Nepali Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

The UPSC Civil Services Examination offers Nepali Literature as an optional subject, inviting aspirants to delve into the rich tapestry of Nepali language and its literary heritage. This path opens a door to studying classical and modern works across genres like poetry, prose, and drama. By delving into these works, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Nepali culture, history, and the development of the language itself.

Nepali Paper 1

Section – A

1. History of the origin and development of Nepali as one of the new Indo Aryan Languages.
2. Fundamentals of Nepali Grammar and phonology:
   (i) Nominal forms and categories:— Gender, Number, Case, Adjectives, Pronouns, Avyayas
   (ii) Verbal forms and categories:— Tense, Aspects, Voice, Roots, and Fixes
   (iii) Nepali Swara and Vyanjana;
3. Major Dialects of Nepali
4. Standardisation and Modernisation of Nepali with special reference to language movements (viz. Halanta Bahiskar, Jharrovad, etc.)
5. Teaching of Nepali language in India—Its history and development with special reference to its sociocultural aspects.

Section – B

1. History of Nepali literature with special reference to its development in India.
2. Fundamental concepts and theories of Literature:
   Kavya/Sahitya, Kavya Prayojan, Literary genres, Shabda Shakti, Rasa, Alankara, Tragedy, Comedy, Aesthetics, Stylistics.
3. Major literary trends and movements—
   Swachchhandatavad, Yatharthavad, Astitwavad, Ayamik Movement Contemporary Nepali writings, Postmodernism.
4. Nepali folklores (the following folk-form only)—Sawai, Jhyaurey, Selo, Sangini, Lahari.

Nepali Paper 2

Section – A

1. Santa Jnandil – Das Udaya Lahari
2. Lekhnath Poudyal – Tarun Tapasi(Vishrams III, V, VI, XII, XV, XVIII only)
3. Agam Sing Giri – Jaleko Pratibimba Royeko Pratidhwani (The following Poems onlyPrasawako Chichyahatsanga Byunjheko Ek Raat, Chhorolai, Jaleko Pratibimba : Royeko Pratidhwani, Hamro Akashmani Pani Hunchha Ujyalo, Tihar).
4. Haribhakta Katuwal – Yo Zinadagi Khai Ke Zindagi : (The following poems only-Jeevan: Ek
   Dristi, Yo Zindagi Khai Ke Zindagi, Akashka Tara Ke Tara, Hamilai Nirdho Nasamjha, Khai Manyata Yahan Atmahutiko Balidan Ko).
5. Balkrishna Sama – Prahlad.
6. Manbahadur Mukhia – Andhyaroma Banchneharu (The following One-Act only-Andhyaroma
   Banchneharu’ ‘Suskera’)

Section – B

1. Indra Sundas – Sahara.
2. Lilbahadur Chhetri – Brahmaputra ko Chheuchhau
3. Rupnarayan Sinha – Katha Navaratna (The following stories only—Biteka Kura, Jimmewari
   Kasko, Dhanamatiko Cinema—Swapna, Vidhwasta Jeevan).
4. Indrabahadur Rai – Vipana Katipaya (The following stories only—Raatbhari Huri Chalyo,
   Jayamaya Aphumatra Lekhapani Aipugi, Bhagi, Ghosh Babu, Chhutuaiyo).
5. Sanu Lama – Katha Sampaad (The following stories only—Swasni Manchhey,
   Khani Tarma Ekdin, Phurbale Gaun Chhadyo, Asinapo Manchhey).
6. Laxmi Prasad – Laxmi Nibandha DevkotaSangraha (The following essays only—Sri
   Ganeshaya Namha, Nepali Sahityako Itihasma Sarvashrestha Purus, Kalpana, Kala Ra Jeevan, Gadha Buddhiman ki Guru?)
7. Ramkrishna Sharma – Das Gorkha (The following essays only—Kavi, Samaj Ra Sahitya,
   Sahityama Sapekshata, Sahityik Ruchiko Praudhata, Nepali Sahityako Pragati).

FAQs: Nepali Literature Optional Subject – UPSC

1. Is Nepali Literature a good choice for the UPSC Optional?

Answer: It can be a good choice if you have a strong foundation in Nepali language and literature. It can be a scoring subject with overlap in General Studies papers, especially Paper II (Society). However, it requires dedicated study and may not be suitable for everyone.

2. What are the advantages of choosing Nepali Literature?

Answer:

• Scoring potential: In-depth knowledge of Nepali literature can help you score well in the optional subject, potentially boosting your overall rank.
• Overlap with GS: Understanding Nepali society and culture is crucial for GS Paper II. Studying Nepali literature can provide valuable insights into these aspects.
• Unique subject: Choosing a less common optional subject can help you stand out from the competition.

3. What are the challenges of choosing Nepali Literature?

Answer:

• Limited resources: Compared to some other optional subjects, finding study materials and coaching specifically for Nepali Literature might be tougher.
• Language proficiency: A strong grasp of Nepali language and fluency in written and spoken Nepali is essential for excelling in this subject.
• Time commitment: Like any optional subject, mastering Nepali Literature requires dedicated study time.

4. What are the key areas to focus on while preparing for Nepali Literature?

Answer:

• Literary history: Study the development of Nepali literature from its origins to contemporary times.
• Major authors and works: Focus on prominent Nepali writers and analyze their significant works.
• Literary genres: Familiarize yourself with various genres like poetry, prose, drama, etc., in Nepali literature.
• Socio-cultural context: Understand the social and cultural background that influences Nepali literature.
• Critical analysis skills: Develop the ability to critically analyze and interpret literary works.

5. What resources can help prepare for Nepali Literature?

Answer:

• NCERT Nepali textbooks: These can provide a good foundation for the Nepali language and literature.
• Standard reference books by renowned Nepali authors and critics.
• Previous years’ UPSC question papers: Analyze past papers to understand the exam pattern and types of questions asked.
• Coaching institutes specializing in Nepali Literature (if available).

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