{"id":10748,"date":"2026-03-16T11:23:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T05:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=10748"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:59:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T07:29:59","slug":"upsc-malayalam-literature-syllabus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/upsc-malayalam-literature-syllabus\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Malayalam Literature Syllabus 2026 For Paper 1 and 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

UPSC Malayalam Literature Syllabus 2026:<\/strong> UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus covers a wide range of literary sources of Malayalam Literature, from modern writings to ancient origins. The syllabus has been designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of students in Malayalam Literature, critical thinking and understanding of linguistic and cultural contexts of the language. Important literary works, theories and historical evolution of Malayalam language are covered in this optional subject. In this article, we are going to cover the syllabus of Malayalam Literature.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

UPSC Malayalam Literature Syllabus 2026 Overview<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

The UPSC Malayalam Literature Optional Syllabus is subdivided into two papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 of the syllabus covers historical and linguistic evolution of the language, classical base, major dialects and important forms of literature. Paper 2 covers literary criticism and modern forms of literature. Students who are well-versed in Malayalam Literature can highly benefit from this optional paper.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Overview of UPSC IAS Exam Malayalam Syllabus\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Mains Papers<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Subject<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Marks<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Paper VI<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Malayalam Literature Optional Paper 1<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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250<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Paper VII<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Malayalam Literature Optional Paper 2<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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250<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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TOTAL<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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500<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Time Duration<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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3 hours<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

UPSC Optional Malayalam Syllabus for Paper 1<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Malayalam Optional Literature Paper 1 covers the study of creation and innovation of Tamil - Malayalam age and the history and development of the language. The study of the history and development of the Malayalam language requires a comprehensive understanding of its evolution\u2014from the Tamil-Malayalam phase to its modern form. Aspirants must explore the major linguistic shifts and external influences that have shaped the language over time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In the realm of medieval and modern Malayalam literature, candidates are expected to delve into the works of prominent literary figures from different eras. This includes classical poets like Thunchath Ezhuthachan, and modern stalwarts such as Kumaran Asan and Vallathol Narayana Menon, examining their thematic depth and stylistic contributions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The syllabus also emphasizes the evolution of various literary forms\u2014ranging from classical poetry and prose romances to folk narratives\u2014tracing their development through historical and cultural contexts. Special focus is given to seminal works and authors whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the Malayalam literary tradition.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Malayalam Optional UPSC Syllabus for Paper 1<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Section<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Topics of UPSC Malayalam Optional Syllabus<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Section-A<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Early phase of Malayalam Language<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Various theories : Origin from proto Dravidian, Tamil, Sanskrit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Relation between Tamil and Malayalam : Six nayas of A. R. Rajaraja Varma.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Pattu School\u2014Definition, Ramacharitam, later pattu works\u2014Niranam works and Krishnagatha.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Linguistic features of<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Manipravalam\u2014definition. Language of early manipravalam works\u2014Champu, Sandesakavya, Chandrotsava, minor works. Later manipravala works\u2014medieval Champu and Attakkatha.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Folklore\u2014Southern and Northern ballads, Mappila songs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Early Malayalam Prose\u2014Bhashakautaliyam, Brahmanda Puranam, Attaprakaram, Kramadipika and<\/span>
\r\n<\/span>Nambiantamil.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Standardization of Malayalam<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Peculiarities of the language of Pana, Kilippattu and Thullal.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Contributions of indigenous and European missionaries to Malayalam.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Characteristics of contemporary Malayalam; Malayalam as administrative language. Language of scientific and technical literature\u2014media language.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Section-B<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Ancient and Medieval Literature<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Pattu - Ramacharitam, Niranam Works and Krishnagatha<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Manipravalam - early and medieval manipravalam works including aattakkatha and champu<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Folk Literature<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Kilippattu, Thullal and Mahakavya<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Modern Literature - Poetry<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Venmani poets and contemporaries<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The advent of Romanticism\u2014Poetry of Kavitraya i.e., Asan, Ulloor and Vallathol<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Poetry after Kavitraya<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Modernism in Malayalam Poetry<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Modern Literature - Prose<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Drama<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Novel<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Short story<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Biography, travelogue, essay and criticism<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

UPSC Malayalam Literature Syllabus 2026 for Paper 2<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Paper 2 of the Malayalam Literature Optional for UPSC focuses on literary criticism and modern Malayalam literature. Aspirants are expected to be well-versed in diverse schools of literary criticism, including both classical Indian theories and modern Western approaches. Emphasis is placed on understanding critical methodologies and applying them effectively to Malayalam literary texts.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The paper involves a detailed analysis of major contemporary Malayalam writers, with attention to their thematic concerns, narrative styles, and socio-political contexts. It covers modern poetry, prose, and drama from the 19th century to the present, helping candidates trace key literary movements and stylistic developments.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Special focus is given to select works by prominent authors such as O.V. Vijayan, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Kamala Suraiyya, enabling candidates to critically engage with their narrative techniques and thematic explorations that have shaped modern Malayalam literature.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Malayalam Optional UPSC Syllabus for Paper 2<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Section<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Topics of UPSC Malayalam Optional Syllabus<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Section-A<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Unit 1<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ramacharitam - Pattalam 1<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Kannassaramayanam - Balakandam first 25 stanzas<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Unnunilisandesam - Purvabhagam 25 slokas including Prastavana<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Mahabharatham Kilippattu - Bhishmaparvam<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Unit 2<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Kumaran Asan - Chintavisthayaya Sita<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Vailoppilli - Kudiyozhikkal<\/span><\/p>\r\n

G. Sankara Kurup - Perunthachan<\/span><\/p>\r\n

N. V. Krishna Variar - Tivandiyile Pattu<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Unit 3<\/span><\/p>\r\n

O. N. V. - Bhoomikkoru Charamageetham<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ayyappa Panicker - Kurukshetram<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Akkittam - Pandatha Messanthi<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Attur Ravivarma - Megharupan<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Section-B<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Unit 4<\/span><\/p>\r\n

O. Chanthu Menon - Indulekha<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Thakazhi - Chemmin<\/span><\/p>\r\n

O. V. Vijayan - Khasakkinte Ithihasam<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Unit 5<\/span><\/p>\r\n

M. T. Vasudevan Nair\u2014Vanaprastham (Collection)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

N. S. Madhavan - Higvitta (Collection)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

C. J. Thomas - 1128-il Crime 27<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Unit 6<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Kuttikrishna Marar - Bharataparyatanam<\/span><\/p>\r\n

M. K. Sanu - Nakshatrangalute Snehabhajanam<\/span><\/p>\r\n

V. T. Bhatttathirippad - Kannirum Kinavum<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

UPSC Malayalam Optional Literature Important Books<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Some books that would be necessary to read for a good understanding of Malayalam literature are:<\/span><\/p>\r\n