Here’s the syllabus for Paper VII: Tamil Literature Optional Subject for the IAS Mains Examination:
Paper VII: Tamil Literature
Total Marks: 250
Duration: 3 hours
Syllabus:
Section A:
Modern Literature:
Development of modern Tamil literature.
Major literary movements and trends in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Prominent modern Tamil writers and their contributions.
Literary Forms:
Study of literary forms such as poetry, prose, drama, and essays.
Analysis of different styles, themes, and literary techniques.
Section B:
Aristocratic Literature:
Study of classical Tamil literature.
Works of Chera, Chola, and Pandya kings and their patronage to literature.
Major literary works and poets of the classical period.
Folk Literature:
Overview of Tamil folk literature.
Different forms of folk literature: ballads, folk tales, folk songs, etc.
Significance and preservation of Tamil folk culture through literature.
Preparation Strategy:
Modern Literature:
Study the development of modern Tamil literature from the colonial period to contemporary times.
Understand major literary movements like Bharatiyaar movement, Manikkodi movement, etc.
Focus on prominent writers like Subramania Bharati, Bharathidasan, Pudhumaippithan, and Sundara Ramasamy.
Literary Forms:
Understand the characteristics and conventions of different literary forms such as poetry, prose, drama, and essays.
Analyze representative works of each form and study the themes, styles, and techniques used.
Aristocratic Literature:
Study the classical Tamil literature including Sangam literature and post-Sangam literature.
Analyze the works of ancient Tamil kings and their contributions to literature.
Focus on major poets like Kambar, Ottakoothar, and Kamban.
Folk Literature:
Study the diversity of Tamil folk literature including folk songs, ballads, and folk tales.
Understand the cultural significance and social context of folk literature.
Analyze the themes, motifs, and narrative techniques used in folk literature.
Read Literary Works:
Read representative works from each period and literary form mentioned in the syllabus.
Analyze the content, style, and literary devices used by authors.
Practice Answer Writing:
Practice writing answers to previous years’ questions and sample questions.
Develop the skill to provide critical analysis and appreciate different literary forms.
Language Proficiency:
Work on improving your language proficiency in Tamil through regular practice.
Practice writing essays, summaries, and critical analysis in Tamil.
Important Points:
Interdisciplinary Approach: Relate Tamil literature with historical, cultural, and social contexts.
Critical Analysis: Develop the ability to critically analyze literary works and identify their significance.
Revision: Regularly revise the topics and literary works to retain information effectively.
Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with recent research and interpretations in Tamil literary studies.
Recommended Books:
“Modern Tamil Literature: Its Cultural Background” by M. Varadarajan
“A Critical Survey of Sangam Literature” by M. Varadarajan
“Tamil Folk Music: A Study in Cultural Context” by T. K. Venkatasubramanian
Major literary works and anthologies mentioned in the syllabus.