RBSE VU Sahitya Shastra study plan

Outline the chronology of Sanskrit literature from the Vedic period through the classical era, listing at least eight major authors and their approximate dates or periods.

Identify the four Vedas, their principal recensions, and the four types of Vedic prose and verse (samhita, brahmana, aranyaka, upanishad) with one example each.

Explain five key features of Vedic Sanskrit (accent system, dual number, subjunctive, infinitive forms, sandhi patterns) and contrast them with classical Sanskrit.

Map the principal genres of Vedic literature (hymns, ritual manuals, philosophical dialogues) to their representative texts.

Create a one-page timeline connecting Vedic corpus to the epics and Puranas.

Summarize the plot and structure of three mahakavyas (e.g., Kumarasambhava, Raghuvamsha, Shishupalavadha) in 100 words each.

Analyze the conventions of mahakavya (sarga division, hero types, rasa progression) using at least two examples.

Compare khandakavya and mahakavya in terms of scale, theme, and structural features, citing two khandakavyas.

Identify and define ten alamkaras used in classical poetry with one example each from a prescribed text.

Write a short critical note on the historical development of Sanskrit court poetry from Ashvaghosha to Bharavi.

Outline the contents and structure of the Natyashastra, naming at least six chapters and their topics.

Define and illustrate the four types of abhinaya (angika, vacika, aharya, sattvika) with examples from Sanskrit drama.

Explain the rasa theory (rasasutra, vibhava, anubhava, vyabhicharibhava) and list the eight or nine rasas with their presiding deities and colors.

Summarize the dhvani theory of Anandavardhana and the objections raised by opponents, with reference to the Dhvanyaloka.

Distinguish between the major dramaturgical categories (nataka, prakarana, bhana, prahasana) and give one example of each.

List and define the six pramanas of literary criticism (per Alaṁkāraśāstra) and apply two to a short Sanskrit verse.

Compare the contributions of Bhamaha, Dandin, Vamana, and Mammata to alamkara shastra in a structured note.

Recite and explain the major sutras of Panini's Ashtadhyayi concerning sandhi and case endings, with examples.

Explain the concept of sphota and the debate between sphota and varna theories in Sanskrit linguistics.

Identify the roles of the three sages (Panini, Katyayana, Patanjali) in the grammatical tradition and their major works.

Summarize the plot and narrative technique of three gadya kavyas (e.g., Kadambari, Harshacharita, Dashakumaracharita) in 80 words each.

Analyze the distinctive features of Sanskrit prose style (churnas, long compounds, ornate descriptions) with examples.

Outline the major periods of Hindi literature (Adikal, Bhaktikal, Ritikal, Adhunik kal) with at least two representative poets per period.

Explain the contribution of the Bhakti movement to Hindi literature, naming four major saint-poets and their principal works.

Compare the narrative strategies of Bana's Kadambari with a modern Hindi novel excerpt.

Trace the development of the Hindi novel and short story from the late 19th century to the present, naming at least six authors and their landmark works.

Define and illustrate the major Hindi literary movements (Chhayavad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, Nayi Kahani, Samkalin) with representative texts.

Explain the key debates in Hindi criticism (e.g., Shrividya, Marxist, formalist) and their major proponents.

Compare the treatment of rural life in two Hindi novels from different periods.

Prepare a glossary of 20 Hindi literary terms with English equivalents and one example each.

Define comparative literature and explain its scope and methods, with reference to at least three schools of thought.

Apply a comparative framework to a Sanskrit and a Hindi text, identifying shared motifs and divergent treatments.

Review the entire history of Sanskrit literature, creating a master timeline with 20 key entries.

Revisit the major alamkara and rasa concepts and produce a one-page cheat sheet.

Identify and correct five common misconceptions about Sanskrit literary history.

Take a full-length mock exam under timed conditions and score at least 70%.

Review all incorrect answers and write a brief explanation for each correct answer.

Recite from memory ten key definitions (rasa, dhvani, alamkara, sphota, etc.) and ten important dates or author-work pairs.

Summarize each of the ten domains in 50 words as a final revision aid.

Create a personal list of five weak areas and schedule targeted review for each.