Telugu Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Telugu Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answer must be written in Telugu
Paper I
Section A: Language
1. Historical Context
Place of Telugu among Dravidian languages and its antiquity—Etymological History of Telugu, Tenugu and Andhra
2. Linguistic Evolution
Major linguistic changes in phonological, morphological, grammatical and syntactical levels, from Proto-Dravidian to old Telugu and from old Telugu to Modern Telugu
3. Classical vs Spoken Telugu
Evolution of spoken Telugu when compared to classical Telugu-Formal and functional view of Telugu language
4. Language Influences
Influence of other languages and its impact on Telugu
5. Modernization of Telugu language
Movements and Media
- Linguistic and literary movements and their role in modernization of Telugu
- Role of media in modernization of Telugu (News-papers, Radio, TV etc.)
- Problems of terminology and mechanisms in coining new terms in Telugu in various discourses including scientific and technical
6. Dialects and Standardization
Dialects of Telugu—Regional and social variations and problems of Standardization
7. Syntax Structure
Major divisions of Telugu sentences—simple, complex and compound sentences—Noun and verb predications—Processes of nominalization and relativization—Direct and indirect reporting-conversion processes
8. Translation Studies
- Problems of translation, cultural, social and idiomatic
- Methods of translation
- Approaches to translation
- Literary and other kinds of translation
- Various uses of translation
Section B: Literature
1. Pre-Nannaya Period
Literature in Pre-Nannaya Period—Marga and Desi poetry
2. Nannaya Period
Historical and literary background of Andhra Mahabharata
3. Saiva Poetry
Saiva poets and their contribution—Dwipada, Sataka, Ragada, Udaharana
4. Tikkana's Contribution
Tikkana and his place in Telugu literature
5. Errana and Contemporaries
Errana and his literary works—Nachana Somana and his new approach to poetry
6. Major Poets
Srinatha and Potana—Their works and contribution
7. Bhakti Literature
Bhakti poets in Telugu literature—Tallapaka Annamayya, ramadasu, tyagayya
8. Literary Evolution
Evolution of prabandhas—Kavya and prabandha
9. Southern School
Southern school of Telugu literature-raghunatha Nayaka, chemakura vankatakavi and women poets-Literary forms like yakshagana, prose and padakavita
10. Modern Literature
Modern Telugu Literature and literary forms—Novel, Short Story, Drama, Playlet and poetic forms
11. Literary Movements
- Reformation
- Nationalism
- Neo-classisicism
- Romanticism
- Progressive
- Revolutionary movements
12. Contemporary Literature
Digambarakavulu, feminist and dalit Literature
13. Folk Literature
Main divisions of folk literature—Performing folk arts
Paper II
This paper will require first hand reading of the prescribed texts and will be designed to test the candidate's critical ability, which will be in relation to the following approaches:
Aesthetic approach
- Rassa
- Dhawani
- Vakroti
- Auchitya
- Formal and Structural
- Imagery and Symbolism
Other approaches
- Sociological
- Historical
- Ideological
- Psychological
Section A
1. Nannaya - Dushyanta Chritra (Adiparva 4th Canto verses 5—109)
2. Tikkana - Sri Krishna Rayabaramu (Udyoga parva-3rd Canto verses 1—144)
3. Srinath - Guna Nidhi Katha (Kasikhandam, 4th Canto, verses 76—133)
4. Pingali Surana - sugatri Salinulakatha (Kalapurno-dayamu 4 Canto verses, 60—142)
5. Molla - Ramayanamu (Balakanda including avatarika)
6. Kasula Purushothama Kavi - Andhra Nayaka Satakamu
Section B
7. Gurajada Appa Rao - Animutyalu (Short stories)
8. Viswanatha Satyanarayana - Andhra prasasti
9. Devulapalli Krishna Sastry - Krishnapaksham (excluding Uravsi and Pravasam)
10. Sri Sri - Maha prastanam
11. Jashuva - Gabbilam (Part I)
12. C. Narayana Reddy - Karpuravasanta rayalu
13. Kanuparti Varalakshmamma - Sarada lekhalu (Part I)
14. Atreya - N.G.O.
15. Racha Konda Viswanatha Sastry - Alpajaeevi
Note: This syllabus requires comprehensive understanding of both linguistic features and literary works. Special attention should be given to the evolution of Telugu language and its modernization.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Telugu Literature - Standard Reference
- • Telugu Grammar and Linguistics Guide
- • Evolution of Telugu Language and Literature
- • Guide to Telugu Literary Forms
Reference Materials
- • Dictionary of Telugu Literary Terms
- • Classical Telugu Literature: A Critical Study
- • Modern Telugu Literature: Trends and Movements
- • Folk Literature and Cultural Heritage
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Telugu Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Telugu Learning Resources
- • Telugu Literature Study Guides
Language Resources
- • Guide to Telugu Grammar and Composition
- • Dravidian Linguistics and Telugu
- • Modern Telugu Usage Guide
- • Translation Studies and Practice
Journals and Periodicals
- • Journal of Telugu Studies
- • Telugu Literary Review
- • Folk Literature Quarterly
- • Language and Cultural Studies