Hindi Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

The UPSC Civil Services Examination offers Hindi Literature as one of its optional subjects, attracting a large number of aspirants due to its wide popularity. This in-depth study delves into the rich tapestry of Hindi literature, encompassing its ancient roots, medieval evolution, and modern transformation. By exploring various literary movements, critical analysis, and the works of prominent authors, candidates gain a profound understanding of Hindi’s role in shaping Indian culture and society.

Hindi Paper 1

Section – A

1. History of Hindi Language and Nagari Lipi
   • I. Grammatical and applied forms of Apbhransh, Awahatta & Arambhik Hindi.
   • II. Development of Braj and Awadhi as Literary language during medieval period.
   • III. Early form of Khari-boli in Siddha-Nath Sahitya, Khusero, Sant Sahitaya, Rahim etc. and Dakhni Hindi.
   • IV. Development of Khari-boli and Nagari Lipi during 19th Century.
   • V. Standardisation of Hindi Bhasha & Nagari Lipi.
   • VI. Development of Hindi as a National Language during freedom movement.
   • VII. The development of Hindi as a National Language of Union of India.
   • VIII. Scientific & Technical Development of Hindi Language.
   • IX. Prominent dialects of Hindi and their inter-relationship.
   • X. Salient features of Nagari Lipi and the efforts for its reform & Standard form of Hindi.
   • XI. Grammatical structure of Standard Hindi.

Section – B

2. History of Hindi Literature
   1. I. The relevance and importance of Hindi literature and tradition of writing History of Hindi Literature.
   2. II. Literary trends of the following four periods of history of Hindi Literature.
      A : Adikal—Sidh, Nath and Raso Sahitya. Prominent poets—Chandvardai, Khusaro, Hemchandra, Vidyapati.
      B : Bhaktikal—Sant Kavyadhara, Sufi Kavyadhara, Krishna Bhaktidhara and Ram Bhaktidhara. Prominent Poets—Kabir, Jayasi, Sur & Tulsi.
      C : Ritikal—Ritikavya, Ritibaddhkavya & Riti Mukta Kavya. Prominent Poets—Keshav, Bihari, Padmakar and Ghananand.
      D : Adhunik Kal—
      a. Renaissance, the development of Prose, Bharatendu Mandal.
      b. Prominent Writers—Bharatendu, Bal Krishna Bhatt & Pratap Narain Mishra.
      c. Prominent trends of modern Hindi Poetry: Chhayavad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, Nai Kavita, Navgeet and Contemporary poetry and Janvadi Kavita.
      Prominent Poets—Maithili Sharan Gupta, Prasad, Nirala, Mahadevi, Dinkar, Agyeya,
      Muktibodh, Nagarjun.
3. Katha Sahitya
   A: Upanyas & Realism
   B: The origin and development of Hindi Novels.
   C: ProminentNovelists—Premchand, Jain-Kendra, Yashpal, Renu and Bhism Sahani.
   D: The origin and development of Hindi short story.
   E: Prominent Short Story Writers—Premchand, Prasad, Agyeya, Mohan Rakesh & Krishna Sobti.
4. Drama & Theatre
   • A: The Origin & Development of Hindi Drama.
   • B: Prominent Dramatists—Bharatendu, Prasad, Jagdish Chandra Mathur, Ram Kumar Verma, Mohan Rakesh.
   • C: The development of Hindi Theatre.
5. Criticism
   A: The origin and development of Hindi criticism : Saiddhantik, Vyavharik, Pragativadi.
   Manovishleshanvadi & Nai Alochana.
   B: Prominent critics—Ramchandra Shukla, Hajari Prasad Dwivedi, Ram Vilas Sharma & Nagendra.
6. The other form of Hindi prose—is Lalit Nibandh,Rekhachitra, Sansmaran, and Yatra-vrittant.

Hindi Paper 2

Section – A

1. Kabir : Kabir Granthawali, Ed. Shyam Sundar Das (First hundred Sakhis)
2. Soordas : Bhramar Geetsar, Ed. Ramchandra Shukla (First hundred Padas)
3. Tulsidas : Ramcharit Manas (Sundar Kand) Kavitawali (Uttarkand)
4. Jayasi : Padmawat Ed. Shyam Sundar Das (Sinhal Dwip Khand & Nagmativiyog
   Khand)
5. Bihari : Bihari Ratnakar Ed. Jagnnath Prasad Ratnakar (First 100 Dohas)
6. Maithili Sharan : Bharat Bharati Gupta
7. Prasad : Kamayani (Chinta and Shraddha Sarg)
8. Nirala : Rag-Virag, Ed. Ram Vilas Sharma (Ram Ki Shakti Pooja & Kukurmutta)
9. Dinkar : Kurukshetra
10. Agyeya : Angan Ke Par Dwar (Asadhya Veena)
11. Muktiboth : Brahm Rakhashas
12. Nagarjun : Badal Ko Ghirte Dekha Hai, Akal Ke Bad, Harijan Gatha.

Section – B

1. Bharatendu : Bharat Durdasha
2. Mohan Rakesh : Ashadh Ka Ek Din
3. Ramchandra : Chintamani (Part I) (KavitaKya Shukla Hai, ShraddhaAurBhakti)
4. Dr. Satyendra : Nibandh Nilaya—Bal Krishna Bhatt, Premchand, Gulab Rai, Hajari Prasad
   Dwivedi, Ram Vilas Sharma, Agyeya, Kuber Nath Rai.
5. Premchand : Godan, Premchand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan, Ed. Amrit
   Rai/Manjusha—Prem Chand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan. Ed. Amrit Rai.Prasad : Skandgupta
6. Yashpal : Divya
7. Phaniswar Nath : Maila Anchal
8. Renu
9. Mannu Bhandari : Mahabhoj
10. Rajendra Yadav : Ek Dunia Samanantar (All Stories)

FAQs on Hindi Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

1. Who should consider Hindi Literature as an Optional Subject?

This subject is ideal for candidates with a strong foundation in Hindi language and literature. It’s also a good choice for those who enjoy reading and analyzing literary works.

2. What does the UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus cover?

The syllabus is vast, encompassing ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary Hindi literature. It includes poetry, prose, drama, and criticism. You’ll study literary movements, prominent authors, and critical theories.

3. What are the benefits of choosing Hindi Literature as an Optional?

• High Scoring Potential: With dedicated preparation, Hindi Literature can be a high-scoring subject due to the vast answer writing opportunities.
• In-Depth Knowledge of Hindi Culture: Studying the subject gives you a deeper understanding of Indian history, society, and cultural nuances.
• Language Proficiency Enhancement: The preparation process improves your Hindi language skills significantly, which is beneficial for other parts of the UPSC exam.

4. How to prepare for the Hindi Literature Optional exam?

• Thoroughly understand the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with all the topics and ensure you cover them comprehensively.
• Refer to recommended books and study materials: Utilize resources suggested by toppers and coaching institutes.
• Practice answer writing: Regularly write answers following the UPSC format and time constraints.
• Previous Years’ Papers: Analyze question trends and practice solving them to understand the examiner’s expectations.

5. What are some resources for UPSC Hindi Literature Optional preparation?

• NCERT Hindi Textbooks: Build a strong foundation with NCERT books for various classes.
• Standard Hindi Literature References: Refer to works by eminent authors like Ramchandra Shukla, Hajari Prasad Dwivedi, etc.
• UPSC Toppers’ Notes and Strategies: Learn from toppers’ experiences and incorporate their effective strategies.
• Coaching Institutes: Enroll in coaching classes for structured guidance and mentorship (optional).

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