UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus for Paper 1 & 2

Q: What is the syllabus for Hindi Literature in UPSC?

The syllabus includes Hindi poetry, prose, literary criticism, and the history of Hindi literature.

Q: What is the syllabus for Hindi in UPSC?

If referring to Hindi as a language paper, it includes comprehension, essay writing, and grammar. If referring to Hindi Literature Optional, it covers poetry, prose, and literary history.

Q: What is taught in Hindi Literature?

It includes Hindi poetry, prose, drama, literary criticism, and the evolution of Hindi literature.

Q: How many subjects are available in Hindi medium for UPSC?

All General Studies and Optional subjects (except language-based optionals) can be attempted in Hindi medium.

Q: Which subject should one study to become an IAS officer?

There is no mandatory subject, but candidates should choose subjects that align with their strengths and interest, covering General Studies, Optional Subject, and CSAT.

Table of Contents☰

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus for UPSC Mains assesses the proficiency of students in Hindi Literature. It covers all areas of hindi literature from classical heritage to modern developments. The goal is to test the skills of students to be able to understand literary works, critical approaches and historical developments of the language.

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus

The UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus has two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2 both carrying 250 marks each. While Paper 1 covers historical development of Hindi language, significant dialects and major literary forms from ancient to medieval times. It also includes many important classical and medieval literary works. UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Paper 2 focuses on modern Hindi literature, including prose, poetry and drama with an emphasis on literary criticism and in-depth study of contemporary writers and their contribution to Hindi Literature.

Overview of Hindi Optional Syllabus for UPSC
Mains Papers	Subject	Marks
Paper VI	Hindi Literature Optional Paper 1	250
Paper VII	Hindi Literature Optional Paper 2	250
TOTAL		500
Time Duration		3 hours

Hindi Optional Syllabus for UPSC Paper 1

Hindi Optional Syllabus for UPSC Paper 1 of Hindi Literature Optional covers the study of development of Hindi from Sanskrit and Prakrit language. A student must learn the linguistic characteristics of Hindi and the impact of other languages on its evolution. Classical and medieval Hindi literature includes an in-depth study of major poets like Tulsidas and Kabir, focusing on their thematic contributions and stylistic nuances. The syllabus also explores the development of various literary forms, including classical poetry, medieval narratives, and folk traditions, tracing their evolution across different periods. Additionally, students must learn significant literary movements and critical texts that have shaped Hindi literature, analyzing their historical and cultural contexts.

UPSC Optional Hindi Literature Syllabus Paper 1
Section	Topics of UPSC Hindi Optional Syllabus
Section-A	History of Hindi Language and Nagari Lipi Grammatical and applied forms of Apbhransh, Awahatta & Arambhik Hindi. Development of Braj and Awadhi as Literary languages during the medieval period. Early forms of Khari-boli in Siddha-Nath Sahitya, Khusero, Sant Sahitya, Rahim etc. and Dakhni Hindi. Development of Khari-boli and Nagari Lipi during the 19th Century Standardization of Hindi Bhasha & Nagari Lipi. Development of Hindi as a National Language during the freedom movement. The development of Hindi as a National Language of the Union of India. Scientific & Technical Development of Hindi Language. Prominent dialects of Hindi and their inter-relationship. Salient features of Nagari Lipi and the efforts for its reform and standard form of Hindi. Grammatical structure of Standard Hindi.
Section-B	History of Hindi Literature The relevance and importance of Hindi literature and tradition of writing History of Hindi Literature. Literary trends of the following four periods of history of Hindi Literature. Adikal—Sidh, Nath and Raso Sahitya. Prominent poets—Chandravardai, Khusaro, Hemchandra, Vidyapati. Bhaktikal—Sant Kavyadhara, Sufi Kavyadhara, Krishna Bhaktidhara and Ram Bhaktidhara. Prominent Poets—Kabir, Jayasi, Sur & Tulsi. Ritikal—Riti Kavya, Riti Badh Kavya & Riti Mukta Kavya. Prominent Poets—Keshav, Bihari, Padmakar and Ghananand. Adhunik Kal- Renaissance, the development of Prose, Bharatendu Mandal. Prominent Writers—Bharatendu, Bal Krishna Bhatt & Pratap Narain Mishra. Prominent trends of modern Hindi Poetry: Chhayavad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, Nai Kavita, Navgeet and Contemporary poetry and Janvadi Kavita. Prominent Poets Maithili Sharan Gupta, Prasad, Nirala, Mahadevi, Dinkar, Agyeya, Muktibodh, Nagarjun. Katha Sahitya Upanyas & Realism The origin and development of Hindi Novels. ProminentNovelists—Premchand, Jain-Kendra, Yashpal, Renu and Bhism Sahani. The origin and development of Hindi short stories. Prominent Short Story Writers—Premchand, Prasad, Agyeya, Mohan Rakesh & Krishna Sobti. Drama & Theatre The Origin & Development of Hindi Drama. Prominent Dramatists—Bharatendu, Prasad, Jagdish Chandra Mathur, Ram Kumar Verma, Mohan Rakesh. The development of Hindi Theatre Criticism The origin and development of Hindi criticism: Saidhantik, Vyavharik, Pragativadi. Manovishleshanvadi & Nai Alochana. Prominent critics—Ramchandra Shukla, Hajari Prasad Dwivedi, Ram Vilas Sharma & Nagendra. Other forms of Hindi Prose Lalit Nibandh, Rekhachitra, Sansmaran, Yatra-vrittant

Hindi Optional Syllabus for UPSC Paper 2

UPSC Hindi Literature Optional Paper 2 Syllabus covers literary criticism and modern Hindi literature. Candidates must explore various approaches to literary criticism, including traditional Indian perspectives and modern Western methodologies, and apply these frameworks to Hindi texts. This requires a deep understanding of critical analysis and interpretative techniques.

The study of modern Hindi literature involves an in-depth examination of major authors and poets, focusing on their thematic concerns, narrative techniques, and socio-cultural impact. The syllabus also includes an analysis of modern Hindi poetry, prose, and drama from the 19th century onwards, tracing the evolution of literary styles and movements. Additionally, candidates will critically engage with the works of influential writers such as Premchand, Nagarjun, and Agyeya, understanding their contributions to Hindi literature and broader literary trends.

UPSC Optional Hindi Literature Syllabus Paper 2
Section	Topics of UPSC Hindi Optional Syllabus
Section-A	Kabir- Kabir Granthawali, Ed. Shyam Sundar Das (First hundred Sakhis) Soordas- Bhramar Geetsar, Ed. Ramchandra Shukla (First hundred Padas) Tulsidas- RamcharitManas (Sundar Kand) Kavitavali (Uttarakhand) Jayasi- Padmavat Ed. Shyam Sundar Das (Sinhal Dwip Khand & Nagmativiyog Khand) Bihari- Bihari Ratnakar Ed. Jagannath Prasad Ratnakar (First 100 Dohas) Maithili Sharan- Bharat Bharati Gupta Prasad- Kamayani (Chinta and Shraddha Sarg) Nirala- Rag-Virag, Ed. Ram Vilas Sharma (Ram Ki Shakti Pooja & Kukurmutta) Dinkar- Kurukshetra Agyeya- Aangan Ke Paar Dwar (Asadhya Veena) Muktiboth- Brahm Rakhashas Nagarjun- Badal Ko Ghirte Dekha Hai, Akal Ke Bad, Harijan Gatha.
Section-B	Bharatendu- Bharat Durdasha Mohan Rakesh- Ashadh Ka Ek Din Ramchandra- Chintamani (Part I) (KavitaKya Shukla Hai, ShraddhaAurBhakti) Dr. Satyendra- Nibandh Nilaya—Bal Krishna Bhatt, Premchand, Gulab Rai, Hajari Prasad Dwivedi, Ram Vilas Sharma, Agyeya, Kuber Nath Rai. Premchand Godan, Premchand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan, Ed. Amrit Rai/Manjusha—Prem Chand ki Sarvashreshtha Kahaniyan. Ed. Amrit Rai. Prasad- Skandagupta Yashpal- Divya Phaniswar Nath- Maila Anchal Renu Mannu Bhandari- Mahabhoj Rajendra Yadav- Ek Dunia Samanantar (All Stories)

Hindi Literature Syllabus Books for UPSC Mains

To prepare for UPSC Hindi Literature Syllabus, the following books can be read:

“Hindi Sahitya Ka Itihas” by Acharya Ram Chandra Shukla, which contains a detailed history of Hindi literature.
“Adhunik Hindi Sahitya” by Dr. Nagendra is a must-read to understand the modern forms of literature.
Collections like “Premchand Ki Kahaniyan” are significant to understand his contribution.
“Kamayani” by Jaishankar Prasad is also an important text to analyze critically.
Reading selected works of Premchand, Nagarjun, and Agyeya is highly recommended for Paper 2, giving one a good understanding of the key texts and authors.

Other Related UPSC Optional Syllabus
UPSC Commerce Optional Syllabus	UPSC Geography Optional Syllabus	UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus
UPSC History Optional Syllabus	UPSC Law Optional Syllabus	UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus
UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus	UPSC Philosophy Optional Syllabus	UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus
UPSC PSIR Optional Syllabus	UPSC Psychology Optional Syllabus	UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus
UPSC Zoology Optional Syllabus	UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus	UPSC Agriculture Optional Syllabus
UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus	UPSC Botany Optional Syllabus	UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus
UPSC Civil Engineering Optional Syllabus	UPSC Management Optional Syllabus	UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Syllabus
UPSC Public Administration Optional Syllabus	UPSC Statistics Optional Syllabus	UPSC Electrical Engineering Optional Syllabus
UPSC Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional Syllabus