UPSC Hindi Literature Syllabus and Books for Preparation
Master the complete Hindi Literature syllabus for UPSC Mains with topper-recommended books and topic-wise guidance for Paper I & II.
Explore the full UPSC Hindi Literature syllabus with detailed coverage of Paper I & II, including poetry, prose, and literary criticism. Access standard books and study tips recommended by toppers to enhance your answer writing and score high in the optional.
📘 Paper I: History and Evolution of Hindi Literature
Section A: History of Hindi Literature
Development of Hindi Language
Origin and development of Hindi as an Indo-Aryan language
Dialects of Hindi (Khari Boli, Braj, Awadhi, Maithili, etc.)
Influence of other languages (Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit)
Development of Hindi Literature
Early Period (Chānd, Vidyāpati, Kabir, Raidas, Surdas)
Bhakti Movement Literature
Riti Kal (Bihari, Keshavdas, Padmakar)
Modern Period (Bharatendu, Dwivedi, Shukla, Premchand)
Chhayavaad (Nirala, Prasad, Pant, Mahadevi)
Pragativaad, Prayogvaad, Nai Kavita
Contemporary trends in Hindi Literature
📕 Paper II: Critical Study of Prescribed Texts (Poetry + Prose)
Section A: Poetry (काव्य खंड)
कवि और उनकी रचनाएँ:
सूरदास – ‘भक्ति काव्य’ (रसखान भी यदाकदा पूछा जाता है)
तुलसीदास – ‘रामचरितमानस’ (अरण्यकांड)
मीरा बाई – पदावली
भारतेंदु हरिश्चंद्र – ‘भारत दुर्दशा’
जयशंकर प्रसाद – ‘कामायनी’
सूर्यकांत त्रिपाठी ‘निराला’ – चयनित कविताएं
महादेवी वर्मा, पंत, धूमिल, कुमार विश्वास (select poets as per syllabus)
Section B: Prose (गद्य खंड)
लेखक और उनकी रचनाएँ:
प्रेमचंद – ‘गोदान’
नागार्जुन – ‘बलचनमा’
यशपाल – ‘दिव्या’
फणीश्वरनाथ ‘रेणु’ – ‘मैला आँचल’
राही मासूम रज़ा – ‘आधा गाँव’
रामविलास शर्मा, नामवर सिंह – आलोचना और निबंध
जयशंकर प्रसाद – ‘आँसू’ (नाट्य-साहित्य का योगदान)
📚 Topper-Recommended Booklist for Hindi Literature
📖 For Paper I: Literary History & Criticism
हिंदी साहित्य का इतिहास – आचार्य रामचंद्र शुक्ल
हिंदी साहित्य का उद्भव और विकास – डॉ. नगेंद्र
भारतीय काव्यशास्त्र – हजारी प्रसाद द्विवेदी
हिंदी भाषा और लिपि का विकास – डॉ. विश्वनाथ त्रिपाठी
📖 For Paper II: Textual Study
गोदान – मुंशी प्रेमचंद
मैला आँचल – फणीश्वरनाथ रेणु
कामायनी – जयशंकर प्रसाद
भारत दुर्दशा – भारतेंदु हरिश्चंद्र
दिव्या – यशपाल
बलचनमा – नागार्जुन
आलोचना और समीक्षा संग्रह – नामवर सिंह, रामविलास शर्मा
✅ Topper Strategy Tips:
📌 Understand the context of each text — literary period, ideology, and background of the author.
📌 Practice quote-based answer writing — include famous lines and stanzas.
📌 Prepare critical analysis and summaries for all prescribed texts.
📌 Use self-made notes for each poem and novel.
📌 For Paper I, link literary trends with historical and social changes.