Sanskrit Literature Optional Syllabus for UPSC
The UPSC Sanskrit Literature optional is examined in two Mains papers of 250 marks each, 500 marks in total. Paper I has 5 topics and Paper II has 5 topics, listed below with their subtopics.
Sanskrit Literature Paper I syllabus
1. Vedic Literature
- Samhitas, Brahmanas
- Aranyakas, Upanishads
- Vedangas, Sutra literature
2. Sanskrit Grammar
- Panini's Ashtadhyayi
- Sandhi, samasa
- Prakriya, derivation
3. Sanskrit Kavya
- Mahakavyas, Raghuvamsa
- Kumarasambhava, Meghaduta
- Giti kavya traditions
4. Sanskrit Drama
- Natyashastra, rasa theory
- Kalidasa's dramas
- Bhasa, Bhavabhuti
5. Alamkara Shastra
- Bhamaha, Dandin
- Vamana, Anandavardhana
- Mammata, Abhinavagupta
Sanskrit Literature Paper II syllabus
1. Epics
- Ramayana
- Mahabharata
- Bhagavad Gita
2. Puranas & Dharmashastra
- Major Puranas
- Manusmriti
- Yajnavalkya Smriti
3. Darshana
- Nyaya-Vaisheshika
- Samkhya-Yoga
- Vedanta schools
4. Gadya Kavya
- Kadambari
- Dasakumaracharita
- Panchatantra, Hitopadesha
5. Technical Literature
- Arthashastra, Kamashastra
- Jyotisha, Ayurveda
- Shilpashastra, Sangitashastra
Other Literature optionals
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