Hindi Literature Examination Syllabus

This page outlines the detailed syllabus for the Hindi Literature examination, divided into PaperI (Prose) and PaperII (Poetry). The content is based on the standard university/UGC guidelines and is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate candidates preparing for the exam.

PaperI Prose (120Marks)

1. Medieval Hindi Prose (c. 12001650)

• Early Bhakti literature Works of Kabir, Ravidas, and Guru Nanak (selected verses, themes of mysticism and social reform).
• Vaar and Ragbhandar Analysis of Raghuvanshika, Ragaditya and the narrative techniques used.
• Saang and Folk Narratives Examination of Saang, Rasik, and their role in disseminating cultural values.

2. Early Modern Hindi Prose (c. 16501850)

• RitiKal literature Works of Bihari, Swami Haridas and the aesthetics of Riti.
• Prem Chand Early short stories Study of selected stories, narrative structure and social commentary.
• Travelogues and Historical Texts Excerpts from Madhur and Shah Jahans Ain-i-Akbari (Hindi translations).

3. Modern Hindi Prose (1850Present)

• Chhayavaad Era Critical essays of Mahadevi Verma and Sumitranandan Pant on modernist thought.
• Pragativad and Nai Kahani Works of Premchand, Munshi Premchands social novels, and the short story collections of Jaishankar Prasad.
• Contemporary Fiction Selected stories and novels by Uday Prakash, Krishna Sobti, and Geetanjali Shree; themes of diaspora, gender, and postcolonial identity.
• Essay and Criticism Important essays from Rashtriya Sahitya Sadhana, critical perspectives of Suryakant Tripathi Nirala and contemporary critics.

4. Comparative Study

• Compare the treatment of social reform in Bhakti prose and modern realist prose.
• Analyse the evolution of narrative voice from medieval Ragbhandar to contemporary short stories.

PaperII Poetry (120Marks)

1. Early Hindi Poetry (c. 12001650)

• Bhakti Poets Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas; selected shlokas, their language, metaphors and devotional themes.
• RitiKavya Study of classic verses of Bihari (Satasa) and Keshavdas (Ritikavya elements).

2. Medieval to Early Modern Poetry (16501850)

• Poems of Rahim, Abdul Rahims couplets emphasis on moral values and linguistic elegance.
• Ghalibs UrduHindi verses focus on themes of love, existential angst and stylistic innovations.

3. Modern Hindi Poetry (1850Present)

• Chhayavaad Works of Mahadevi Verma, Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, and Jaishankar Prasad; analysis of symbolism, romanticism and the sense of disillusionment.
• Pragativad and Nayi Kavita Poems of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Baba Nagarjun, and Harivansh Rai Bachchan; themes of nationalism, social change and experimentation with form.
• PostModern & Contemporary Poetry Selections from Arun Kamal, Sunita Khatri, and Kumar Vishwas; discussion of free verse, urban alienation, gender narratives and digital poetics.

4. Critical Appreciation

• Close reading of a chosen poem metre, rhyme, figures of speech, and contextual relevance.
• Comparative essay on the portrayal of women in Chhayavaad vs. PostModern poetry.

General Examination Guidelines

• Each paper carries 120marks, divided into two sections: SectionA (objective/short answer) and SectionB (essay / long answer).
• Time allotted: 3hours per paper.
• Answer the questions in the order of difficulty, ensuring balanced coverage of all periods.
• Reference primary texts and critical commentaries wherever possible; citations should follow standard academic norms.

Suggested Reading List

Prose

• Hindi Sahitya Ka Itihas Dr., V. N. Singh (Sahitya Akademi)
• Modern Hindi Narrative M. K. Naik
• Contemporary Hindi Fiction S. K. Chandra (selected short stories)

Poetry

• Kavita Ka Swarupa M. L. Tripathi
• Chhayavaad Ek Adhyayan R. K. Sinha
• Nayi Kavita Ki Khoj N. Gopal (critical essays)

For further clarification, consult the official syllabus PDF released by the university or contact the departments academic coordinator.