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UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus PDF - UPSC Nepali Optional Syllabus 2025

The UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus 2025 aims to completely evaluate a candidate's proficiency in the Nepali language and their deep understanding of the tradition it represents. The syllabus has two papers carrying 250 marks each, summing up to 500 marks altogether for the optional subject. Paper 1 presents the historical development as well as classical literature in Nepali, whereas Paper 2 concentrates on modern literature along with the critical analysis of literary texts.

Let's explore the Nepali literature Syllabus for the UPSC Exam, where each chapter reveals stories, verses, and the cultural essence of the Nepalese. Candidates can also download the UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus PDF for free from this article.

Check out UPSC CSE Syllabus for other subjects here.

Overview of UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus 2025

The UPSC Nepali Literature syllabus 2025 is vast and encompasses a range of topics that will allow the candidate to have an all-around understanding of Nepali literary history, prominent authors, and significant texts. The syllabus will help the candidate to have an all-rounded perspective of the style of literature, change in language, and cultural background. This caters to the basic genres of poetry, prose, drama, and literary criticism for the purpose of making sure that candidates might be able to critically analyze and appreciate various aspects of Nepali literature from its primary stages to contemporary developments.

Overview of UPSC Nepali Optional Syllabus 

Mains Papers

Subject

Marks

Paper VI

Nepali Literature Optional Paper 1

250

Paper VII

Nepali Literature Optional Paper 2

250

TOTAL

500

Time Duration

3 hours

Download Nepali Literature Optional UPSC Syllabus PDF!

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UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus for Paper 1

Paper 1 of the UPSC Nepali Literature syllabus is based on the historical and classical approach of the literature. It begins with the etymology and development of the Nepali language, discussing its historical background and phonetic, morphological, and syntactic characteristics. The syllabus also covers ancient and medieval Nepali literature that is focused mainly on the significant works and their cultural impact. They also have to critically analyze some of the great works, as in the case of the contributions of Bhanubhakta Acharya and Moti Ram Bhatta, about whose theme, narrative technique, and stylistic elements, they are expected to show an understanding. Folk literature-fairy tales, legends, and folklore-in which the social values and traditions live - will also be part of this syllabus. The early forms of Nepali prose and poetry together with the contributions of early writers and poets have been studied in depth also.

Nepali Language UPSC Optional Syllabus for Paper 1

Section

Topics of Nepali UPSC Syllabus

Section-A

History & Origin

History of the origin and development of Nepali as one of the new Indo-Aryan Languages

Fundamentals of Nepali Grammar and phonology:

Nominal forms and categories: Gender, Number, Case, Adjectives, Pronouns, Avyayas

Verbal forms and categories: Tense, Aspects, Voice, Roots and Fixes

Nepali Swara and Vyanjana

Major Dialects of Nepali

Standardisation and Modernisation of Nepali with special reference to language movements (e.g. Halanta Bahiskar, Jharrovad)

Teaching of Nepali language in India

Its history and development with special reference to its socio-cultural aspects

Section-B

History of Nepali literature

History of Nepali literature with special reference to its development in India

Fundamental concepts and theories of Literature

Kavya/Sahitya, Kavya Prayojan, Literary genres, Shabda Shakti, Rasa, Alankara, Tragedy, Comedy, Aesthetics, Stylistics

Major literary trends and movements

Swachchhandatavad, Yatharthavad, Astitwavad, Ayamik Movement, Contemporary Nepali writings, Postmodernism

Nepali folklores

Sawai, Jhyaurey, Selo, Sangini, Lahari

Also read: Know How to Write Essay in UPSC here.

UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus for Paper 2

Paper 2 of the Nepali Literature syllabus is a collection of modern aspects of Nepali literature. Here contemporary Nepali poetry, drama, prose, and literary criticism are studied. Under this, it refers to the development of Nepali modern poetry by important poets and their works about dealing with modern themes and issues. Also in its portfolio, the study follows drama in Nepali literature through its great writers and contributions toward modern stage literature. Modern Nepali short story, novel, and essays in their various techniques, thematic concerns, and innovations of style in an analytical form. Literary critics with contributions by major writers as well as their various literary theories in the vast major chunk of Paper 2 are examined. The syllabus further reflects on the current trends and movements and also influences translations as it expands its reach and understanding Nepali literature.

Nepali Language UPSC Optional Syllabus for Paper 2

Section

Topics of Nepali UPSC Syllabus

Section-A

Author

Syllabus

Santa Jnandil Das

Udaya Lahari

Lekhnath Poudyal

Tarun Tapasi(Vishrams III, V, VI, XII, XV, XVIII only)

Agam Sing Giri

Jaleko Pratibimba Royeko Pratidhwani (The following Poems only-Prasawako Chichyahatsanga Byunjheko Ek Raat, Chhorolai, Jaleko Pratibimba : Royeko Pratidhwani, Hamro Akashmani Pani Hunchha Ujyalo, Tihar).

Haribhakta Katuwal

Yo Zinadagi Khai Ke Zindagi: (The following poems only- Jeevan: Ek Dristi, Yo Zindagi Khai Ke Zindagi, Akashka Tara Ke Tara, Hamilai Nirdho Nasamjha, Khai Manyata Yahan Atmahutiko Balidan Ko).

Balkrishna Sama

Prahlad.

Manbahadur Mukhia

Andhyaroma Branch Nehru (The following One-Act only-Andhyaroma Banchneharu ‘Suskera’).

Section-B

Author

Syllabus

Indra Sundas

Sahara

Lilbahadur Chhetri

Brahmaputra ko Chheuchhau

Rupnarayan Sinha

Katha Navaratna (The following stories only—Biteka Kura, Jimmewari Kasko, Dhanamatiko Cinema—Swapna, Vidhwasta Jeevan)

Indrabahadur Rai

Vipana Katipaya (The following stories only—Raatbhari Huri Chalyo, Jayamaya Aphumatra Lekhapani Aipugi, Bhagi, Ghosh Babu, Chhutuaiyo)

Sanu Lama

Katha Sampaad (The following stories only—Swasni Manchhey, Khani Tarma Ekdin, Phurbale Gaun Chhadyo, Asinapo Manchhey)

Laxmi Prasad

Laxmi Nibandha DevkotaSangraha (The following essays only—Sri Ganeshaya Namah, Nepali Sahityako Itihasma Sarvashrestha Purus, Kalpana, Kala Ra Jeevan, Gadha Buddhiman ki Guru?)

Ramkrishna Sharma

Das Gorkha (The following essays only—Kavi, Samaj Ra Sahitya, Sahityama Sapekshata, Sahityik Ruchiko Praudhata, Nepali Sahityako Pragati)

Check out UPSC Exam Pattern here.

List of Best Books for UPSC Nepali Literature Syllabus

Aspirants must prepare well with the best set of texts that will provide all the necessary information regarding Nepali literature. Some of the important books are:

  • "History of Nepali Literature" by Chudamani Bandhu, which provides a comprehensive account of the literary evolution from ancient to modern times.
  • "Bhanubhakta's Ramayan" by Bhanubhakta Acharya is an important work for the study of classical Nepali poetry.
  • Works like "Muna Madan" by Laxmi Prasad Devkota and "Basain" by Lil Bahadur Chettri are important for the study of modern prose and poetry.
  • For literary criticism and contemporary literature, "Nepali Sahitya ko Itihas" by Dr. Taranath Sharma and "Contemporary Nepali Literature" by Indra Bahadur Rai are good.
  • Academic journals and research papers from universities and literary institutions are very useful for an in-depth analysis and understanding of Nepali literary criticism and modern trends.

We hope the UPSC Nepali Optional Literature Syllabus explained in this article provided you with the required information. You can also download the Testbook App now for important information related to the examination, regular updates, and exciting deals and offers for the best preparation tips.

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