Recommended Books for UPSC Sanskrit Literature Optional
The syllabus for this optional subject is well-defined and if candidates have a strong understanding of the Sanskrit language, they can certainly consider this as their optional subject for the civil services examination.
It is advisable for the candidates to go through the
UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus
for IAS Mains. The optional subject is divided into two parts- Paper-I and Paper-II.
Suggested Booklist for IAS Sanskrit Literature Optional Paper I & II
The table below provides a list of recommended readings for Sanskrit Literature optional paper I & II:
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Books/ Texts for UPSC Sanskrit Literature
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Rachnanuvadkaumudi by Kapildev Dwivedi
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M. R. Kale’s publications on each of the Mahakavya
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Brihad Anuvad Chandrika by Chakradhar Nautiyal “Hansa” Shastri
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Bhasha Vigyan evam Bhasha Shastra by Kapildev Dwivedi
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Sanskrit Sahitya ka Itihaas by Umashankar Sharma “Rishi”
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Sanskrit Kavi Darshan by Bhola Shankar Vyas
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Specific books for topics of Group 2 – Pracheen Sahitya (ancient literature)
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Original texts:
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Raghuvansham – Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
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Kumarasambhavam – Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
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Kiratarjuniyam – Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
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Isavasyopanisad – verses -1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
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Bhagavadgita chapter II verses 13 to 25
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Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30
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Meghadutam – verses 1 to 10
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Nitisatakam – Verses 1 to 10 (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication)
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Kadambar i- Sukanaso-Padesa (only)
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Shukanasopadesh – Varnanam by Dr Rajendra Kumar
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For those preparing for
UPSC 2021
, the linked article can provide insights into the upcoming exam and help formulate better preparation strategies.
Despite being considered a challenging language, primarily due to it not being a commonly spoken language, many candidates, including those who have studied Sanskrit at school, hesitate to choose Sanskrit as an optional subject. However, it's important to note that several successful IAS candidates have opted for this subject.
For more resources relevant to UPSC IAS exam preparation, check out the articles listed in the table below:
