UPSC Malayalam Optional Syllabus 2025 - IAS Malayalam Syllabus for UPSC!

UPSC Malayalam Optional Syllabus for Civil Services Examination 2025 covers a rich heritage of Malayalam literature, from its ancient origins to modern writings. It is designed to check candidates' proficiency in Malayalam literature, critical thinking, and understanding of cultural and linguistic contexts. It contains major literary works, theories of criticism, and historical evolution of the Malayalam language.

Candidates fluent in Malayalam have a good opportunity to choose Malayalam Literature to be their Optional SUbject for UPSC Exam. The literature subjects such as Malayalam Literature generally have less competition making it relatively easier to score. 

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Overview of UPSC Malayalam Optional Syllabus 2025

The Malayalam Literature UPSC syllabus is divided into two papers, which carry 250 marks. Paper 1 deals with the historical and linguistic evolution of Malayalam, the classical base, major dialects, and important forms of literature. The students are supposed to study outstanding medieval works such as the works of Thunchath Ezhuthachan and developments into modern literature. Paper 2 of the Malayalam Literature UPSC syllabus is more or less concerned with literary criticism and modern forms of literature. This paper will require an understanding of Malayalam literature and the study that is put upon this literature which specializes in present day literary output, along with their analysis and addition to the sphere by such notable modernists.

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UPSC Optional Malayalam Syllabus for Paper 1

History and development of Malayalam language calls for thorough study into its creation and further innovations from the Tamil-Malayalam age till the current times. Candidates must study major linguistic influences and changes that the language has undergone at different times. The study of medieval and modern Malayalam literature would involve in-depth study of major poets and writers of the classical period, including Thunchath Ezhuthachan, as well as significant figures such as Kumaran Asan and Vallathol Narayana Menon in the modern period. Candidates must analyze their thematic contributions and stylistic innovations. This deals with various literary forms that have been developed in Malayalam literature, including classical poetry, prose romances, and folk narratives over the periods. This part focuses on significant works and authors: key texts and authors that have stood the test of time to leave their marks on the Malayalam literary landscape are studied in depth with attention to cultural and historical backgrounds.

Check out the UPSC Malayalam Optional Question Papers here.

UPSC Optional Malayalam Syllabus for Paper 2

Paper 2 of the Malayalam UPSC Syllabus Optional is on literary criticism and modern Malayalam literature. Candidates should be well-oriented in different theories of literary criticism, both classical Indian and modern Western critical approaches. This includes familiarity with critical methodologies and its uses for Malayalam literature. An analysis of major contemporary writers of Malayalam literature requires intense involvement with their texts in regard to thematic concerns, narrative techniques, and socio-political implications. Modern Malayalam poetry, prose, and drama section discusses significant works written between the 19th century and the present to trace literary trends and movements. In the selected works of notable authors, one will find critical texts: certain works chosen from O.V. Vijayan, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Kamala Suraiyya; their narrative techniques and thematic preoccupations and work on Malayalam literature.

Check out the detailed UPSC Civil Services Exam Pattern here.

List of Books for Malayalam Literature UPSC

Some books that would be necessary to read for a good understanding of Malayalam literature are:

• P.K. Parameswaran Nair's "Kerala Sahitya Charitram" gives a complete historical view of Malayalam literature.
• M. Leelavathy's "Malayalam Literary Criticism" is necessary to understand the different critical approaches.
• "Kumaran Asaninte Kavithakal" gives an in-depth study of Kumaran Asan's major poetic works.
• "Modern Malayalam Poetry" by Ayyappa Paniker is a must-read to understand the trends of modern poetry.
• Selected works of O.V. Vijayan, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Kamala Suraiyya are recommended for critical analysis and reading of key contemporary texts.

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Now that you have a fair idea about the UPSC Malayalam Literature Syllabus and exam pattern of the Optional Subjects exam, you can start your preparation now. Download the Testbook App now and access the best online learning resources curated by experts.