RankMentor Logo
Back to Optional Subjects

Marathi Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025

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

Answers must be written in Marathi

Paper I

Section A: Language and Folk-lore

Nature and Functions of Language (with reference to Marathi)
  • Language as a signifying system: Langue and Parole
  • Basic functions
  • Poetic Language
  • Standard Language and dialect
  • Language variations according to social parameters
  • Linguistic features of Marathi in thirteenth century and seventeenth century
Dialects of Marathi
  • Ahirani
  • Varhadi
  • Dangi
Marathi Grammar
  • Parts of Speech
  • Case-system
  • Prayog-vichar (Voice)
Nature and kinds of Folk-lore (with special reference to Marathi)
  • Lok-Geet
  • Lok Katha
  • Lok Natya

Section B: History of Literature and Literary Criticism

History of Marathi Literature
From beginning to 1818 AD

Special reference to:

  • The Mahanubhava writers
  • The Varkari poets
  • The Pandit poets
  • The Shahirs
  • Bakhar Literature
From 1850 to 1990

Major forms and movements:

Major Forms:

  • Poetry
  • Fiction (Novel and Short Story)
  • Drama

Literary Movements:

  • Romantic
  • Realist
  • Modernist
  • Dalit
  • Gramin
  • Feminist
Literary Criticism
  • Nature and function of Literature
  • Evaluation of Literature
  • Nature, Objectives and Methods of Criticism
  • Literature, Culture and Society

Paper II

The paper will require first-hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the candidate's critical ability.

Section A: Prose

  • Smritisthala
  • Mahatma Jotiba Phule: 'Shetkaryacha Asud', 'Sarvajanik Satyadharma'
  • S.V. Ketkar: 'Brahmankanya'
  • P.K. Atre: 'Sashtang Namaskar'
  • Sharchchandra Muktibodh: 'Jana Hey Volatu Jethe'
  • Uddhav Shelke: 'Shilan'
  • Baburao Bagul: 'Jevha Mi Jaat Chorli Hoti'
  • Gouri Deshpande: 'Ekek Paan Galavaya'
  • P.I. Sonkamble: 'Athavaninche Pakshi'

Section B: Poetry

  • Namadevanchi Abhangawani (Ed: Inamdar, Relekar, Mirajkar, Modern Book Depot, Pune)
  • Painjan (Ed: M.N. Adwant, Sahitya Prasar Kendra, Nagpur)
  • Damayanti-Swayamvar By Raghunath Pandit
  • Balakvinchi Kavita By Balkavi
  • Vishakha By Kusumagraj
  • Maridgandh By Vinda Karandikar
  • Jahirnama By Narayan Surve
  • Sandhyakalchya Kavita By Grace
  • Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi By Namdev Dhasal

Note: This syllabus requires comprehensive understanding of both linguistic aspects and literary works. Special attention should be given to the various literary movements and their social context.

Recommended Study Resources

Essential Books and Publications

  • • History of Marathi Literature - Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
  • • Marathi Grammar and Linguistics - Standard Reference
  • • Evolution of Marathi Language and Literature
  • • Folk Literature of Maharashtra: A Comprehensive Study

Reference Materials

  • • Dictionary of Marathi Literary Terms
  • • Classical Marathi Literature: A Critical Study
  • • Modern Marathi Literature: Trends and Movements
  • • Guide to Marathi Dialects and Folk Literature

Study Aids

  • • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Marathi Optional)
  • • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
  • • Online Resources from Maharashtra Universities
  • • Marathi Literature Study Guides

Literary Movements

  • • Understanding Dalit Literature in Marathi
  • • Feminist Movement in Marathi Literature
  • • Modern Literary Trends in Marathi
  • • Rural Literature (Gramin Sahitya) in Marathi

Journals and Periodicals

  • • Maharashtra Sahitya Patrika
  • • Marathi Literary Review
  • • Contemporary Marathi Literature Journal
  • • Folk Culture Studies Journal