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UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam Optional Subject consists of 2 papers. Each paper is of 300 marks, making a total of 600 marks.

The Manipuri Literature paper is part of optional subjects. It has two papers with two sections each – Section A & Section B. The candidate has to answer them all in Manipuri.

Manipuri Literature Syllabus, UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam

PAPER-I

(Answers must be written in Manipuri)

Section-A

Language :

a) General characteristics of Manipuri Language and history of its development; its importance and status among the TibetoBurman Languages of North-East India; recent development in the study of Manipuri language; evolution and study of old Manipuri script.

b) Significant features of Manipuri language :

i) Phonology-Phoneme-vowels, consonants juncture, tone, consonant cluster and its occurrence, syllable-its structure, pattern and types.

ii) Morphology : Word-class, root and its types; affix and its types; grammatical categories-gender, number, person, case, tense and aspects, process of compounding (samas and sandhi).

iii) Syntax : Word order : types of sentences, pharse and clause structures.

Section-B

a) Literary History of Manipuri :

Early period (upto 17th century)-Social and cultural background; Themes, diction and style of the works.

Medieval period (18th and 19th century)Social, religious and political background; Themes, diction and style of the works.

Modern period-Growth of major literary forms; change of Themes, diction and style.

b) Manipuri Folk Literature :

Legend, Folktale, Folksong, Ballad, Proverb and Riddle.

c) Aspects of Manipuri Culture :

Pre-Hindu Manipuri Faith; Advent of Hinduism and the process of syncreticism.

Performing arts-Lai Haraoba, Maha Ras; Indegenous games-Sagol Kangjei, Khong Kangjei, Kang.

PAPER II

(Answers must be written in Manipuri)

This paper will require first hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the candidate’s critical ability to assess them.

Section-A

Old and Medieval Manipuri Literature

(a) Old Manipuri Literature

1. O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.) : Numit Kappa

2. M. Gourachandra Singh (Ed.) : Thawanthaba Hiran

3. N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.) : Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba

4. M. Chandra Singh (Ed.) : Panthoibi Khonggul

(b) Medieval Manipuri Literature :

1. M. Chandra Singh (Ed.) : Samsok Ngamba

2. R.K.Snahal Singh (Ed.) : Ramayana Adi Kanda

3. N. Khelchandra SIngh (Ed.) : Dhananjoy Laibu Ningba

4. O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.) : Chandrakirti Jila Changba

Section-B

Modern Manipuri Literature :

(a) Poetry and Epic :

(I) Poetry :

(a) Manipuri Sheireng (Pub) Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, 1988 (ed.) Kh. Chaoba Singh : Pi Thadoi, Lamgi Chekla Amada, Loktak

Dr. L. Kamal Singh: Nirjanata, Nirab Rajani A. Minaketan Singh : Kamalda, Nonggumlakkhoda L. Samarendra Singh : Ingagi Nong, Mamang Leikai Thambal Satle E. Nilakanta Singh : Manipur, Lamangnaba Shri Biren : Tangkhul Hui Th. Ibopishak : Anouba Thunglaba Jiba

(b) Kanchi Sheireng. (Pub) Manipur University 1998 (ed.)

Dr. L. Kamal Singh: Biswa-Prem

Shri Biren : Chaphadraba Laigi Yen

Th. Ibopishak : Norok Patal Prithivi

(II) Epic :

1. A. Dorendrajit Singh : Kansa Bodha

2. H. Anganghal Singh : Khamba-Thoibi Sheireng (SanSenba, Lei Langba, Shamu Khonggi Bichar)

(III) Drama :

1. S. Lalit Singh : Areppa Marup

2. G.C. Tongbra : Matric Pass

3. A. Samarendra : Judge Sahebki Imung

(b) Novel, Short-story and Prose :

(I) Novel :

1. Dr. L. Kamal Singh : Madhabi

2. H. Anganghal Singh : Jahera

3. H. Guno Singh : Laman

4. Pacha Meetei : Imphal Amasung, Magi Ishing, Nungsitki Phibam

(II) Short-story :

(a) Kanchi Warimacha (Pub) Manipur University 1997 (ed.) R.K. Shitaljit Singh : Kamala Kamala M.K. Binodini : Eigi Thahoudraba Heitup Lalu Kh. Prakash : Wanom Shareng

(b) Parishadki Khangatlaba Warimacha (Pub) Manipuri Sahitya Parishad 1994 (ed.) S. Nilbir Shastri : Loukhatpa R.K. Elangba : Karinunggi

(c) Anouba Manipuri Warimacha (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1992 (ed.) N. Kunjamohon Singh : Ijat Tanba E. Dinamani : Nongthak Khongnang

(III) Prose :

(a) Warenggi Saklon [Due Part (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1992 (ed.) Kh. Chaoba Singh : Khamba-Thoibigi Wari Amasung Mahakavya

(b) Kanchi Wareng (Pub) Manipur University 1998 (ed.) B. Manisana Shastri : Phajaba Ch. Manihar Singh : Lai-Haraoba

(c) Apunba Wareng. (Pub) Manipur University, 1986 (ed.) Ch. Pishak Singh : Samaj Amasung, Sanskriti M.K. Binodini : Thoibidu Warouhouida Eric Newton : Kalagi Mahousa (translated by I.R. Babu)

(d) Manipuri Wareng (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1999 (ed.) S. Krishnamohan Singh : Lan