The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) offers optional subjects for candidates appearing for civil service examinations. Tamil literature is a popular optional choice among candidates who wish to explore the cultural and literary richness of the Tamil language . UPSC Tamil Literature subject covers an array of literary works written in Tamil, including prose, poetry, drama, and novels.
Tamil literature is one of the oldest and richest literary traditions in the world, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. The various fields of Tamil literature, such as Sangam literature, religious and devotional literature, and modern literature, provide an in-depth understanding of Tamil culture, history, and society.
The syllabus for the Tamil literature optional subject includes the ancient Tamil language and literature, the medieval literature, and the modern literary movements. The subject is divided into two papers, with Paper-I covering the ancient and medieval Tamil literature, while Paper-II covers the modern Tamil literature.
Paper-I covers the Sangam literature, the religious and devotional literature, and the Bhakti movement. The Sangam literature is a collection of ancient Tamil works which date back to the third century BCE. It includes poems, epics, and war songs that provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and political life of ancient Tamil Nadu.
The religious and devotional literature includes the works of the Alwars and Nayanars, who were Tamil saints and mystics from the medieval period. They wrote hymns and poems of devotion to various Hindu deities, which are still recited and sung today in temples across South India.
The Bhakti movement was a cultural and literary movement that emerged in South India during the medieval period. It was a movement that sought to break down the barriers of caste and religion and promoted devotion to a personal god. The Bhakti movement produced some of the most iconic works in Tamil literature, such as the Periyapuranam and the Tiruvachakam.
Paper-II covers the modern era of Tamil literature, which includes the works of some of the most prominent writers, such as Pudhumaipithan, Ambai, and Jayakanthan. The modern Tamil literature reflects the social and political changes that have occurred in Tamil Nadu since the colonial era. The subject covers the themes of nationalism, identity, and social and political commentary.
The Tamil literature optional subject offers candidates a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and literary heritage of Tamil Nadu. The subject allows candidates to develop advanced language skills in Tamil and provides a thorough understanding of the social, cultural, and political issues that have shaped the Tamil community over the centuries.
