Gujarati Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

Delve into the rich tapestry of Indian culture with the UPSC Civil Services Examination’s Gujarati Literature optional subject. This option, ideal for candidates with a strong grasp of Gujarati, explores the language’s literary heritage, encompassing poetry, prose, drama, and critical analysis. Through two papers, you’ll delve into the historical development of Gujarati literature, analyze major movements and authors, and engage with the works that have shaped Gujarati identity.

Gujarati Paper 1

Section – A

Gujarati Language: Form and History

1. History of Gujarati Language with special reference to New Indo-Aryan i.e. last one thousand years.
2. Significant features of the Gujarati language : phonology, morphology and syntax.
3. Major dialects: Surti, pattani, charotari and Saurashtri.

History of Gujarati literature Medieval

1. Jaina tradition
2. Bhakti tradition: Sagun and Nirgun (Jnanmargi)
3. Non-sectarian tradition (Laukik parampara)

Modern:

1. Sudharak yug
2. Pandit yug
3. Gandhi yug
4. Anu-Gandhi yug
5. Adhunik yug

Section – B

Literary Forms : (Salient features, history and development of the following literary forms)

(a) Medieval

1. Narratives : Rasa, Akhyan and Padyavarta
2. Lyrical: Pada

(b) Folk

3. Bhavai

(c) Modern

4. Fiction: Novel and Short Story
5. Drama
6. Literary Essay
7. Lyrical Poetry

(d) Criticism

8. History of theoretical Gujarati criticism
9. Recent research in folk tradition.

Gujarati Paper 2

Section – A

1. Medieval
   (i) Vasantvilas phagu—AJNATKRUT
   (ii) Kadambari—BHALAN
   (iii) Sudamacharitra—PREMANAND
   (iv) Chandrachandravatini varta—SHAMAL
   (v) Akhegeeta—AKHO
2. Sudharakyug & Pandityug
   (vi) Mari Hakikat—NARMADASHA
   (vii) Farbasveerah—DALPATRAM
   (viii) Saraswatichandra-Part 1—GOVARDHANRAM TRIPATHI
   (ix) Purvalap—‘KANT’ (MANISHANKAR RATNAJI BHATT)
   (x) Raino Parvat—RAMANBHAI NEELKANTH

Section – B

1. Gandhiyug & Anu Gandhiyug
   (i) Hind Swaraj—MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI
   (ii) Patanni Prabhuta—KANHAIYALAL MUNSHI
   (iii) Kavyani Shakti—RAMNARAYAN VISHWANATH PATHAK
   (iv) Saurashtrani Rasdhar-Part 1—ZAVERCHAND MEGHANI
   (v) Manvini Bhavai—PANNALAL PATEL
   (vi) Dhvani—RAJENDRA SHAH
2. Adhunik yug
   (vii) Saptapadi—UMASHANKAR JOSHI
   (viii) Janantike—SURESH JOSHI
   (ix) Ashwatthama—SITANSHU YASHASCHANDRA.

FAQs on Gujarati Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

1. Is Gujarati Literature a good optional subject choice?

This depends on your own strengths and interests. Gujarati Literature is a good choice if you:

• Are comfortable with the Gujarati language and have a strong foundation in Gujarati literature.
• Enjoy studying literature and analyzing literary works.
• Believe you can develop strong analytical and writing skills in Gujarati.

2. What does the syllabus for Gujarati Literature cover?

The syllabus is divided into two sections:

• Section A: History of Gujarati Literature – Covers various periods like Bhakti Movement, Colonial Era, and Modern Period. It also explores different literary movements and important authors.
• Section B: Literary Forms – Focuses on the development and characteristics of various literary forms like poetry, prose, drama, etc.

3. What are some resources for preparing for Gujarati Literature?

Here are some resources to help you prepare:

• NCERT Gujarati textbooks
• Gujarati Sahitya Akademi publications
• Standard Gujarati literature textbooks by Gujarati authors
• Previous years’ UPSC question papers with answer keys from websites like Mrunal (https://mrunal.org/category/opt-guj-litt)
• Optional subject coaching materials (if needed)

4. How can I develop strong writing skills in Gujarati for the exam?

• Regularly practice writing essays and answers on topics related to the syllabus.
• Get your writing reviewed by a qualified teacher or someone proficient in Gujarati.
• Read Gujarati literature and analyze the writing style of different authors.

5. Are there any toppers’ interviews or success stories available for Gujarati Literature?

Yes, there are a few. You can find interviews with toppers who chose Gujarati Literature as their optional subject on websites like Mrunal (https://mrunal.org/category/opt-guj-litt) These interviews can provide valuable insights into their preparation strategies.

In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901. 

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