Hindi Literature: History and Periods

• Hindi literature encompasses literary works in the Hindi language.
• It is primarily written in the Devanagari script.
• The history of Hindi literature is divided into four main periods: Vir-Gatha Kaal (c. 1050–1375), Bhakti Kaal (c. 1375–1700), Reeti Kaal (c. 1700–1900), and Adhunik Kaal (1900–present).

Vir-Gatha Kaal (c. 1050–1375)

• Also known as the Charankaal or the age of bards.
• Heroic and romantic poetry characterize this period.
• The literature mainly consists of ballads and chronicles that glorify the heroic deeds of Rajput princes and warriors.
• Prithviraj Raso by Chand Bardai is a prominent work.
• Other significant works include Bisaldev Raso by Narpat Nalh and Parmal Raso by Jagnik.

Bhakti Kaal (c. 1375–1700)

• Also known as the Golden Age of Hindi literature.
• Characterized by devotional poetry focused on different deities.
• Two main schools of Bhakti poetry: Nirguna (abstract, formless God) and Saguna (God with attributes and forms).
• Key figures in Nirguna Bhakti include Kabir, Nanak, and Raidas.
• Kabir's dohas (couplets) are highly influential.
• Prominent Saguna Bhakti poets include Tulsidas, Surdas, and Mirabai.
• Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas is an epic retelling of the Ramayana and one of the most important works of Hindi literature.
• Surdas is known for his poetry dedicated to Krishna.
• Mirabai's poems express intense devotion to Krishna.

Reeti Kaal (c. 1700–1900)

• Characterized by poetry focused on aesthetics, ornamentation, and courtly love.
• Poets were often patronized by kings and focused on poetic devices and rhetoric.
• Two main trends: Riti-baddha (those bound by rules of poetics) and Riti-mukta (those free from these rules).
• Keshavdas, Bihari, and Bhushan are important poets of this era.
• Bihari's Satsai is a collection of dohas known for their wit and concise expression.

Adhunik Kaal (1900–present)

• Marked by the influence of Western literature and social reform movements.
• Several phases or sub-periods can be identified within this era.
• Bharatendu Yug (c. 1850-1900): Focus on social and national awakening, with Bharatendu Harishchandra as a key figure.
• Dwivedi Yug (c. 1900-1920): Emphasis on language purification and moral themes; Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi was a leading figure.
• Chhayavad (c. 1920-1936): Romantic and philosophical, with poets like Jaishankar Prasad, Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala', Sumitranandan Pant, and Mahadevi Varma.
• Pragativad (Progressivism): Focus on social realism and the lives of common people, with writers like Premchand and Nagarjun.
• Prayogvad (Experimentalism) and Nayi Kavita (New Poetry): Experimentation with form and content, featuring poets like Agyeya and Muktibodh.
• Contemporary Period: Includes diverse voices and themes, reflecting modern social and political realities.

Key Genres in Adhunik Kaal

• Poetry: Includes various movements like Chhayavad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, and Nayi Kavita.
• Novel: Emerged as a major genre, with Premchand's novels like Godaan addressing social issues.
• Short Story: Became popular with writers like Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, and many others.
• Drama: Developed with playwrights like Bharatendu Harishchandra, Jaishankar Prasad, and Mohan Rakesh.
• Essay and Literary Criticism: Contributed to shaping literary discourse.

Prominent Authors of Adhunik Kaal

• Bharatendu Harishchandra: A pioneer of modern Hindi literature and drama.
• Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi: Influential in shaping the language and literature of the Dwivedi era.
• Premchand: Known for his realistic portrayals of rural Indian life.
• Jaishankar Prasad: A major figure in Chhayavad poetry and drama.
• Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala': A key poet of the Chhayavad movement, known for his experimental style.
• Sumitranandan Pant: A prominent Chhayavad poet, known for his nature poetry.
• Mahadevi Varma: A leading poet of the Chhayavad school, known for her expression of pathos and spiritual longing.
• Agyeya: A significant figure in experimentalist and modern Hindi literature.
• Muktibodh: Known for his complex and politically charged poetry.
• Mohan Rakesh: A prominent playwright.

Influence and Impact

• Hindi literature has played a significant role in shaping Indian culture and society.
• It has reflected and influenced social and political movements.
• Many works of Hindi literature have been translated into other languages, spreading its influence globally.