Syllabus for Sanskrit Literature Optional

UPSC offers 28 language literature subjects as optional for UPSC IAS Mains 2020. Sanskrit is the oldest language used in India. Sanskrit has a rich literature and illustrious history of scientific works, epics, fiction, and philosophy. It is a highly specialized language and candidates who have studied Sanskrit as a part of their curriculum should take up this optional. 

Section-A

• Significant features of the grammar, with particular stress on Sanjna, Sandhi, Karaka, Samasa, Kartari, and Karmani vacyas (voice usages) (to be answered in Sanskrit).
  • Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language.
  • Prominent features of classical Sanskrit language.
  • Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies.
• General Knowledge of:-
  • The literary history of Sanskrit,
  • Principal trends of literary criticism
  • Ramayana,
  • Mahabharata
• The origin and development of literary genres of:
  • Mahakavya
  • Rupaka (drama)
  • Katha
  • Akhyayika
  • Campu
  • Khandakavya
  • Muktaka Kavya.

Section-B

• Essentials of Indian Culture with stress on
  • Purusarthas-
  • Samskaras-
  • Varnasramavyavastha
  • Arts and fine arts
  • Technical sciences
• Trends of Indian Philosophy
  • Mimansa
  • Vedanta
  • Nyaya
  • Vaisesika
  • Sankhya
  • Yoga
  • Bauddha
  • Jaina
  • Carvaka
• Short Essay in Sanskrit
• Unseen passage with the questions, to be answered in Sanskrit.

Section-A

• General study of the following groups:
• Group 1: 
  • Raghuvamsam-Kalidasa
  • Kumarasambhavam-Kalidasa
  • Kiratarjuniyam-Bharavi
  • Sisupalavadham-Magha
  • Naisadhiyacaritam-Sriharsa
  • Kadambari-Banabhatta
  • Dasakumaracaritam -Dandin
  • Sivarajyodayam-S.B. Varnekar
• Group 2:
  • Isavasyopanisad
  • Bhagavadgita
  • Sundarakanda of Valmiki's   
  • Ramayana
  • Arthasastra of Kautilya
• Group 3:
  • Svapnavasavadattam- Bhasa
  • Abhijnanasakuntalam- Kalidasa
  • Mrcchakatikam-Sudraka
  • Mudraraksasam-Visakhadatta
  • Uttararamacaritam- Bhavabhuti
  • Ratnavali-Sriharshavardhana
  • Venisamharam- Bhattanarayana
• Group 4 Short notes in Sanskrit on the following:-
  • Meghadutam-Kalidasa
  • Nitisatakam-Bhartrhari
  • Panchtantra
  • Rajatarangini-Kalhana
  • Harsacaritam-Banabhatta
  • Amarukasatakam-Amaruka
  • Gitagovindam-Jayadeva

Section-B

• Questions from Groups 1 & 2 are to be answered in Sanskrit only. (Questions from Groups 3 & 4 are to be answered in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate).
• This Section will require first-hand reading of the following selected texts:
• Group 1
  • Raghuvansam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
  • Kumarasambhavam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
  • Kiratarjuniyam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
• Group 2
  • Isavasyopanisad-verses-1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
  • Bhagavatgita II chapter verses 13 to 25
  • Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition)
• Group 3
  • Meghadutam-verses 1 to 10
  • Nitisatakam-Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication)
  • Kadambari-Sukanasopadesa (only)
• Group 4
  • Svapnavasavadattam Act VI
  • Abhijnansakuntalam Act IV verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition)
  • Uttararamacaritam Act 1 verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition)