Kannada Syllabus for Main Examination
Paper-I
Answers must be written in Kannada.
UPSC Kannada Syllabus PDF [Download]
Section-A
A. History of Kannada Language
What is Language? General characteristics of Language. Dravidian Family of Languages and its specific features, Antiquity of Kannada Language Different Phases of its Development.
Dialects of Kannada Language : Regional and Social Various aspects of development of Kannada Language : phonological and Semantic changes. Language borrowing.
B. History of Kannada Literature
Ancient Kannada literature : Influence and Trends. Poets for study : Specified poets from Pampa to Ratnakara Varni are to be studied in the light of contents, form and expression : Pampa, Janna, Nagachandra.
Medieval Kannada literature : Influence and Trends.
Vachana literature : Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi.
Medieval Poets : Harihara, Ragha-vanka, Kumar-Vyasa.
Dasa literature : Purandra and Kanaka.
Sangataya : Ratnakaravarni
C. Modern Kannada literature :
Influence, trends and idealogies, Navodaya, Pragatishila, Navya, Dalita and Bandaya.
Section-B
A. Poetics and literary criticism :
Definition and concepts of poetry : Word, Meaning, Alankara, Reeti, Rasa, Dhwani, Auchitya.
Interpretations of Rasa Sutra.
Modern Trends of literary criticism : Formalist, Historical, Marxist, Feminist, Post-colonial criticism.
B. Cultlural History of Karnataka
Contribution of Dynasties to the culture of Karnataka : Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, in literary context.
Major religions of Karnataka and their cultural contributions.
Arts of Karnataka : Sculpture, Architecture, Painting, Music, Dance-in the literary context.
Unification of Karnataka and its impact on Kannada literature.
Paper-II
Answers must be written in Kannada.
The paper will require first-hand reading of the Texts prescribed and will be designed to test the critical ability of the candidates.
Section-A
A. OLD KANNADA LITERATURE
1. Vikramaarjuna Vijaya of Pampa (cantos 12 & 13), (Mysore University Pub.)
2. Vaddaraadhane (Sukumaraswamyia Kathe, Vidyutchorana Kathe)
B. Medieval Kannada Literature :
1. Vachana Kammata, Ed: K. Marulasiddappa K.R. Nagaraj (Bangalore University Pub.)
2. Janapriya Kanakasamputa, Ed. D. Javare Gowda (Kannada and Culture Directorate, Bangalore)
3. Nambiyannana Ragale, Ed., T.N. Sreekantaiah (Ta.Vem. Smaraka Grantha Male, Mysore)
4. Kumaravyasa Bharata : Karna Parva (Mysore University)
5. Bharatesha Vaibhava Sangraha Ed. Ta. Su. Shama Rao (Mysore University)
Section-B
A. Modern Kannada Literature
1. Poetry : Hosagannada Kavite, Ed : G.H. Nayak (Kannada Saahitya Parishattu, Bangalore)
2. Novel : Bettada Jeeva-Shivarama Karanta Madhavi-Arupama Niranjana Odalaala-Devanuru Mahadeva
3. Short Story : Kannada Sanna Kathegalu, Ed. G.H. Nayak (Sahitya Academy, New Delhi).
4. Drama : Shudra Tapaswi-Kuvempu. Tughalak-Girish Karnad.
5. Vichara Saahitya : Devaru-A.N. Moorty Rao (Pub : D.V.K. Moorty, Mysore.)
B. Folk Literature :
1. Janapada Swaroopa-Dr. H.M. Nayak. (Ta. Vem. Smaraka Grantha Male, Mysore.)
2. Janapada Geetaanjali-Ed.D. Javare Gowda. (Pub : Sahitya Academy, New Delhi.)
3. Kannada Janapada Kathegalu-Ed. J.S. Paramashivaiah, (Mysore University.)
4. Beedi Makkalu Beledo. Ed. Kalegowda Nagavara (Pub : Bangalore University.)
5. Savirada Ogatugalu-Ed : S.G. Imrapura.
Key Areas to Focus
The Kannada Literature optional syllabus includes broad topics like language evolution, literary criticism, and prescribed texts. Recent question papers (2023-2025) highlight specific high-weight areas (60-70% of questions) that require analytical and interdisciplinary approaches to score well (target: 250+ marks). Below are the key focus areas, their importance, and preparation strategies based on trends and toppers’ insights.
1. Socio-Political Context in Literary Analysis
- Why It Matters: 20-30% of questions link literature to socio-political themes (e.g., Kuvempu, Bendre, Masti).
- Weightage: ~50-60 marks per paper.
- Preparation Strategy: Read texts with a GS perspective, practice integrated answers with relevant examples, refer to toppers’ notes.
2. Comparative Analysis of Classical vs. Modern Literature
- Why It Matters: 15-20% of questions compare classical (e.g., Pampa, Ranna) and modern (e.g., Kuvempu, Bendre) Kannada literature.
- Weightage: ~40-50 marks per paper.
- Preparation Strategy: Create comparison charts, practice structured answers, consult secondary sources for contextual understanding.
3. Unseen Passages and Translation-Based Questions
- Why It Matters: 20-25% of questions involve translation and analysis of unseen Kannada passages.
- Weightage: ~40-60 marks.
- Preparation Strategy: Practice daily translation exercises, read diverse Kannada texts, analyze literary devices, attempt mock unseen passages weekly.
4. Interdisciplinary Links with Current Affairs
- Why It Matters: 10-15% of questions require connecting Kannada literature with contemporary social, cultural, and political issues.
- Weightage: ~30-40 marks.
- Preparation Strategy: Integrate literature with GS topics, practice answers linking texts to current events, use quotes effectively.
5. Literary Criticism with Modern Relevance
- Why It Matters: 15-20% of Paper 1 questions involve key Kannada critics (e.g., D.R. Bendre, V.K. Gokak) with modern relevance.
- Weightage: ~30-50 marks.
- Preparation Strategy: Study critical essays, practice short notes, link criticism to contemporary literary trends and cultural relevance.
Preparation Tips
- Daily: 1 hr reading, 1 hr answer-writing, 30 min translation practice.
- Resources: Core texts from prescribed syllabus, Kannada literary criticism books, toppers’ notes.
- Analyze PYQs (2015-2025) and note recurring themes.
- Mock Tests: Evaluate content, structure, and language accuracy.
- Language Precision: Practice Kannada script; ensure correct spelling and grammar.
- Interdisciplinary Edge: Link 1-2 answers per paper to GS/current affairs for extra marks.
