The UPSC Santhali Literature Optional is chosen by aspirants who are fluent in the Santhali language and passionate about its rich literary and cultural heritage. This optional subject is offered in the UPSC CSE Exam 2025 and is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II, each carrying 250 marks, totaling 500 marks. The UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 includes both classical and modern Santhali literature, oral traditions, and literary criticism.
UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Overview
The Santhali Literature Optional is ideal for candidates familiar with the language and its evolution. It offers a broad perspective on Santhali linguistic traditions, prose, poetry, plays, essays, and folk literature. Candidates must demonstrate analytical understanding, appreciation, and interpretation of literary works ranging from ancient texts to modern writings.
| UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Overview | |||
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|
Paper VI |
Santhali Literature Paper 1 |
250 |
3 hours |
|
Paper VII |
Santhali Literature Paper 2 |
250 |
3 hours |
|
Total |
500 |
||
UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Paper 1
Paper 1 explores the historical, classical, and oral traditions of Santhali literature. It focuses on the origin and development of the language, literary styles, folktales, myths, and epics passed through generations. Section A includes the Poetry whereas Section B includes the Prose and Dramas.UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Paper 1 builds a foundation for the understanding of the linguistic development of Santhali literature over the period of time.
| UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Paper 1 | |
|
Section |
Topics of Santhali UPSC Syllabus |
| Section-A – Poetry | |
|
Ancient |
Sãralã Dãs – Shanti Parva from Mahãbhãrata. |
|
Jaganãth Dãs – Bhãgabata, XI Skadhã – Jadu Avadhuta Sambãda. |
|
|
Medieval |
Dinakrushna Dãs – Raskallola – (Chhãndas—16 & 34) |
|
Upendra Bhanja – Lãvanyabati (Chhãndas—1 & 2) |
|
|
Modern |
Rãdhãnath Rãy – Chandrabhãgã |
|
Mãyãdhar Mänasinha – Jeevan – Chitã |
|
|
Sãtchidananda Routray – Kabitã – 1962 |
|
|
Ramãkãnta Ratha – Saptama Ritu |
|
| Section-B | |
|
Drama |
Manoranjan Dãs – Kätha-Ghoda |
|
Novel |
Bijay Mishra – Tata Niranjanä |
|
Fakir Mohan Senãpati – Chhamãna Ãthaguntha |
|
|
Gopinãth Mohãnty – Dãnãpani |
|
|
Short Story |
Surendra Mohãnty – Marãlara Mrityu |
|
Manoj Dãs – Laxmira Abhisãra |
|
|
Chittaranjan Dãs – Tranga O Tadit (First Five essays) |
|
|
Chandra Sekhar Rath – Mun Satyadharmã Kahuchhi (First five essays) |
|
UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Paper 2
UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Paper 2 for the UPSC Exam 2025 focuses on modern Santhali literature, including contemporary poetry, drama, prose, and literary criticism. It covers the development of modern Santhali poetry, notable poets, and their reflection of current social themes.
The syllabus also examines major dramatists and their contributions to modern Santhali theatre. It highlights the growth of short stories, novels, and essays, showcasing the diversity of modern Santhali prose. Literary criticism is a key component, emphasizing leading critics and their theoretical contributions. The paper also explores recent literary trends and the role of translations in expanding Santhali literary discourse.
| UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Paper 2 | |
|
Section |
Topics of Santhali UPSC Syllabus |
| Section-A | |
|
Prose |
Kherwal Bonso Dhorom Puthi—Majhi Ramdas Tudu “Rasika”. |
|
Mare Hapramko Reyak Katha—L.O. Skrefsrud. |
|
|
Jomsim Binti Lita—Mangal Chandra Turkulumang Soren. |
|
|
Marang Buru Binti—Kanailal Tudu |
|
|
Poetry |
Karam Sereng—Nunku Soren. |
|
Devi Dasain Sereng—Manindra Hansda. |
|
|
Horh Sereng—W.G. Archer. |
|
|
Baha Sereng—Balaram Tudu. |
|
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Dong Sereng—Padma Shri Bhagwat Murmu ‘Thakur’. |
|
|
Hor Sereng—Raghunath Murmu. |
|
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Soros Sereng—Babulal Murmu “Adivasi”. |
|
|
More Sin More Ndia—Rup Chand Hansda. |
|
|
Judasi Madwa Latar—Tez Narayan Murmu. |
|
| Section-B – Modern Literature | |
|
Poetry |
Onorhen Baha Dhalwak—Paul Jujhar Soren. |
|
Asar Binti—Narayan Soren “Tore Sutam”. |
|
|
Chand Mala—Gora Chand Tudu. |
|
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Onto Baha Mala—Aditya Mitra. |
|
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Tiryo Tetang—Hari Har Hansda. |
|
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Sisirjon Rar—Thakur Prasad Murmu. |
|
|
Novels |
Harmawak Ato—R.Karstiars (Translator—R.K. Kisku Rapaz). |
|
Manu Mati—Chandra Mohan Hansda. |
|
|
Ato Orak—Doman Hansdak. |
|
|
Ojoy Gada Dhiph re—Nathenial Murmu. |
|
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Stories |
Jiyon Gada—Rup Chand Hansda and Jadumani Beshra. |
|
Mayajaal—Doman Sahu ‘Samir’ and Padmashri Bhagwat Murmu ‘Thakur’. |
|
|
Drama |
Kherwar Bir—Pandit Raghunath Murmu. |
|
Juri Khatir—Dr. K.C. Tudu. |
|
|
Birsa Bir—Ravi Lal Tudu. |
|
|
Biography |
Santal Ko Ren Mayam Gohako—Dr. Biswanath Hansda. |
UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Best Books
Candidates must refer to a mix of classical texts, modern literature, and linguistic studies to excel in this optional subject. Recommended books include:
- “Santhali: A Natural Language” by Byomkes Chakrabarti – Linguistic foundation
- “Santhali Folktales and Songs” by Nabinchandra Das – Oral and folk literature
- “Introduction to Santhali Literature” by Aditya Kumar Mahli – Overview of literary history
- “Modern Santhali Literature” by Ashim Kumar Kisku – Contemporary literary trends
- “Santhali Short Stories” by Narayan Sahu – Relevant for Paper 2
Last updated on July, 2025
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UPSC Santhali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 FAQs
Q1. Is Santhali literature a good optional for UPSC?+
Q2. What is the total mark for Santhali literature in UPSC?+
Q3. Do I need to read the texts in Ol Chiki script?+
Q4. Where can I get previous year papers?+
Q5. Can this optional be prepared without coaching?+
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