Marathi Literature
Two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII of the Main Examination), 250 marks each, three hours each. Complete syllabus as notified by UPSC; reproduced without changes.
NOTE (i).—A candidate may be required to answer some or all the Questions in the language concerned. NOTE (ii).—In regard to the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to Constitution, the scripts will be the same as indicated in Section II (B) of Appendix I relating to the Main Examination. NOTE (iii).—Candidates should note that the questions not required to be answered in a specific language will have to be answered in the language medium indicated by them for answering papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subjects.
Paper I 250 marks
(Answers must be written in Marathi)
Section A
Language and Folk-lore
(a) Nature and Functions of Language
(with reference to Marathi)
Language as a signifying system : Langue and Parole; Basic functions; Poetic Language; Standard
Language and dialect; Language variations according to social parameters.
Linguistic features of Marathi in thirteenth century and seventeenth century.
(b) Dialects of Marathi
Ahirani; Varhadi; Dangi.
(c) Marathi Grammar
Parts of Speech; Case-system; Prayog-vichar (Voice).
(d) Nature and kinds of Folk-lore
(with special reference to Marathi)
Lok-Geet, Lok Katha, Lok Natya.
Section B
(History of Literature and Literary Criticism)
(a) History of Marathi Literature
1. From beginning to 1818 AD, with special reference to the following : The Mahanubhava writers, the
Varkari poets, the Pandit poets, the Shahirs, Bakhar Literature.
2. From 1850 to 1990, with special reference to developments in the following major forms : Poetry,
Fiction (Novel and Short Story), Drama; and major literary currents and movements, Romantic, Realist,
Modernist, Dalit, Gramin, Feminist.
(b) Literary Criticism
1. Nature and function of Literature;
2. Evaluation of Literature;
3. Nature, Objectives and Methods of Criticism;
4. Literature, Culture and Society.
Paper II 250 marks
(Answer must be written in Marathi)
Textual study of prescribed literary works.
The paper will require first-hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the candidate's
critical ability.
Section A
(Prose)
(1) ‘Smritisthala’
(2) Mahatma Jotiba Phule
‘‘Shetkaryacha Asud’
‘Sarvajanik Satyadharma’
(3) S.V. Ketkar
‘Brahmankanya’
(4) P.K. Atre
‘Sashtang Namaskar’
(5) Sharchchandra Muktibodh
‘Jana Hey Volatu Jethe’
(6) Uddhav Shelke
‘Shilan’
(7) Baburao Bagul
‘Jevha Mi Jaat Chorli Hoti’
(8) Gouri Deshpande
‘Ekek Paan Galavaya’
(9) P.I. Sonkamble
‘Athavaninche Pakshi’
Section B
(Poetry)
(1) ‘Namadevanchi Abhangawani’
Ed: Inamdar, Relekar, Mirajkar
Modern Book Depot, Pune
(2) ‘Painjan’
Ed : M.N. Adwant
Sahitya Prasar Kendra, Nagpur
(3) ‘Damayanti-Swayamvar’
By Raghunath Pandit
(4) ‘Balakvinchi Kavita’
By Balkavi
(5) ‘Vishakha’
By Kusumagraj
(6) ‘Maridgandh’
By Vinda Karandikar
(7) ‘Jahirnama’
By Narayan Surve
(8) ‘Sandhyakalchya Kavita’
By Grace
(9) ‘Ya Sattet Jeev Ramat Nahi’
By Namdev Dhasal
Source: UPSC Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE dated 04.02.2026 (Civil Services Examination, 2026), Section III, Part B: Syllabi. Always check the current year’s official notification before you begin preparation.