Santhali Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Santhali Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answers must be written in Santhali
Paper I
Section A
Part I—History of Santhali Language
Main Austric Language family, population and distribution
Grammatical structure of Santhali Language
Important character of Santhali Language
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Syntax
- Semantics
- Translation
- Lexicography
Impact of other languages of Santhali
Standardization of Santhali Language
Part II—History of Santhali Literature
Literary trend of the following four periods
- Ancient Literature (before 1854)
- Missionary period Literature (between 1855 to 1889 AD)
- Medieval period (Literature between 1890 to 1946 AD)
- Modern period (Literature from 1947 AD to till date)
Writing tradition in History of Santhali literature
Section B
Literary forms—Main characteristics, history and development of following literary forms
Part I: Folk Literature in Santhali
- Folk song
- Folk tale
- Phrase
- Idioms puzzles
- Kudum
Part II: Modern literature in Santhali
Development of poetry and prominent poets
Development of prose and prominent writers
- Novels and prominent Novelists
- Stories and prominent story writers
- Drama and Prominent Dramatist
- Criticism and prominent critics
- Essay, sketches, memoirs, travelogues and prominent writers
Prominent Santhali writers
Part III: Cultural Heritage of Santhali
Tradition
Customs
Festival
Rituals (birth, marriage and death)
Paper II
This paper will require in-depth reading of the following texts and the questions will be designed to test the candidates' critical ability.
Section A
Ancient Literature
Prose
- Kherwal Bonso Dhorom Puthi - Majhi Ramdas Tudu 'Rasika'
- Mare Hapramko Reyak Katha - L.O. Scrafsrud
- Jomsim Binti Lita - Mangal Chandra Turkulumang Soren
- Marang Buru Binti - Kanailal Tudu
Poetry
- Karam Sereng - Nunku Soren
- Devi Dasain Sereng - Manindra Hansda
- Horh Sereng - W.G. Archer
- Baha Sereng - Balaram Tudu
- Dong Sereng - Padmashri Bhagwat Murmu 'Thakur'
- Hor Sereng - Raghunath Murmu
- Soros Sereng - Babulal Murmu 'Adivasi'
- More Sin More Ndia - Rup Chand Hansda
- Judasi Madwa Latar - Tez Narayan Murmu
Section B
Modern Literature
Part I—Poetry
- Onorhen Baha Dhalwak - Paul Jujhar Soren
- Asar Binti - Narayan Soren 'Tore Sutam'
- Chand Mala - Gora Chand Tudu
- Onto Baha Mala - Aditya Mitra 'Santhali'
- Tiryo Tetang - Hari Har Hansda
- Sisirjon Rar - Thakur Prasad Murmu
Part II—Novels
- Harmawak Ato - R.Karstiars (Translator: R.K. Kisku Rapaz)
- Manu Mati - Chandra Mohan Hansda
- Ato Orak - Doman Hansdak
- Ojoy Gada Dhiph re - Nathenial Murmu
Part III—Stories
- Jiyon Gada - (Rup Chand Hansda, Jadumani Beshra)
- Mayajaal - (Doman Sahu 'Samir', Padmashri Bhagwat Murmu 'Thakur')
Part IV—Drama
- Kherwar Bir - Pandit Raghunath Murmu
- Juri Khatir - Dr. K.C. Tudu
- Birsa Bir - Ravi Lal Tudu
Part V—Biography
- Santal Ko Ren Mayam Gohako - Dr. Biswanath Hansda
Note: This syllabus requires comprehensive understanding of both linguistic features and literary works. Special attention should be given to folk literature and cultural heritage aspects of Santhali.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Santhali Literature - Standard Reference
- • Santhali Grammar and Linguistics Guide
- • Evolution of Santhali Language and Literature
- • Guide to Santhali Folk Literature
Reference Materials
- • Dictionary of Santhali Literary Terms
- • Classical Santhali Literature: A Critical Study
- • Modern Santhali Literature: Trends and Movements
- • Folk Studies and Cultural Heritage
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Santhali Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Santhali Learning Resources
- • Santhali Literature Study Guides
Language Resources
- • Guide to Santhali Grammar and Composition
- • Santhali Folk Literature Collection
- • Cultural Studies in Santhali Literature
- • Modern Literary Forms Guide
Journals and Periodicals
- • Journal of Santhali Studies
- • Santhali Literary Review
- • Folk Literature Quarterly
- • Cultural Heritage Studies