Tamil Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Tamil Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answers must be written in Tamil
Paper I
Section A
Part 1: History of Tamil Language
Language Family
Major Indian Language Families—The place of Tamil among Indian Languages in general and Dravidian in particular—Enumeration and Distribution of Dravidian languages
Historical Development
- The language of Sangam Literature
- The language of medieval Tamil: Pallava Period only
- Historical study of Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs
- Tense markers and case markers in Tamil
Language Evolution
- Borrowing of words from other languages into Tamil
- Regional and social dialects
- Difference between literary and spoken Tamil
Part 2: History of Tamil Literature
Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literature
The division of Akam and Puram
The secular characteristics of Sangam Literature
The development of Ethical literature
Silappadikaram and Manimekalai
Part 3: Devotional Literature
Alwars and Nayanamars
- The bridal mysticism in Alwar hymns
- Minor literary forms (Tutu, Ula, Parani, Kuravanji)
Modern Tamil Literature
- Social factors for development
- Novel, Short Story and New Poetry
- The impact of various political ideologies on modern writings
Section B
Part 1: Recent trends in Tamil Studies
Approaches to criticism
- Social
- Psychological
- Historical
- Moralistic
Literary Techniques
- Ullurai
- Iraicchi
- Thonmam (Myth)
- Otturuvagam (allegory)
- Angadam (Satire)
- Meyappadu
- Padimam (image)
- Kuriyeedu (Symbol)
- Irunmai (Ambiguity)
The concept of comparative literature
The principle of comparative literature
Part 2: Folk literature in Tamil
Folk Forms
- Ballads
- Songs
- Proverbs
- Riddles
Sociological study of Tamil folklore
Uses of translation
Translation of Tamil works into other languages
Development of journalism in Tamil
Part 3: Cultural Heritage of the Tamils
Ancient Concepts
- Concept of Love and War
- Concept of Aram
- Ethical codes in warfare
- Customs, beliefs, rituals, modes of worship in the five Thinais
Cultural Evolution
- Cultural changes in post sangam literature
- Cultural fusion in medieval period (Janism and Buddhism)
- Development of arts and architecture (Pallavas, later Cholas, and Nayaks)
- Impact of political, social, religious and cultural movements
- Role of mass media in contemporary Tamil society
Paper II
The paper will require first-hand reading of the text prescribed and will be designed to test the critical ability of the candidate.
Section A
Part 1: Ancient Literature
- Kuruntokai (1—25 poems)
- Purananuru (182—200 poems)
- TirukkuralPorutpal (ArasiyalumAmaichiyalum (from Iraimatchi to Avaianjamai))
Part 2: Epic Literature
- Silappadikaram (Madhurai Kandam only)
- Kambaramayanam (Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam)
Part 3: Devotional Literature
- Tiruvasagam (Neetthal Vinnappam)
- Tiruppavai (Full Text)
Section B
Modern Literature
Part 1
Poetry
- Kannan Pattu - Bharathiar
- Kudumba Vilakku - Bharathidasan
- Karappu Malarkal - Naa. Kamarasan
Prose
- Aramum Arasiyalum - Mu. Varadharajanar
- Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame - C. N. Annadurai
Part 2: Novel, Short Story and Drama
- Chittairappavai - Akilon
- Gurupeedam - Jayakanthan
- Yaurkkum Vetkamillai - Cho
Part 3: Folk Literature
- Muthuppattan kathai, ed. Na. Vanamamalai, Madurai Kamaraj University
- Malaiyaruvi, ed. Ki. Va Jagannathan, Saraswathi Mahal, Thanjavur
Note: This syllabus requires comprehensive understanding of both linguistic features and literary works. Special attention should be given to Sangam literature and cultural heritage aspects.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Tamil Literature - Standard Reference
- • Tamil Grammar and Linguistics Guide
- • Evolution of Tamil Language and Literature
- • Guide to Tamil Literary Forms
Reference Materials
- • Dictionary of Tamil Literary Terms
- • Classical Tamil Literature: A Critical Study
- • Modern Tamil Literature: Trends and Movements
- • Folk Literature and Cultural Heritage
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Tamil Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Tamil Learning Resources
- • Tamil Literature Study Guides
Language Resources
- • Guide to Tamil Grammar and Composition
- • Sangam Literature Analysis
- • Devotional Literature Studies
- • Modern Literary Forms Guide
Journals and Periodicals
- • Journal of Tamil Studies
- • Tamil Literary Review
- • Folk Literature Quarterly
- • Cultural Heritage Studies