Who is Known as the Father of Hindi Literature?

Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is the mother tongue of crores of Indians. But do you know who shaped Hindi into the powerful literary language it is today? Let’s learn about who is known as the Father of Hindi Literature.

Who is Bharatendu Harishchandra?

Bharatendu Harishchandra was an Indian poet, writer, and playwright who is considered the father of modern Hindi literature and theatre. He lived during British rule in India and used his writing to speak for the common people.

Why was This Title Given to Him?

During his time, Urdu was the court language and was also recognised by the British. Hindi was not given much importance and was seen as underdeveloped. Harishchandra's work did a lot to revive Hindi and helped it gain acceptance, especially the Khariboli dialect, as a modern language of literature in North India.

He wrote in Khari Boli, a dialect of Hindi that was easy to understand, which played a key role in shaping modern standard Hindi. His simple language allowed his works to connect with a wide audience on social, political, and cultural issues of the time.

At a public meeting of scholars in Benares in 1880, he was given the title "Bharatendu" for his great services to modern Hindi. The word Bharatendu means "Moon of India.”

Early Life of Bharatendu Harishchandra

Bharatendu Harishchandra was born on 9 September 1850 in Benares (now Varanasi). His father, Gopal Chandra, was a poet who wrote under the pen name "Girdhar Das," which influenced Bharatendu's love for literature from an early age.

Harishchandra is said to have composed poetry when he was just five years old. He also knew several languages like Bengali, Marwari, Punjabi, and Gujarati. He lost his parents while very young, but they had a great impact on him.

Major Contributions of Bharatendu Harishchandra

His works cover a wide range of genres including poetry, drama, prose, and essays. He wrote about patriotism, social reform, the suffering of the poor, and the struggle against British rule.

His famous poem Bharat Durdasha (India's Misery) is a complaint over the economic exploitation and suffering of India under colonial rule.

His contribution also stretched to the field of journalism. He edited magazines like Harishchandra Magazine, Kavi Vachan Sudha, Bal Vodhini, and Patrika. He also wrote the popular play Andher Nagari (City of Darkness), which is considered one of the most popular plays in India and has been translated into several languages.

Family of Bharatendu Harishchandra

Bharatendu Harishchandra was a notable member of the Chowdhury family of Varanasi. His forefathers were members of the Agrawal community who were wealthy landlords in Bengal. His personal life was marked by tragedy, including the early deaths of his mother and later, his wife. These losses deeply affected him and are often reflected in the sadness and emotion found in his writings.

Bharatendu Harishchandra passed away on 6 January 1885 at the young age of 34. Yet in his short life, he changed the face of Hindi literature forever. He once said, "The progress of one's own language is the root of all progress." These words still hold meaning today. He is truly the brightest moon of Indian literature.