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35 previous year questions for Literature-Sanskrit from 3 years. Practice with year-wise breakdown.
35
Questions
3
Years
3
Papers
Answer all of the following (to be written in Sanskrit language).
(a) Answer the items (i–x) dealing with phonetics, word–classification, sentence-transformation and samāsa identification, e.g., (i) give the articulatory classification of the letters in the word ‘dhātu’, (ii) name the letters of the guttural class occurring in ‘īśvarapūjāḥ’, (iii) state the saṃjñā of a pada, (iv) transform the sentence ‘vā gṛhe gaṇḍūṣīḥ’, (v)–(ix) analyse the sandhi/samāsa in the given words and sentences, (x) cite the guṇa-saṃtānavidhāyaka sūtra. [10M]
(b) Translate each of the following five prose sentences into correct classical Sanskrit (to be written in Devanāgarī). [10M]
(c) Write brief notes (3–4 lines each) on any five of the following technical terms: (i) halantyam, (ii) eṇo’pyavāyaḥ, (iii) kālāntarātpravṛttam, (iv) upamitivyāpadeśaḥ, (v) padam bhavet. [10M]
(d) Explain the different kinds of Ābhāsa with suitable illustrations. [10M]
(e) What do you understand by ‘viśeṣaṇa–viśeṣya–bahulam’? Explain with examples. [10M]
Each answer along with examples of the following questions is to be written within 150 words:
(a) Establish the validity of the saying — “भवेषु एकालिङ्गत्वम्”. [10M]
(b) Reveal the poetic excellence of Kālidāsa on the basis of the epic Raghuvaṃśa. [10M]
(c) Describe the poetical excellence either of the epic Kirātārjunīya or of the epic Śiśupālavadha. [10M]
(d) Elucidate in detail the specialities inherent in the text Kādambarī in the field of Sanskrit prose literature. [10M]
(e) Enumerate the identity and the special features of the text Daśakumāracarita. [10M]
Interpret the purport of the following:
(a) Elucidate the significance of the statement— “क्षात्राश्रमादि धर्म यद् किंच जनायं जनाय”. [15M]
(b) Ascertain the identity and utility of the various “Yogas” stated in the Bhagavadgītā. [20M]
(c) Enumerate the excellence either of the Sundarakāṇḍa of Vālmīki’s Rāmāyaṇa or that of the Arthaśāstra in the field of polity. [15M]
Analyse in detail the following:
(a) Describe in short the story either of the drama Abhijñānaśākuntala or of the drama Svapnavāsavadattā. [15M]
(b) Elaborate the validity of the dictum “उत्तरे रामचरिते भवभूति:” relating to the drama Uttararāmacarita. [20M]
(c) Describe, with apt examples, the influence of the epic Mahābhārata on the drama Veṇīsaṃhāra. [15M]
The answers of the following questions must be written in Sanskrit language and in Devanāgarī script only:
(a) Elucidate the identity of the text Pañcatantra in short. [20M]
(b) Enumerate the subject matters found in the First Taraṅga of the text Rājataraṅgiṇī. [15M]
(c) Elaborate the significance of any one verse belonging to the text Amaruśataka. [15M]
Answer all of the following (to be written in Sanskrit language).
(a) Write a critical note on the theme of Lalitakālā in the Prācīna-nāṭakas. [10M]
(b) Discuss the subject-matter of punishments in the Arthaśāstra. [10M]
(c) Describe the concept of dharma according to the Gṛhyasūtras. [10M]
(d) Explain the portrayal of enjoyment and luxury in ancient Sanskrit plays. [10M]
(e) Discuss the importance of saṃskāras in the Brahmasūtra-bhāṣya. [10M]
Explain each of the following verses in Sanskrit language and in Devanāgarī script only (within 150 words):
(a) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [10M]
(b) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [10M]
(c) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [10M]
(d) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [10M]
(e) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [10M]
Explain the following verses in Sanskrit language and in Devanāgarī script only:
(a) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [15M]
(b) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [20M]
(c) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [15M]
Elaborate the idea of the following verses with reference:
(a) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [15M]
(b) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [15M]
(c) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [20M]
Read the given passages carefully and answer the questions that follow (to be written in Sanskrit language).
(a) Passage on Indian agriculture (kṛṣir-mahātmya) followed by five questions (i–v) on topics such as duties of the farmer’s son, role of women in farming, the importance of new seeds, methods of irrigation and final advice to cultivators. Answer each in about 3–4 lines. (5×5 = 25) [25M]
(b) Passage on the ideal householder (gṛhastha-dharma) followed by five questions (i–v) covering issues like renunciation of greed, definition of satyam, the status of munis, means of self-control and the path to buddhir-prasāda. Answer each in about 3–4 lines. (5×5 = 25) [25M]
Explain the following verses with context:
(a) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [20M]
(b) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [15M]
(c) Verse (Devanāgarī text as given in the paper). [15M]
Each answer along with examples of the following questions is to be written within 150 words :
(a) Elaborate the poetical beauty as reflected in the epic, Raghuvaṃśa of Kālidāsa. [10M]
(b) Critically appreciate the statement — “Bhāratebhyo ’nyatra?” [10M]
(c) Elucidate critically, with apt illustration, the dictum — “Bhāradvājasya nāmāroci na roke”. [10M]
(d) Examine critically, with suitable examples, the saying — “Adeti neṣo kāle ka māḥ : ka ca Bhārati?”. [10M]
(e) Describe the poetical features of the epic, Śrīharṣacaritam, composed by Śrīdhar Bhaskar Varnekar. [10M]
Enumerate the significance of the following questions :
(a) Describe the distinct features of ‘Vidya’ and ‘Avidya’ as propagated in the Īśāvāsyopaniṣad. [15M]
(b) Illustrate the ‘Karmayoga’ as described in the Bhagavadgītā. [20M]
(c) Examine the utility, in present–day administration of the State economic system, of the ideas described by Kauṭilya in his Arthaśāstra. [15M]
Analyse in detail the following questions :
(a) Enumerate the specialities found in the use of languages in the Mṛcchakaṭikam. [15M]
(b) Examine the stylistic features of the drama–composition of Harṣavardhana as traced in Ratnāvali. [15M]
(c) Draw the characteristic features of Karṇa as depicted in the drama, Veṇīsaṃhāra. [20M]
The answers of the following questions must be written in Sanskrit language and in Devanāgari script only :
(a) Describe the features of Nature as depicted in the Meghadūta. [15M]
(b) Evaluate the position of the text, Pañcatantra, in the history of Sanskrit literature. [15M]
(c) Discuss the historical importance of the Harṣacarita of Bāṇabhaṭṭa. [20M]
Explain each of the following verses in Sanskrit language and in Devanāgari script only (within 150 words) :
(a) Explain the given verse beginning with “अस्य कृलानस्य ...”. [10M]
(b) Explain the given verse beginning with “यः सूर्यो ...”. [10M]
(c) Explain the given verse beginning with “आमोदये सकल ...”. [10M]
(d) Explain the given verse beginning with “दिशं विनाप्य ...”. [10M]
(e) Explain the given verse beginning with “इतीरार्कस्पर्शन ...”. [10M]
Explain the following verses in Sanskrit language and in Devanāgari script only :
(a) Explain the verse beginning with “तद्व्रजति नवेगिना ...”. [15M]
(b) Explain the verse beginning with “देवाङ्गनानां नृत्तं ...”. [20M]
(c) Explain the verse beginning with “मन्दस्मिताननेन ...”. [15M]
Elaborate the idea of the following verses with reference :
(a) Elaborate the idea of the verse beginning with “तवानस्ते वनमस्तु ...”. [15M]
(b) Elaborate the idea of the verse beginning with “अहो सुषुप्तस्य महत्वं ...”. [15M]
(c) Elaborate the idea of the long composite verse that follows, beginning with “ततः एव, अनिर्वचनीयम् ...”. [20M]
Explain the following verses with context :
(a) Explain the verse beginning with “कान्तारा रेदुपतमा वा ...”. [15M]
(b) Explain the verse beginning with “घुस्पुरर्ण गुर्वं कुरु ...”. [15M]
(c) Explain the verse beginning with “विनिवृत्ते न जाने ...”. [20M]
SECTION – A Answer all of the following (to be written in Sanskrit language) : (a) Attempt any ten of the following : (i) अनुस्वारः, ष्, ण्–वर्गाणां द्विगुणराणामानि लेखताम् । (ii) ‘तम् निमानि ग्रामं गच्छन्ति’ — नाव्यपदपरिवर्तनं किम् ? (iii) ‘अणुपरित्सर्पणं चाडस्–प्रम’ अत्र अणुपरितात् कार्तरूपं कथम् ? लेखताम् । (iv) प्रयोक्तुं संप्रयमाणस्य स्वरः कः ? (v) ‘प्रकाशेन तावेव’ — वाक्यं परिवर्तनम् । (vi) ‘धर्मस्य’ इत्यत्र विभक्त्यन्तरूपं समानार्थं लिखत । (vii) ‘वीथि प्रयातः पश्च सः’ इत्यत्र समासे समासभेदं च दर्शयत । (viii) ‘ति श्रेयान्’ इति केन नियमेन विभक्तिः एषा ? (ix) ‘अल्पवीर्यः’ इत्यत्र सन्धिक्षेत्रस्य विशेषः । (x) ‘अथो षःऽ इत्यत्र स्वरः स्वरभेदस्य च परिचयः विवर्तयताम् । (b) अवबोधितेषु वाक्येषु योजनीयेषु सूत्रेषु शब्देषु निम्नलिखितेषु संस्कृतभाषया विवृणुत — (i) रामेण नानेन हतो वालिः । (ii) हरिः केशवम् अघ्नोत् । (iii) सुषु श्रीर्मिमीत ममापि । (iv) एषोऽयंस्त उपस्थास्यते । (v) नमस् अग्नये मा यक्षि । 2 × 5 = 10 (c) अवबोधितमानां सूत्राणाम् अर्थान् संस्कृतेन 3-4 पङ्क्तीलेख्यानि — (i) उपदेशेऽजनुनासिक इत् (ii) ईदुदनसीयुट् (iii) अर्बुदे तृतीया (iv) हृस्वः हृस्वस्य ह्रस्वम् (v) हलांतानां स्वरप्रसमानो न च 2 × 5 = 10 (d) एकश्लेषस्य स्वरूपं विवेचयत । 10 (e) ‘प्रयोगाणाम्पदार्थप्रयोगान्तः बहुविधाः’ इत्यत्र ‘प्रयोग’–पदस्य महत्त्वं प्रतिपादयताम् । 10
(a) Attempt ten short items (i) – (x) as listed. [10M]
(b) Explain any five of the given sentences in Sanskrit. [10M]
(c) Explain the meaning of the given grammatical aphorisms in 3–4 lines each. [10M]
(d) Discuss the nature of a Śleṣa occurring only once (Eka-śleṣa). [10M]
(e) Bring out the importance of the word ‘Prayoga’ in ‘Prayogāṇām padārthaprayogāntaḥ bahuvidhāḥ’. [10M]
Explain with reference to the context, in about 150 words each, the following five passages taken from Abhijñānaśākuntalam:
(a) Passage (a) from Abhijñānaśākuntalam [10M]
(b) Passage (b) from Abhijñānaśākuntalam [10M]
(c) Passage (c) from Abhijñānaśākuntalam [10M]
(d) Passage (d) from Abhijñānaśākuntalam [10M]
(e) Passage (e) from Abhijñānaśākuntalam [10M]
Answer all of the following : (a) वैदिकभाषायां तिङन्तपदानां विशेषतायाः वर्णनम् — Describe the special characteristics of the use of Tiṅ-ending words in Vedic language. 20 (b) अर्थविस्तारस्य दिशाः विवृणुता — Elaborate the directions of semantic expansion. 15 (c) भाषाशास्त्रे कात्यायनस्य योगदानस्य समीक्षा — Analyze the contribution of Kātyāyana in linguistic studies. 15
(a) Describe the special characteristics of the use of Tiṅ ending words in Vedic language. [20M]
(b) Elaborate the directions of semantic expansion. [15M]
(c) Analyze the contribution of Kātyāyana in linguistic studies. [15M]
Write analytical/critical notes on the following topics:
(a) Topic (a) – Critical discussion (15 marks) [15M]
(b) Topic (b) – Critical discussion (20 marks) [20M]
(c) Topic (c) – Critical discussion (15 marks) [15M]
Answer all of the following : (a) संस्कृतकथासाहित्यासम्बद्धम् एकं निबन्धं लेखत — Write an essay on Sanskrit Kathā literature. 10 (b) ‘पिङ्गलशास्त्रे न काव्यासारस्य वाणी’ — उक्तवाक्यस्य समीक्षात्मकं मूल्यांकनम् — Critically appreciate the statement “पिङ्गलशास्त्रे न काव्यासारस्य वाणी”. 15 (c) रामायणस्य स्रोतग्रन्थतां विवेचयत — Discuss the Rāmāyaṇa as a source-book. 15 (d) संस्कृतमुक्तककाव्यानां समीक्षा विश्लेषयत — Analyze Sanskrit Muktakakāvyas. 10
(a) Write an essay on Sanskrit Kathā literature. [10M]
(b) Critically appreciate the statement “पिङ्गलशास्त्रे न काव्यासारस्य वाणी”. [15M]
(c) Discuss the Rāmāyaṇa as a source-book. [15M]
(d) Analyze Sanskrit Muktakakāvyas. [10M]
Critically examine the following statements/ideas:
(a) Statement (a) – Critical examination (15 marks) [15M]
(b) Statement (b) – Critical examination (15 marks) [15M]
(c) Statement (c) – Critical examination (20 marks) [20M]
Answer all of the following : (a) रससूत्रं निरूप्य व्याख्यात — Cite and elaborate the Rasa-sūtra. 20 (b) रामायणम् आदिकाव्यत्वं साधयत — Establish the Rāmāyaṇa as the first epic. 15 (c) ‘भेदैः विद्वेषोपदेश्यः’ — सूक्तस्य विवेचनम् — Justify the statement “भेदैः विद्वेषोपदेश्यः”. 15
(a) Cite and elaborate the Rasa-sūtra. [20M]
(b) Establish the Rāmāyaṇa as the first epic. [15M]
(c) Justify the statement “भेदैः विद्वेषोपदेश्यः”. [15M]
Write essays/answers on the following themes related to Sanskrit literature and criticism:
(a) Theme (a) – Essay (15 marks) [15M]
(b) Theme (b) – Essay (15 marks) [15M]
(c) Theme (c) – Essay (20 marks) [20M]
SECTION – B Answer all of the following (to be written in Sanskrit language) : 10 × 5 = 50 (a) वेदारम्भसंस्कारस्य स्वरूपं महत्त्वं च प्रतिपादयत — Describe the features and importance of Vedārambha Saṁskāra. 10 (b) भारतीयज्ञानपरम्परायाम् आर्यभटस्य योगदानम् समीक्षयत — Evaluate the contribution of Aryabhaṭa in Indian knowledge tradition. 10 (c) वर्णाश्रमयोः सम्बन्धं निरूप्यत — Discuss the relationship between the Varṇa system and Āśrama system. 10 (d) आश्रमेषु श्रेष्ठ आश्रमस्य महत्त्वं प्रतिपादयत — Describe the importance of the superior Āśrama among the four Āśramas. 10 (e) प्राचीनभारते भित्तिचित्रकलायाः विकासः निरूप्यत — Describe the growth of the art-form of wall-painting in ancient India. 10
(a) Describe the features and importance of Vedārambha Saṁskāra. [10M]
(b) Evaluate the contribution of Aryabhaṭa in Indian knowledge tradition. [10M]
(c) Discuss the relationship between the Varṇa system and Āśrama system. [10M]
(d) Describe the importance of the superior Āśrama from among the Āśramas. [10M]
(e) Describe the growth of the art-form of wall painting in ancient India. [10M]
Explain with reference to the context, in about 150 words each, the following five verses in Sanskrit:
(a) Verse (a) [10M]
(b) Verse (b) [10M]
(c) Verse (c) [10M]
(d) Verse (d) [10M]
(e) Verse (e) [10M]
Answer all of the following : (a) श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतायां स्थितप्रज्ञलक्षणानि विवेचयत — Elucidate the characteristics of ‘Sthitaprajñā’ according to the Śrīmad-bhagavad-gītā. 20 (b) सांख्यदर्शनस्य गुणत्रयस्यान् स्वरूपं कार्यविभागं च प्रतिपादयत — Describe the features and functioning of the three Guṇas according to Sāṅkhya philosophy. 15 (c) शाङ्करभाष्य अनुसारं ‘शास्त्रयोनित्वात्’ इति सूत्रस्य विवेचनम् — Explain the aphorism ‘śāstrayonitvāt’ according to Śaṅkarabhāṣyam. 15
(a) Elucidate the characteristics of Sthitaprajñā according to the Śrīmad-bhagavad-gītā. [20M]
(b) Describe the features and functioning of the three Guṇas according to Sāṅkhya philosophy. [15M]
(c) Explain the aphorism ‘śāstrayonitvāt’ according to Śaṅkarabhāṣyam. [15M]
Give explanatory/interpretative comments on the following passages with special reference to Sanskrit poetics and dramaturgy:
(a) Passage (a) – Explanation (15 marks) [15M]
(b) Passage (b) – Explanation (15 marks) [15M]
(c) Passage (c) – Explanation (20 marks) [20M]
Answer all of the following : (a) योगशास्त्रेण प्रतिपादितानि चित्तपरिकर्माणि प्रतिपादयत — Elaborate the Chitta-parikarmas as presented in the Yogaśāstra. 20 (b) बौद्धदर्शने प्रतिपादितानि चत्वारि आर्यसत्यानि निरीक्षन्ताम् — Describe the Four-fold Noble Truths as discussed in Buddhist philosophy. 15 (c) वैशेषिकदर्शनेऽङ्गीकृतो ‘विशेष’ नामकः पदार्थः प्रकाश्यताम् — Describe the concept of ‘Viśeṣa’ as accepted in the Vaiśeṣika system of philosophy. 15
(a) Elaborate the Chitta-parikarmas as presented in the Yogaśāstra. [20M]
(b) Describe the Four-fold Noble Truths as discussed in the Buddhist philosophy. [15M]
(c) Describe the concept of ‘Viśeṣa’ as accepted in the Vaiśeṣika system of philosophy. [15M]
Discuss critically any two/three of the following propositions or ideas:
(a) Proposition (a) – Critical discussion (15 marks) [15M]
(b) Proposition (b) – Critical discussion (15 marks) [15M]
(c) Proposition (c) – Critical discussion (20 marks) [20M]
Answer all of the following (to be written in Sanskrit language) : (a) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow in Sanskrit (5 × 5 = 25) — पृथिव्यां मातास्मदवतार्त्ता । पृथ्वी विना जीवनस्य कल्पनापि न शक्या । पृथ्वी जनसंख्याया: महादर्शः निरन्तरं सर्वत्र एव । ... (passage continues) ... (i) का मातास्मदवतार्ता ? (ii) पृथिव्या: का निरन्तर समस्या ? (iii) नागराणां विकासाय कानि कृत्याणि कर्तव्यानि सन्ति ? (iv) मोहविज्ञानं शरणं पृथिव्याः कः अर्थः ? (v) पृथिव्या: रक्षणाय किंस्मिन्यानि साधनानि ? (b) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow in Sanskrit (5 × 5 = 25) — श्रीमद् अन्नस्य पोषणम् च धरा अभिमहत्त्वपूर्णमिति । ... (second passage continues) ... (i) श्री अन्नं किमर्थं महत्त्वपूर्णम् ? (ii) किञ् ‘सुपोष्यः’ इत्युच्यते ? (iii) केः रहितानि अन्नानि सुपोष्याणि भवन्ति ? (iv) अन्नभक्षणेन कतरा रोगस्य भयः दूरो भवति ? (v) कस्त् नियच्छति दुर्गुणानां प्रवृत्तिम् ?
(a) Comprehension passage on environmental protection with five questions to be answered in Sanskrit. [25M]
(b) Comprehension passage on the importance of wholesome food with five questions to be answered in Sanskrit. [25M]
Write analytical answers on the following verses/passages:
(a) Verse/Passage (a) – Analysis (15 marks) [15M]
(b) Verse/Passage (b) – Analysis (15 marks) [15M]
(c) Verse/Passage (c) – Analysis (20 marks) [20M]
We have 35 UPSC Mains Literature-Sanskrit optional subject questions spanning 3 years (2023–2025).
Literature-Sanskrit has 3 papers in UPSC Mains: Literature-Sanskrit-I, Literature-Sanskrit-II, Literature-Sanskrit. Each paper carries 250 marks.