The number of candidates choosing Sanskrit Literature as their optional subject for UPSC CSE is not much. Surprisingly, even those who have had Sanskrit as a subject in school opt for other optional subjects.

The simple reason behind this trend is that Sanskrit Literature does not have much in common with the General Studies syllabus for Prelims or Mains exam of UPSC CSE. Upon in-depth analysis, we might say that the only area of the General Studies paper in which Sanskrit Literature can be helpful is the Art & Culture section in GS Paper-I.

By and large, Sanskrit Literature is considered to be a tough optional paper by aspirants. However, several successful candidates got outstanding ranks in UPSC CSE after choosing Sanskrit Literature as their optional subject.

While Sanskrit Literature is not as popular as many other optional papers, it can be the right choice for candidates who are interested in the subject and are confident in their abilities.

Sanskrit Optional Paper I

There will be three questions as indicated in the question paper which must be answered in Sanskrit. The remaining questions must be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium of examination opted by the candidate.

Section-A

  1. Significant features of the grammar, with particular stress on Sanjna, Sandhi, Karaka, Samasa, Kartari and Karmani vacyas (voice usages) (to be answered in Sanskrit).
  2. (a) Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language.
    (b) Prominent features of classical Sanskrit language.
    (c) Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies.
  3. General Knowledge of:-
    (a) Literary history of Sanskit,
    (b) Principal trends of literary criticism
    (c) Ramayana,
    (d) Mahabharata
    (e) The origin and development of literary geners of:
    Mahakavya , Rupaka (drama) , Katha , Akhyayika, Campu, Khandakavya, Muktaka Kavya.

Section-B

  1. Essentials of Indian Culture with stress on – a) Purusarthas- b) Samskaras- c) Varnasramavyavastha
    d) Arts and fine arts e) Technical sciences
  2. Trends of Indian Philosophy – a) Mimansa b) Vedanta c) Nyaya d) Vaisesika e) Sankhya f) Yoga g) Bauddha   h) Jaina j) Carvaka
  3. Short Essay (in Sanskrit)
  4. Unseen passage with the questions (to be answered in Sanskrit).

Sanskrit Optional Paper II

Question from Group 4 is to be answered in Sanskrit only. Question from Groups 1, 2 and 3 are to be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate.

Section-A

  1. General study of the following groups:-
    Group 1
    a) Raghuvamsam-Kalidasa
    b) Kumarasambhavam-Kalidasa
    c) Kiratarjuniyam-Bharavi
    d) Sisupalavadham-Magha
    e) Naisadhiyacaritam-Sriharsa
    f) Kadambari-Banabhatta
    g) Dasakumaracaritam -Dandin
    h) Sivarajyodayam-S.B. Varnekar
    Group 2
    a) Isavasyopanisad
    b) Bhagavadgita
    c) Sundarakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana
    d) Arthasastra of Kautilya
    Group 3
    a) Svapnavasavadattam- Bhasa
    b) Abhijnanasakuntalam- Kalidasa
    c) Mrcchakatikam-Sudraka
    d) Mudraraksasam-Visakhadatta
    e) Uttararamacaritam- Bhavabhuti
    f) Ratnavali-Sriharshavardhana
    g) Venisamharam- Bhattanarayana
    Group 4
  2. Short notes in Sanskrit on the following:-
    a) Meghadutam-Kalidasa
    b) Nitisatakam-Bhartrhari
    c) Panchtantra-
    d) Rajatarangini-Kalhana
    e) Harsacaritam-Banabhatta
    f) Amarukasatakam-Amaruka
    g) Gitagovindam-Jayadeva

Section-B

Questions from Groups 1 & 2 are to be answered in Sanskrit only. (Questions from Groups 3 & 4 are to be answered in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate).

  1. This Section will require first hand reading of the following selected texts :-
    Group 1
    (a) Raghuvansam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
    (b) Kumarasambhavam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
    (c) Kiratarjuniyam-Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
    Group 2
    (a) Isavasyopanisad-verses-1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
    (b) Bhagavatgita II chapter verses 13 to 25
    (c) Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition)
    Group 3
    (a) Meghadutam-verses 1 to 10
    (b) Nitisatakam-Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication)
    (c) Kadambari-Sukanasopadesa (only)
    Group 4
    (a) Svapnavasavadattam Act VI
    (b) Abhijnansakuntalam Act IV verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition)
    (c) Uttararamacaritam Act 1 verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition)

UPSC Sanskrit Optional Syllabus PDF