Santhali Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

Embark on a fascinating journey into the vibrant world of Santhali Literature, an optional subject offered by the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This unique path delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Santhali people, a language spoken by millions across India and recognized as one of the country’s official languages. By delving into its literary traditions, you’ll gain insights into the history, beliefs, and social realities of the Santhali community, offering a valuable perspective for your future endeavors in the Indian Civil Services.

Santhali Paper 1

Section – A

Part I—History of Santhali Language

1. Main Austric Language family, population, and distribution.
2. Grammatical structure of Santhali Language.
3. Important character of the Santhali Language: Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Translation, and Lexicography.
4. Impact of other languages of Santhali.
5. Standardization of Santhali Language.

Part II—History of Santhali Literature

1. Literary trend of the following four periods of the history of Santhali Literature.
   • (a) Ancient Literature before 1854.
     (b) Missionary period Literature between 1855 to 1889 AD
   • (c) Medieval period: Literature between 1890 to 1946 AD.
   • (d) Modern period : Literature from 1947 AD to till date.
2. 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, and Kudum.

Part II

Modern literature in Santhali

1. Development of poetry and prominent poets.
2. Development of prose and prominent writers.
   (i) Novels and prominent Novelists.
   (ii) Stories and prominent story writers.
   (iii) Drama and Prominent Dramatist.
   (iv) Criticism and prominent critics.
   (v) Essay, sketches, memoirs, travelogues and prominent writers.

Santhali writers

Shyam Sundar Hembram, Pandit Raghunath Murmu, Barha Beshra, Sadhu Ramchand Murmu, Narayan Soren ‘Toresutam’, Sarda Prasad Kisku, Raghunath Tudu, Kalipada Soren, Sakla Soren, Digamber Hansda, Aditya Mitra ‘Santhali’, Babulal Murmu ‘Adivasi’, Jadumani Beshra, Arjun Hembram, Krishna Chandra Tudu, Rupchand Hansda, Kalendra Nath Mandi, Mahadev, Hansda, Gour Chandra Murmu, Thakur Prasad Murmu, Hara Prasad Murmu, Uday Nath Majhi, Parimal Hembram, Dhirendra Nath Baske, Shyam Charan Hembram, Damayanti Beshra, T.K. Rapaj, Boyha Biswanath Tudu.

Part III

Cultural Heritage of Santhali tradition, customs, festival and rituals (birth, marriage and death).

Santhali Paper 2

Section – A

Ancient Literature:

Prose

(a) Kherwal Bonso Dhorom Puthi—Majhi Ramdas Tudu “Rasika”.
(b) Mare Hapramko Reyak Katha—L.O. Scrafsrud.
(c) Jomsim Binti Lita—Mangal Chandra Turkulumang Soren.
(d) Marang Buru Binti—Kanailal Tudu.

Poetry

(a) Karam Sereng—Nunku Soren.
(b) Devi Dasain Sereng—Manindra Hansda.
(c) Horh Sereng—W.G. Archer.
(d) Baha Sereng—Balaram Tudu.
(e) Dong Sereng—Padmashri Bhagwat Murmu ‘Thakur’.
(f) Hor Sereng—Raghunath Murmu.
(g) Soros Sereng—Babulal Murmu “Adivasi”.
(h) More Sin More Ndia—Rup Chand Hansda.
(i) Judasi Madwa Latar—Tez Narayan Murmu.

Section – B

Modern Literature

Part I—Poetry

(a) Onorhen Baha Dhalwak—Paul Jujhar Soren.
(b) Asar Binti—Narayan Soren “Tore Sutam”.
(c) Chand Mala—Gora Chand Tudu.
(d) Onto Baha Mala—Aditya Mitra “Santhali”.
(e) Tiryo Tetang—Hari Har Hansda.
(f) Sisirjon Rar—Thakur Prasad Murmu.

Part II—Novels

(a) Harmawak Ato—R.Karstiars (Translator—R.K. Kisku Rapaz).
(b) Manu Mati—Chandra Mohan Hansda.
(c) Ato Orak—Doman Hansdak.
(d) Ojoy Gada Dhiph re—Nathenial Murmu.

Part III—Stories

(a) Jiyon Gada—Rup Chand Hansda and Jadumani Beshra.
(b) Mayajaal—Doman Sahu ‘Samir’ and Padmashri Bhagwat Murmu ‘Thakur’.

Part IV—Drama

(a) Kherwar Bir—Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
(b) Juri Khatir—Dr. K.C. Tudu.
(c) Birsa Bir—Ravi Lal Tudu.

Part V—Biography

Santal Ko Ren Mayam Gohako—Dr. Biswanath Hansda.

FAQs on Santhali Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

1. What is Santhali Literature?

Santhali Literature is the rich and vibrant body of literary works written in the Santhali language, spoken by the Santhal people, one of the largest Adivasi (indigenous) communities in India. It encompasses a diverse range of genres, including folk songs, epics, myths, proverbs, and contemporary writings. Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

2. Why choose Santhali Literature as an Optional Subject?

There are several reasons why Santhali Literature can be a good choice for the UPSC Optional Subject:

• Unique and Niche: Choosing a less popular subject like Santhali Literature can help you stand out from the competition in the UPSC Mains exam.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Studying Santhali Literature allows you to delve into the history, customs, and traditions of the Santhal people, gaining a deeper understanding of Indian culture.
• Scoring Potential: With focused preparation, Santhali Literature has the potential for high marks due to the relatively fewer competitors compared to mainstream subjects.

3. What are the challenges of opting for Santhali Literature?

• Limited Resources: Finding study materials and coaching specifically for Santhali Literature can be challenging compared to more popular subjects.
• Language Proficiency: A strong understanding of Santhali language is necessary to comprehend the nuances of the literature.

4. How to prepare for Santhali Literature as an Optional Subject?

Here are some tips for preparing for Santhali Literature:

• Develop Language Skills: If you are not familiar with Santhali, invest time in learning the language.
• Collect Study Materials: Look for reference books, research papers, and online resources on Santhali Literature.
• Previous Years’ Papers: Analyze previous UPSC question papers to understand the exam format and weightage for different topics.
• Join Online Forums: Consider joining online forums or communities dedicated to Santhali Literature for discussions and guidance from experts.

5. What are the career prospects after choosing Santhali Literature?

A UPSC aspirant with a background in Santhali Literature can pursue various career options, including:

• Civil Services: Obviously, qualifying for the UPSC exam opens doors to prestigious positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central services.
• Teaching and Research: You can pursue a career in teaching Santhali language and literature at universities or colleges.
• Content Creation: There’s a growing demand for content creators who can develop educational materials or translate works related to Santhali culture.

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