Manipuri Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Manipuri Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answers must be written in Manipuri
Paper I
Section A: Language
General Characteristics and Development
General characteristics of Manipuri Language and history of its development; its importance and status among the Tibeto-Burman Languages of North-East India; recent development in the study of Manipuri Language; evolution and study of old Manipuri script.
Significant Features of Manipuri Language
Phonology
- Phoneme-vowels, consonants juncture, tone
- Consonant cluster and its occurrence
- Syllable-its structure, pattern and types
Morphology
- Word-class, root and its types
- Affix and its types
- Grammatical categories-gender, number, person, case, tense and aspects
- Process of compounding (samas and sandhi)
Syntax
- Word order
- Types of sentences
- Phrase and clause structures
Section B
Literary History of Manipuri
Early period (up to 17th Century)
Medieval period (18th and 19th Century)
Modern period
Manipuri Folk Literature
- Legend
- Folktale
- Folksong
- Ballad
- Proverb
- Riddle
Aspects of Manipuri Culture
- Pre-Hindu Manipuri Faith
- Advent of Hinduism and the process of syncreticism
- Performing arts-Lai Haraoba, Maha Ras
- Indigenous games-Sagol Kangjei, Khong Kangjei, Kang
Paper II
This paper will require first hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test candidate's critical ability to assess them.
Section A: Old and Medieval Manipuri Literature
Old Manipuri Literature
- O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.): Numit Kappa
- M. Gourachandra Singh (Ed.): Thawanthaba Hiran
- N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.): Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba
- M. Chandra Singh (Ed.): Panthoibi Khonggul
Medieval Manipuri Literature
- M. Chandra Singh (Ed.): Samsok Ngamba
- R.K. Snahal Singh (Ed.): Ramayana Adi Kanda
- N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.): Dhananjoy Laibu Ningba
- O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.): Chandrakirti Jila Changba
Section B: Modern Manipuri Literature
Poetry and Epic
Poetry Collections
- Manipuri Sheireng (1998)
- Kanchi Sheireng (1998)
Epic
- A. Dorendrajit Singh: Kansa Bodha
- H. Anganghal Singh: Khamba-Thoibi Sheireng
Drama
- S. Lalit Singh: Areppa Marup
- G.C. Tongbra: Matric Pass
- A. Samarendra: Judge Saheb ki Imung
Prose
Novel
- Dr. L. Kamal Singh: Madhabi
- H. Anganghal Singh: Jahera
- H. Guno Singh: Laman
- Pacha Meetei: Imphal Amasung, Magi Ishing, Nungsitki Phibam
Short Stories
- Kanchi Warimacha (1997)
- Parishadki Khangatlaba Warimacha (1994)
- Anouba Manipuri Warimacha (1992)
Essays
- Warenggi Saklon
- Kanchi Wareng
- Apunba Wareng
- Manipuri Wareng
Note: This syllabus emphasizes both linguistic features and literary aspects of Manipuri. Special attention should be given to the cultural elements and their influence on literature.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Manipuri Literature - Manipur University Press
- • Manipuri Grammar and Linguistics - Manipur University
- • Evolution of Manipuri Script and Language
- • Guide to Manipuri Folk Literature and Culture
Reference Materials
- • Manipuri-English Dictionary
- • Classical Manipuri Literature: A Critical Study
- • Modern Manipuri Literature: Trends and Movements
- • Anthology of Manipuri Folk Literature
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Manipuri Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Resources from Manipur University
- • Manipuri Literature Study Guides
Cultural Resources
- • Documentation of Lai Haraoba and Maha Ras
- • Studies in Manipuri Cultural Heritage
- • Traditional Games of Manipur
- • Religious and Cultural Syncretism in Manipur
Journals and Periodicals
- • Journal of Manipuri Studies
- • Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Publications
- • Cultural Forum Manipur Journals
- • Manipur University Research Papers