Optional subject · Literature of languages
UPSC Kannada Literature Optional Syllabus 2026
Paper 1 and Paper 2, word for word from UPSC's CSE 2026 notice (pp. 93–94). 250 marks each, three hours each.
हिन्दी में पढ़ेंMains Paper VI · 250 marks · 3 hours
Kannada Literature — Paper I
(Answers must be written in Kannada)
Section 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.
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
Modern Kannada literature: Influence, trends and ideologies, Navodaya, Pragatishila, Navya, Dalita and Bandaya.
Section B
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.
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.
Mains Paper VII · 250 marks · 3 hours
Kannada Literature — Paper II
(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.
Section A
Old Kannada Literature
Vikramaarjuna Vijaya of Pampa (Cantos 12 & 13), (Mysore University Pub.)
Vaddaraadhane (Sukumaraswamyia Kathe, Vidyutchorana Kathe)
Medieval Kannada Literature
Vachana, Kammata, Ed. K. Marulasiddappa K.R. Nagaraj (Bangalore University Pub.)
Janapriya Kanakasamputa, Ed. D. Javare Gowda (Kannada and Culture Directorate, Bangalore)
Nambiyannana Ragale, Ed., T.N. Sreekantaiah (Ta. Vem. Smaraka Grantha Male, Mysore)
Kumaravyasa Bharata: Karna Parva (Mysore University)
Bharatesha Vaibhava Sangraha Ed Ta. Su. Shama Rao (Mysore University)
Section B
Modern Kannada Literature
Poetry: Hosagannada Kavite, Ed. G.H. Nayak (Kannada Saahitya Parishattu,
Bangalore)
Novel: Bettada Jeeva—Shivarama Karanta Madhavi—Anupama NiranjanaOdalaala-
Deva-nuru Mahadeva
Short Story: Kannada Sanna Kathegalu, Ed. G.H. Nayak (Sahitya Academy, New Delhi)
Drama: Shudra Tapaswi—Kuvempu. Tughalak—Girish Karnad.
Vichara Sahitya: Devaru—A.N. Moorty Rao (Pub: D.V.K.Moorty, Mysore.)
Folk Literature:
Janapada Swaroopa—Dr. H.M. Nayak. (Ta. Vem. Smaraka Grantha Male, Mysore.)
Janpada Geetaanjali—Ed. D. Javare Gowda.(Pub : Sahitya Academy, New Delhi).
Kannada Janapada Kathegalu—Ed. J.S. Paramashiviaah (Mysore University).
Beedi Makkalu Beledo. Ed. Kalegowda Nagavara (Pub : Bangalore University).
Savirada Ogatugalu—Ed. S.G. Imrapura.
Text: UPSC, UPSC Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSP (Civil Services Examination, 2026), pp. 93–94 ↗. Any spelling is UPSC's own.
Other literature of languages optionals
FAQ
Kannada Literature optional: questions, answered
How many papers are there in the UPSC Kannada literature optional?
Two — Mains Papers VI and VII (Optional Paper 1 and Paper 2), 250 marks and three hours each, 500 marks in all.
What does the UPSC Kannada literature optional syllabus cover?
The full syllabus for both papers is on this page in UPSC's words, from its CSE 2026 notice (pp. 93–94).
Where is the official Kannada literature optional syllabus?
In UPSC's notice for the Civil Services Examination 2026 (Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSP), Section III, Part B, pp. 93–94.