Maithili Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

The UPSC Civil Services Examination offers Maithili Literature as an optional subject for the Mains stage. This option, consisting of two papers worth 250 marks each, delves into the rich and long history of Maithili, an official language of India. Choosing this optional is ideal for candidates with a strong foundation in Maithili, either through formal education or as their native tongue.

Maithili Paper 1

Section – A

History of Maithili Language

1. Place of Maithili in Indo-European Language family.
2. Origin and development of Maithili language. (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Avhatt, Maithili)
3. Periodic division of Maithili Language. (Beginning, Middle era, Modern era).
4. Maithili and its different dialects.
5. Relationship between Maithili and other Eastern languages (Bengali, Asamese, Oriya)
6. Origin and Development of Tirhuta Script.
7. Pronouns and Verbs in Maithili Language.

Section – B

History of Maithili Literature

1. Background of Maithili Literature (Religious, Economic, Social, Cultural).
2. Periodic division of Maithili literature.
3. Pre-Vidyapati Literature.
4. Vidyapati and his tradition.
5. Medieval Maithili Drama (Kirtaniya Natak, Ankia Nat, Maithili dramas written in Nepal).
6. Maithili Folk Literature (Folk Tales, Folk Drama, Folk Stories, Folk Songs).
7. Development of different literary forms in modern era :
   (a) Prabandh-kavya
   (b) Muktak-kavya
   (c) Novel
   (d) Short Story
   (e) Drama
   (f) Essay
   (g) Criticism
   (h) Memoirs
   (i) Translation
8. Development of Maithili Magazines and Journals.

Maithili Paper 2

Section – A

Poetry

1. Vidyapati Geet-Shati—Publisher : Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (Lyrics— 1 to 50)
2. Govind Das Bhajanavali—Publisher : Maithili Acadamy, Patna (Lyrics— 1 to 25)
3. Krishnajanm—Manbodh
4. Mithilabhasha Ramayana—Chanda Jha (only Sunder-Kand)
5. Rameshwar Charit Mithila Ramayan—Lal Das (only Bal-kand)
6. Keechak-Vadh—Tantra Nath Jha.
7. Datta-Vati—Surendra Jah ‘Suman’ (only 1st and 2nd Cantos).
8. Chitra-Yatri
9. Samakaleen Maithili Kavita—Publisher: Sahitaya Akademi, New Delhi.

Section – B

10. Varna Ratnakar—Jyotirishwar (only 2nd Kallol)
11. Khattar Kakak Tarang—Hari Mohan Jha
12. Lorik—Vijaya Manipadma
13. Prithvi Putra—Lalit
14. Bhaphait Chahak Jinagi—Sudhanshu ‘Shekhar’ Choudhary
15. Kriti Rajkamlak—Publisher: Maithili Acadamy, Patna (First Ten Stories only)
16. Katha–Sangrah–Publisher: Maithili Acadamy, Patna.

FAQs on Maithili Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

1. Who should choose Maithili Literature as an Optional Subject?

This subject is ideal for candidates with a strong background in Maithili language and literature, perhaps being native speakers. It’s advantageous if you have a genuine interest in the subject matter, as in-depth understanding is required.

2. What is the exam pattern for Maithili Literature Optional?

The exam consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks. Each paper has eight questions divided into two sections (four questions each). You answer five questions – Question 1 and Question 5 are compulsory, and any three from the remaining six (with at least one from each section).

3. What are the key areas covered in the syllabus?

The syllabus for Maithili Literature Optional covers various aspects:

• History and development of Maithili language
• Literary movements and trends in Maithili literature
• Major Maithili writers and their works
• Poetry, prose, and drama forms in Maithili literature
• Socio-cultural context reflected in Maithili literature

4. Where can I find resources to prepare for the exam?

Several resources can aid your preparation:

• UPSC’s official website provides the latest syllabus (https://pwonlyias.com/tag/upsc-mains-optional-syllabus/)
• Recommended books by experts can be found through online UPSC coaching websites.
• Previous years’ question papers are available for practice (https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/upsc-maithili-previous-year-question-papers)

5. Are there any specific strategies for preparing for Maithili Literature Optional?

Here are some tips:

• Develop a strong foundation in Maithili language itself.
• Focus on understanding the historical and social context of Maithili literature.
• Familiarize yourself with the works of prominent Maithili writers.
• Practice writing analytical essays and answers in Maithili.
• Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam format and question style.

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