Kannada Literature Optional for UPSC Civil Service Mains - An Overview

The Optional subject plays a crucial role in the UPSC mains exam. As one can score more than 65 to 70 % of the total marks in optional, and around 30 to 35% of the total marks required for final selection, it becomes imperative to pay attention to the choice of optional subject for IAS mains. This article briefly covers the syllabus, reference books, pro & cons of Kannada Optional.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam.

Why Kannada Optional for IAS Mains?

1. A majority of the topics are very interesting. For aspirants with a keen interest in Kannada Literature, this is a very good choice of optional subject.
2. It is a good scoring subject. Many toppers score 270–280 (at least 250+) which is very difficult in many other optionals.
3. Static questions. Many questions will (more than 50%) come from previous year question papers directly or indirectly. Clearly, there is an abundance of static questions.
4. Generally, the syllabus doesn’t need any update. Once you have prepared for this optional, even after a few years, it remains the same.
5. Most of the questions will be analytical which makes the subject very interesting.
6. In 2016, out of the top 3 rank holders, two of them had literature optional. The 2016 UPSC topper K R Nandini had Kannada Literature as her optional subject.

Candidates can check out relevant articles before picking any optional subjects for UPSC mains-

UPSC Kannada Literature Syllabus

Kannada literature consists of two papers i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 deals with History of Kannada Language, History of Kannada Literature and Modern Kannada Literature (including General characteristics, Antiquity and dialects of Kannada language and about Ancient and Modern Kannada literature).  Along with this, it also deals with poetics and literary criticism and the Cultural History of Karnataka. Good quality notes are enough to prepare for paper 1 in Kannada Literature optional.

Paper 2 consist of Old and Modern Kannada Literature. The Old Kannada literature consists of works from Pampa to Ratnakara Varni which are to be read as mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. The Modern Kannada Literature consists of Poetry, Novel, Short stories, Drama and Folk literature. Paper 2 can be read with the help of books mentioned in the syllabus combined with adequate notes.

Aspiring civil services candidates can check out the literature syllabus of different languages-

Limitations of Kannada Literature Optional for UPSC Civil Service Exam

It provides the least support to any other GS papers. There are no current affairs related topics in this subject. This limitation can, however, be overcome by scoring high in the optional.

Fear factor

There is a popular myth that the Syllabus of Kannada literature for UPSC is very huge and it requires 40 to 50 books to cover, whereas, in fact, good notes along with a few selected books are enough for scoring good marks in this subject.

There is also a misconception that it is very difficult to write very fast in Kannada. But, good writing practice of the Kannada language for 2 to 3 months will help you to write fast.

Aspirants can read Pros and Cons of Literature Optionals in UPSC Mains exam on the given link.

Kannada Literature Books for UPSC Optional

Paper-I

1. Linguistics, history of Kannada Language-M.H. Krishnaiah
2. Kannada Bhasha Shastra- R.Y. Dharwadkar
3. Kannada Sahitya Charitre- R.S. Mugali

Paper-II

1. Bettada Jeeva-Shivarama Karanta
2. Madhavi-Arupama Niranjana
3. Odalaala-Devanuru Mahadeva
4. Devaru- A.N. Moorty Rao
5. Janapada Swaroopa-Dr. H.M. Nayak
6. Janapriya Kanakasamputa, Ed. D. Javare Gowda
7. Kannada Janapada Kathegalu-Ed. J.S. Paramashivaiah
8. Kannada Sanna Kathegalu- Ed. G.H. Nayak
9. Kumaravyasa Bharata
10. Nambiyannana Raagale- Ed., T.N. Sreekantaiah
11. Pampana Samasta Bharata Kathamrita—L. Basavaraju
12. Shudra Tapaswi-Kuvempu
13. Tughlaq-Girish Karnad.
14. Vachana Kammata, Ed: K. Marulasiddappa K.R. Nagaraj
15. Vikramarjuna Vijaya of Pampa

For further information on Kannada Literature Optional Books for UPSC exam, visit the linked page.

Candidates can also go through the booklist of different optional subjects given below-

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2021.

UPSC exam-related preparation materials will be found through the links given below.