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Malayalam Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Malayalam Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answers must be written in Malayalam
Paper I
Section A
1. Early phase of Malayalam Language
- Various theories: Origin from proto Dravidian, Tamil, Sanskrit
- Relation between Tamil and Malayalam: Six nayas of A. R. Rajarajavarma
- Pattu School—Definition, Ramacharitam, later pattu works—Niranam works and Krishnagatha
2. Linguistic features of
- Manipravalam—definition. Language of early manipravala works—Champu, Sandesakavya, Chandrotsava, minor works. Later manipravala works—medieval Champu and Attakkatha
- Folklore—Southern and Northern ballads, Mappila songs
- Early Malayalam Prose—Bhashakautaliyam, Brahmandapuranam, Attaprakaram, Kramadipika and Nambiantamil
3. Standardisation of Malayalam
- Peculiarities of the language of Pana, Kilippattu and Tullal
- Contributions of indigenous and European missionaries to Malayalam
- Characteristics of contemporary Malayalam; Malayalam as administrative language
- Language of scientific and technical literature—media language
Section B: Literary History
4. Ancient and Medieval Literature
- Pattu—Ramacharitam, Niranam Works and Krishnagatha
- Manipravalam—early and medieval manipravala works including attakkatha and champu
- Folk Literature
- Kilippattu, Tullal and Mahakavya
5. Modern Literature—Poetry
- Venmani poets and contemporaries
- The advent of Romanticism—Poetry of Kavitraya i.e., Asan, Ulloor and Vallathol
- Poetry after Kavitraya
- Modernism in Malayalam Poetry
6. Modern Literature—Prose
- Drama
- Novel
- Short story
- Biography, travelogue, essay and criticism
Paper II
This paper will require first hand reading of the texts prescribed and is designed to test the candidate's critical ability.
Section A
Unit 1
- Ramacharitam—Patalam 1
- Kannassaramayanam—Balakandam first 25 stanzas
- Unnunilisandesam—Purvabhagam 25 slokas including Prastavana
- Mahabharatham Kilippattu—Bhishmaparvam
Unit 2
- Kumaran Asan—Chintavisthayaya Sita
- Vailoppilli—Kutiyozhikkal
- G. Sankara Kurup—Perunthachan
- N. V. Krishna Variar—Tivandiyile pattu
Unit 3
- O. N. V.—Bhumikkoru Charamagitam
- Ayyappa Panicker—Kurukshetram
- Akkittam—Pandatha Messanthi
- Attur Ravivarma—Megharupan
Section B
Unit 4
- O. Chanthu Menon—Indulekha
- Thakazhy—Chemmin
- O. V. Vijayan—Khasakkinte Ithihasam
Unit 5
- M. T. Vasudevan Nair—Vanaprastham (Collection)
- N. S. Madhavan—Higvitta (Collection)
- C. J. Thomas—1128-il Crime 27
Unit 6
- Kuttikrishna Marar—Bharataparyatanam
- M. K. Sanu—Nakshatrangalute Snehabhajanam
- V. T. Bhatttathirippad—Kannirum Kinavum
Note: This syllabus requires in-depth knowledge of Malayalam literature and first-hand reading of prescribed texts. Focus on developing critical analysis skills along with thorough understanding of the texts.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Malayalam Literature - Kerala Sahitya Akademi
- • Malayalam Grammar and Linguistics - University of Kerala
- • Evolution of Malayalam Language - Dr. P.V. Velayudhan
- • Modern Malayalam Literature: A Critical Survey
Reference Materials
- • A.R. Rajarajavarma's Complete Works
- • Medieval Malayalam Literature: A Comprehensive Study
- • Folk Literature of Kerala
- • Modern Malayalam Poetry: Trends and Movements
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Malayalam Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Resources from Kerala Sahitya Akademi
- • Malayalam Literature Study Guides
Additional Resources
- • Malayalam-English Dictionary
- • Digital Archive of Malayalam Literature
- • Audio Resources for Malayalam Poetry
- • Research Papers on Malayalam Language and Literature
Important Journals and Magazines
- • Mathrubhumi Literary Review
- • Kerala Sahitya Akademi Journal
- • Bhashaposhini
- • Malayalam Literary Survey