Father of Hindi Poetry – Bharatendu Harishchandra

Bharatendu Harishchandra, known as the “Father of Hindi Poetry” was an Indian playwright, poet, and writer who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in 1850 in Varanasi, India, he was a playwright, poet, and writer who made significant contributions to Hindi literature and drama. He is also considered to be the “Father of Modern Hindi Literature” for his pioneering efforts in promoting the use of Hindi as a literary language and for his contributions to the development of Hindi drama. He wrote many plays, poems, and essays in Hindi, and his works had a significant influence on the growth and development of Hindi literature. He was also an advocate of the Indian nationalist movement.

Bharatendu Harishchandra

Bharatendu Harishchandra’s most notable accomplishment was his promotion of Hindi as a literary language. Prior to his efforts, Hindi was not widely used in literature, with most literary works being written in Sanskrit, Urdu, or Persian. Harishchandra believed that Hindi, as the language spoken by the majority of Indians, should be used as the primary language of literature, and he worked tirelessly to promote its use. He wrote many plays, poems, and essays in Hindi, and his works had a significant influence on the growth and development of Hindi literature.

Harishchandra’s plays were particularly influential in the development of Hindi drama. He wrote over 50 plays, many of which were based on Indian myths and legends. His plays were known for their powerful storytelling and their ability to convey important social and political messages. His play “Vikramorvasiyam” was based on the Sanskrit play of the same name and it was considered the first Indian play written in modern Hindi. He also wrote a play “Rana Pratap” which was based on the life of Rana Pratap and it became a major play in Indian theatre.

Bharatendu Harishchandra – Major Works

In this part of the article, we have discussed all the major works of Bharatendu Harishchandra. Let us have a look at the following points to know more about it.

• One of his most notable works is “Bharat-Bhushan” (1868), a collection of poems that celebrated the beauty of India and its people. The collection was a major success and helped to establish Harishchandra as a leading Hindi poet.
• Another important work is “Bharat-Bhushan ki Khudayi” (1873), a play that dealt with the themes of patriotism and national pride. The play was a major success and helped to establish Harishchandra as a leading playwright in Hindi.
• In 1874, Harishchandra published “Kavya-Vatika,” a collection of essays on Hindi literature. The collection was widely read and praised for its insights into the Hindi literary tradition.
• In 1875, Harishchandra published “Vipranarayan,” a play that dealt with the themes of love and sacrifice. The play was a major success and is considered one of his greatest works.
• Harishchandra also wrote “Vikramorvashi” (1877), a play based on the ancient Indian epic “Vikramorvashi” which dealt with the themes of love, sacrifice and betrayal.
• Another notable work is “Prem-Sagar” (1878), a collection of poems that dealt with the theme of love. The collection was widely read and praised for its emotional intensity.
• In 1880, Harishchandra published “Saraswati,” a play that dealt with the themes of education and women’s empowerment. The play was a major success and helped to establish Harishchandra as a leading playwright in Hindi.
• In 1881, Harishchandra published “Harishchandra,” a play that dealt with the themes of sacrifice and duty. The play was a major success and is considered one of his greatest works.
• Harishchandra also wrote “Arya-Sudha” (1882), a play that dealt with the themes of love and sacrifice. The play was a major success and is considered one of his greatest works.
• In 1881-1885, Harishchandra started and edited a newspaper named “Hindustan Times” which played a major role in promoting the Hindi language and literature.
• In 1883, Harishchandra published “Hindi-Pad-Padashahi,” a collection of essays on Hindi language and literature. The collection was widely read and praised for its insights into the Hindi literary tradition.
• In 1884, Harishchandra published “Bharatendu-Granthavali,” a collection of his own works. The collection was widely read and praised for its insights into the Hindi literary tradition.

Know About Hindi Poetry

Hindi poetry is a rich and diverse tradition that has evolved over centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It encompasses a wide range of styles and forms, from the ancient Vedic hymns to the modern ghazals and nazms of contemporary poets.

One of the oldest forms of Hindi poetry is the Chhand, which is characterized by its strict metrical structure and the use of various literary devices such as simile and metaphor. Another ancient form is the kavya, which is a more elaborate and ornate style of poetry that often deals with religious or mythological themes.

In the medieval period, Hindi poetry saw the emergence of the ghazal, a form of poetry that is characterized by its rhyming couplets and repetitive structure. Ghazals are often romantic in nature and explore themes of love and longing. The Doha, a form of poetry that consists of two lines, also became popular during this time.

In the modern era, Hindi poetry has been influenced by various literary movements such as the Progressive Writers’ Movement and the Nayi Kavita movement. Contemporary Hindi poets often use more colloquial language and address social and political issues in their work.

Hindi poetry has also been a source of inspiration for Indian cinema, with many popular songs and lyrics written by renowned Hindi poets.

Overall, Hindi poetry is a vibrant and dynamic tradition that reflects the diverse cultural and historical influences of the Indian subcontinent. It continues to evolve and captivate audiences with its beauty and depth.

Bharatendu Harishchandra as the Father of Hindi Poetry

Bharatendu Harishchandra is considered the “Father of Hindi Poetry” for his contributions to the development and promotion of the Hindi language and literature in the 19th century.

Born in 1850 in Varanasi, India, Bharatendu was a playwright, poet, and journalist. He was a member of the Bhartendu Natya Samaj, a society of playwrights and actors, and was instrumental in promoting the use of Hindi in the theater. He wrote several plays in Hindi, which were performed by the Bhartendu Natya Samaj, and helped to establish Hindi as a language of theater.

In addition to his contributions to the theater, Bharatendu also wrote poetry and prose in Hindi. He wrote several books of poetry, including “Bharat-Bhasha” and “Kavya-Bhushan,” which are considered among the earliest examples of modern Hindi poetry. His poetry was characterized by its simplicity and directness, and it helped to pave the way for the development of a new, modern Hindi literature.

Bharatendu was also a journalist and the editor of several newspapers and magazines, including “Hindi Milap,” “Hindosthan,” and “Bharatendu.” Through these publications, he helped to promote the use of Hindi as a literary language and to raise awareness of the importance of Hindi literature among the general public.

In addition to his literary contributions, Bharatendu was also a social reformer and an advocate for the education and empowerment of women. He founded the “Hindi Sahitya Sammelan,” an annual conference of Hindi writers, and the “Bharatendu Harishchandra Gyanpeeth,” an educational institution for women.

In recognition of his contributions to Hindi literature and culture, Bharatendu Harishchandra is remembered as the father of Hindi poetry. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Hindi writers and poets, and his work remains an important part of Hindi literary canon.

FAQs on the Father of Hindi Poetry

The father of Hindi poetry, Bharatendu Harishchandra is remembered today as the “father of Hindi poetry” for his pioneering efforts in promoting the Hindi language and literature in the 19th century. His influence can be seen in the development of modern Hindi literature.