Bodo Literature is a subject option in the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam. It can be a viable option for your UPSC Mains exam if you have a strong command of the Bodo language. Bodo Literature showcases the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Bodo community in India. Recognized as one of the 22 official languages of India in the Constitution, Bodo has a rich literary history, including poetry, drama, philosophy, and original works.
To excel in the Bodo Literature optional, candidates should have a strong command of the language, an in-depth understanding of literary movements, and an appreciation for the cultural and historical context in which the literature was produced. The syllabus is well-defined, and the papers must be written in the Bodo script. The syllabus covers various literary works and genres, including classical, contemporary, and modern literary movements. To know more about the syllabus and books, check the linked article.
Being a language-based subject, those who have studied Bodo in their curriculum or who have Bodo as their mother tongue can consider choosing Bodo Literature as their optional subject. The Bodo Literature optional has two papers in the UPSC Mains exam, each carrying 250 marks for a total of 500 marks.
Bodo
PAPER I
History of Bodo Language and Literature
[Answers must be written in Bodo]
Section A
History of Bodo Language
1. Homeland, language family, its present status and its mutual contact with Assamese.
2. (a) phonemes : Vowel and Consonant Phonemes (b) Tones.
3. Morphology : Gender, Case and Case endings, Plural suffix, Definitives, Verbal suffix.
4. Vocabulary and its sources.
5. Syntax : Types of sentences, Word Order
6. History of scripts used in writing Bodo Language since inception.
Section B
History of Bodo Literature
1. General introduction of Bodo folk Literature.
2. Contribution of the Missionaries.
3. Periodization of Bodo Literature.
4. Critical analysis of different genre (Poetry, Novel, Short Story and Drama)
5. Translation Literature.
Paper II
The paper will require first-hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the critical ability of the candidates.
(Answers must be written in Bodo)
Section A
(a) Khonthai-Methai
(Edited by Madaram Brahma & Rupnath Brahma.)
(b) Hathorkhi-Hala
(Edited by Pramod Chandra Brahma)
(c) Boroni Gudi Sibsa Arw Aroz : Madaram Brahma
(d) Raja Nilambar : Dwarendra Nath Basumatary
(e) Bibar (prose section)
(Edited by Satish Chandra Basumatary).
Section B
(a) Bibi Bithai (Aida Nwi) : Bihuram Boro
(b) Radab : Samar Brahma Chaudhury
(c) Okhrang Gongse Nangou : Brajendra Kumar Brahma
(d) Baisagu Arw Harimu : Laksheswar Brahma
(e) Gwdan Boro : Manoranjan Lahary
(f) Jujaini Or : Chittaranjan Muchahary
(g) Mwihoor : Dharanidhar Wary
(h) Hor Badi Khwmsi : Kamal Kumar Brahma
(i) Jaolia Dewan : Mangal Singh Hozowary
(j) Hagra Guduni Mwi : Nilkamal Brahma
