Preparing for Indian Literature

[ganeshvs71]

For those who have chosen one of the INdian Langauge Literature as a subject a few common tips which can be useful for all indian modern languages.

Generally the Paper-I consists of following three parts -
1. History of language - its origin and development. This may also study of dialects or the culture and also grammar
2. History of Literature with specific reference to braod trends - Ancient and Modern
3. Concepts of Literary Criticism.

Preparation for this part is not very difficult. This mainly involves basic understanding of key concepts involved in Criticism. Copius notes on History of language and literary trends will help. It is better to prepare properly for this area where the information is specific and easy to remember. The same if properly prepared (if mugged up its better) it will help a lot. It is advisable to prepare standard answers forsome key questions. About 30 to 35 questions covering the whole of syllabus can be prepared and perfected over the period of preparation under expert guidance. The answers so prepared should be kept modular as far as possible; implying the paragraphs in such answers should be self contained covering a specific point or sub point. So even if the question asked in the final mains paper is bit different in orientation the paragraphs of different questions can be rearranged and copy-pasted in our final answer. Lots of writing practice will help as its difficult to ensure time management. About 700-800 words for the questions carrying 60 marks is enough. 5 questions require to be answered.

For the second paper where specific books have been prescribed, a first hand reading of these literary works is expected, implying that the candidate is expected to answer questions invovling critical appreciation with reference to that work. Normally the books that have been prescribed can be broadly clssified in three categories - ancient, modern and neo modern. Each of teh literary works is either a representative of a specific trend in the literary history or the writer represents a class of literature. THe work needs to be strudied keeping in view th poistion of that work or the writer in the history of that langauage or its literature. Its better to prepare standard questions on each of the works. A proper study of History of Literature and Literary criticism in paper I will help study of paper II also vice versa.

Preparation of paper I involves understanding the theoritical part of the study of language and literature and the paper II requires practical application of such theory. Thus paper I and II are interdependant.

If the preparation is made thoroughly, literature is very scoring due few number of candidates for such subject and also because the language factor comes into play.

[sumathi]

respected sir,

My optional is English Literature. Recently, I went through the past question papers. I'm a bit worried about the compulsory question (regarding unseen Poem) of Paper - I. I'm unable to understand the theme of the poem, itself.

Note: I have done my degree in History. But, interested a lot towards English literature. So, I started to study it. Now, I'm in the beginning stage.

Please guide me, sir.