Back to Optional Subjects

Konkani Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025

Complete syllabus guide for Konkani Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.

Answers must be written in Konkani

Paper I

Section A: History of the Konkani Language

Language Development

Origin and development of the language and influences on it

Language Variants

Major variants of Konkani and their linguistic features

Grammar and Lexicography

Grammatical and lexicographic work in Konkani, including a study of cases, adverbs, indeclinables and voices

Standardization

Old Standard Konkani, New Standard and Standardisation problems

Section B: History of Konkani Literature

Candidates would be expected to be well-acquainted with Konkani literature and its social and cultural background and consider the problems and issues arising out of them.

Literary History

History of Konkani literature from its probable source to the present times, with emphasis on its major works, writers and movements

Socio-Cultural Context

Social and cultural background of the making of Konkani literature from time to time

Literary Influences

Indian and Western influences on Konkani literature, from the earliest to modern times

Modern Trends

Modern literary trends in the various genres and regions including a study of Konkani folklore

Paper II

The paper will be designed to test the candidate's critical and analytical abilities. Candidates would be expected to be well-acquainted with Konkani Literature and required to have first-hand reading of the following texts:

Section A: Prose

1. Anthologies and Studies
  • Konkani Mansagangotri (excluding poetry) ed. by Prof: Olivinho Gomes
  • Old Konkani language and literature—the Portuguese Role
2. Novels
  • Otmo Denvcharak—a novel by A. V. da Cruz
  • Vadoll ani Varem—a novel by Antonio Pereira
  • Devache Kurpen—a novel by V.J.P. Saldanha
3. Essays and Anthologies
  • Vajralikhani—Shenoy goem-bab-An anthology-ed. by Shantaram Varde Valavalikar
  • Konkani Lalit Niband—Essays-ed. by Shyam Verenkar
  • Teen Dasakam—An anthology—ed. by Chandrakant Keni
4. Drama and Modern Prose
  • Demand—Drama-by Pundalik Naik
  • Kadambini: A Miscellany of Modern Prose—ed. by Prof. O.J.F. Gomes and Smt. P.S. Tadkodkar
  • Ratha Tujeo Ghudieo—by Smt. Jayanti Naik

Section B: Poetry

1. Classical Poetry
  • Ev ani Mori: Poetry by Eduardo Bruno de Souza
  • Abravanchem Yadnyadan—by Luis Mascarenhas
2. Traditional Poetry
  • Godde Ramayan—ed. by R.K. Rao
  • Ratnahar I and II—collection of poems—ed. R. V. Pandit
3. Modern Poetry Collections
  • Zayo Zuyo—poems- Manohar L. Sardessai
  • Kanadi Mati Konkani Kavi—Anthology of Poems—ed. Pratap Naik
4. Contemporary Poetry
  • Adrushatache Kalle—Poems by Pandurang Bhangui
  • Yaman—Poems by Madhav Borkar

Recommended Study Resources

Essential Books and Publications

  • Konkani Grammar and Usage Guide - Goa University
  • History of Konkani Literature - Sahitya Akademi
  • Konkani Language: Evolution and Development - Goa University Press
  • Anthology of Konkani Literature - Sahitya Akademi

Reference Materials

  • Konkani-English Dictionary - Goa University
  • Guide to Konkani Dialects and Variants
  • Konkani Folklore Studies - Cultural Academy of Goa
  • Modern Konkani Literature: A Critical Perspective

Study Aids

  • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Konkani Optional)
  • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
  • Online Resources from Goa University's Department of Konkani
  • Literary Criticism in Konkani - A Comprehensive Guide

Additional Resources

  • Konkani Language Learning Modules
  • Digital Archive of Konkani Literature
  • Audio Resources for Konkani Poetry and Prose
  • Research Papers on Konkani Language and Literature