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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.
(Answers must be written in Kannada)
A. History of Kannada Language
What is Language ? General characteristics of Language. Dravidian Family of Languages and its specific
features. Antiquity of Kannada Language. Different phases of its Development.
Dialects of Kannada Language : Regional and Social. Various aspects of developments of Kannada
Language: phonological and Semantic changes. Language borrowing.
B. History of Kannada Literature
Ancient Kannada literature : Influence and Trends, Poets for study : Specified poets from Pampa to
Ratnakara Varni are to be studied in the light of contents, form and expression : Pampa, Janna,
Nagachandra.
Medieval Kannada literature : Influence and Trends.
Vachana Literature : Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi.
Medieval Poets : Harihara, Raghavanka, Kumara-Vyasa.
Dasa literature : Purandara and Kanaka.
Sangataya : Ratnakarvarni
C. Modern Kannada literature : Influence, trends and ideologies, Navodaya, Pragatishila, Navya, Dalita
and Bandaya.
A. Poetics and Literary Criticism
Definition and concepts of poetry; Word, Meaning, Alankara, Reeti, Rasa, Dhwani, Auchitya.
Interpretations of Rasa Sutra. Modern Trends of literary criticism : Formalist, Historical, Marxist,
Feminist, Post-colonial criticism.
B. Cultural History of Karnataka
Contribution of Dynasties to the culture of Karnataka: Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani,
Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, in literary context.
Major religions of Karnataka and their cultural contribution.
Arts of Karnataka ; Sculpture, Architecture, Painting, Music, Dance—in the literary context.
Unification of Karnataka and its impact of Kannada literature.
(Answers must be written in Kannada)
The Paper will require first-hand reading of the Texts prescribed and will be designed to test the critical
ability of the candidates.
A. Old Kannada Literature
1. Vikramaarjuna Vijaya of Pampa (Cantos 12 & 13), (Mysore University Pub.)
2. Vaddaraadhane (Sukumaraswamyia Kathe, Vidyutchorana Kathe)
B. Medieval Kannada Literature
1. Vachana, Kammata, Ed. K. Marulasiddappa K.R. Nagaraj (Bangalore University Pub.)
2. Janapriya Kanakasamputa, Ed. D. Javare Gowda (Kannada and Culture Directorate, Bangalore)
3. Nambiyannana Ragale, Ed., T.N. Sreekantaiah (Ta. Vem. Smaraka Grantha Male, Mysore)
4. Kumaravyasa Bharata : Karna Parva (Mysore University)
5. Bharatesha Vaibhava Sangraha Ed Ta. Su. Shama Rao (Mysore University)
A. Modern Kannada Literature
1. Poetry : Hosagannada Kavite, Ed. G.H. Nayak (Kannada Saahitya Parishattu,
Bangalore)
2. Novel : Bettada Jeeva—Shivarama Karanta Madhavi—Anupama NiranjanaOdalaala-
Deva-nuru Mahadeva
3. Short Story : Kannada Sanna Kathegalu, Ed. G.H. Nayak (Sahitya Academy, New Delhi)
4. Drama : Shudra Tapaswi—Kuvempu. Tughalak—Girish Karnad.
5. Vichara Sahitya : Devaru—A.N. Moorty Rao (Pub: D.V.K.Moorty, Mysore.)
B. Folk Literature :
1. Janapada Swaroopa—Dr. H.M. Nayak. (Ta. Vem. Smaraka Grantha Male, Mysore.)
2. Janpada Geetaanjali—Ed. D. Javare Gowda.(Pub : Sahitya Academy, New Delhi).
3. Kannada Janapada Kathegalu—Ed. J.S. Paramashiviaah (Mysore University).
4. Beedi Makkalu Beledo. Ed. Kalegowda Nagavara (Pub : Bangalore University).
5. Savirada Ogatugalu—Ed. S.G. Imrapura.
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.