetry:
– Bhakti Poetry:
– Thevaram and Thiruvasagam: Study of selected hymns.
– Themes of devotion, surrender, and spiritual quest.
– Epic Poetry:
– Silappathikaram and Manimekalai: Study of selected verses.
– Themes, characters, and literary style.
3. Modern Tamil Poetry:
– Bharathi’s Poetry:
– Study of selected poems by Subramania Bharathi.
– Themes of nationalism, social reform, and spirituality.
– Contemporary Poetry:
– Study of selected poems by modern Tamil poets.
– Themes, styles, and literary techniques.
4. Ancient Tamil Prose:
– Tolkappiyam:
– Study of selected sections from Eluttatikaram, Sollatikaram, and Porulatikaram.
– Literary conventions and grammatical rules.
– Commentaries:
– Study of commentaries on ancient Tamil texts by scholars like Nacchinarkiniyar and Perasiriyar.
5. Medieval Tamil Prose:
– Religious Prose:
– Study of prose works related to Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
– Themes, styles, and literary techniques.
– Historical Prose:
– Study of historical narratives and chronicles.
– Themes, styles, and literary techniques.
6. Modern Tamil Prose:
– Short Stories:
– Study of selected short stories by modern Tamil writers.
– Themes, characters, and literary style.
– Novels:
– Study of selected novels by modern Tamil writers.
– Themes, characters, and literary style.
– Essays:
– Study of selected essays by modern Tamil writers.
– Themes, styles, and literary techniques.
7. Critical Analysis of Poetry and Prose:
– Literary Criticism:
– Study of literary criticism in Tamil literature.
– Role of critics and commentators.
– Comparative Study:
– Comparison of Tamil poetry and prose with other Indian literary traditions.
– Influence of Tamil literature on other Indian languages and cultures.
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Preparation Tips for Poetry and Prose Section:
1. Read the Original Texts: Focus on reading the original Tamil texts to understand the nuances.
2. Analyze Themes and Literary Style: Pay attention to the central themes, poetic techniques, and literary devices.
3. Study Commentaries: Refer to scholarly commentaries and interpretations to gain 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 different periods and styles of Tamil poetry and prose.
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This syllabus provides a comprehensive framework for studying Tamil poetry and prose for the UPSC exam. Candidates should focus on both the content and the analytical aspects of the texts to excel in this section.
