UPSC Manipuri Syllabus PDF - Manipuri Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025

The UPSC Manipuri Literature Syllabus 2025 is to examine the candidate's proficiency in the Manipuri language and his in-depth acquaintance with the literary culture of the same. The Manipuri literature syllabus comprises two papers, which carries a total of 250 marks in each, thus it is 500 marks on the optional subject. Paper I emphasizes the development of the historical and the classical literature in Manipuri, while Paper II gives more emphasis on the contemporary literature and critical analysis on the texts.

Hence, this article provides detailed insights into the UPSC Manipuri Literature Syllabus, which is an optional subject, as per the recruitment notification. Check out the complete UPSC Syllabus here.

Overview of the UPSC Manipuri Literature Syllabus 2025

UPSC Manipuri Literature syllabus 2025 is an extensive course that will offer candidates ample knowledge on the history of Manipuri literature, all the important authors, and texts. It is equally focused on equipping a candidate with a holistic insight into the trends of literature in terms of styles, linguistic alteration, and the cultural settings. This also includes genres like poetry, prose, drama, and literary criticism so that students can critically analyze and appreciate the various facets of Manipuri literature from its origins in classical times to developments in modern times.

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UPSC Manipuri Literature Syllabus for Optional Paper 1

Paper 1 of the Manipuri Literature UPSC syllabus addresses the historical and classical nature of Manipuri literature. It begins with the origin and development of the Manipuri language, covering its historical background, phonetics, morphology, and syntax. It highlights and discusses the classical and medieval Manipuri literatures based prominently on the works and the resultant impacts from a cultural context. Such applicants need to apply critical analysis about numerous ancient texts of authors, such as Hijam Anganghal and Khwairakpam Chaoba, to see what themes, how their narration skills and what style were followed. The study of traditional folklore is basically those based on folk and mythological legends and all kinds of folktales which symbolized inbuilt values within a given society. It also throws a spotlight on the early developments of Manipuri prose and poetry and early contributions made by writers and poets in depth.

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UPSC Manipuri Literature Syllabus for Optional Paper 2

Paper 2 of the Manipuri Literature UPSC syllabus explores modern dimensions of Manipuri literature that covers the present-day aspects of contemporary Manipuri poetry, drama, prose, and literary criticism. This syllabus throws lights upon the developments in the context of modern Manipuri poetry that focuses upon some vital poets and their work depicting the modern theme and concerns. It also deals with Manipuri drama development through some influential playwrights and their works in modern theatre. The narrative techniques, thematic concerns, and stylistic innovations of modern short stories, novels, and essays are analyzed in depth. Paper 2's major part deals with literary criticism where candidates have to analyze contributions from major Manipuri literary critics and theories. It contains modern trends, movements, and the influence of translation that is supposed to expand and familiarize the world of Manipuri literature.

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List of Best Books for Manipuri Literature UPSC

There are some particular books which an aspirant should be referring to in order to get complete knowledge about Manipuri literature. Some necessary books are:

• "History of Manipuri Literature" by Th. Bira Singh, as the book will give full and comprehensive history from the ancient period till the present age.
• "Cheitharol Kumbaba" by Ningthouja Khelchandra Singh is necessary for reading the Manipuri classical prose.
• A study of modern Manipuri prose and poetry cannot be accomplished without the works like "Madhabi" by M.K. Binodini Devi and "Yeningthagi Eeshei" by Arambam Samarendra.
• "Manipuri Sahitya Suwarjya" by R.K. Jhalajit Singh and "Manipuri Short Stories" by Pacha Meitei are necessary for literary criticism and contemporary literature.
• Some key sources are the journals and research papers in universities and literary institutes that carry quite significant details on intense analysis for an understanding of Manipuri literary criticism and modern trends.

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