Bharatendu Harishchandra

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Bharatendu Harishchandra (1849-1882) is called the ‘Father of Modern Hindi Literature’. He was one of the greatest Hindi writers of Modern India. A poet of top rank, he was also a trend setter in Hindi prose-writing. As an author of several dramas^[1], life sketches and travel accounts, Bharatendu Harishchandra represents the agonies of the people, the unrest of the middle class and the urge for the progress of the country.

About Hindi he wrote:

निज भाषा उन्नति अहै, सब उन्नति को मूल
बिन निज भाषा-ज्ञान के, मिटत न हिय को सूल ।
विविध कला शिक्षा अमित, ज्ञान अनेक प्रकार
सब देसन से लै करहू, भाषा माहि प्रचार ।
Translation: For India to make progress, Hindi must make progress.
Indians should study various sciences and forms of learning from around the world, and make them available in the local languages (bhasha) of India.

Born at Banaras, he devoted his life to the development of Hindi literature. In recognition of his services as a writer, patron and moderniser, the title of "Bharatendu" was conferred on him at a public meeting in Banaras in 1880.

Bharatendu Harishchandra was multi-faceted. He made major contributions in the field of journalism, drama and poetry. The magazines Kavi Vachan Sudha, Harishchandra Patrika, Harishchandra Magazine and Bal Vodhini were edited by him.^[2] He wrote the widely mentioned history of the Agrawal community.

He was a member of the Chowdhury family of Varanasi belonging to the Agrawal community and his home there is still in use. He had one daughter.

Bharatendu Harishchandra Awards have been given by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting since 1983 to promote original writings in Hindi on journalism and mass communications.^[3]

[edit] External links

• Bharatendu Harishchandra at Kavita Kosh
• Bharatendu
• Poetry by Bharatendu
• आलोचना की अदालत में भारतेन्दु हरिश्र्चंद्र

[edit] References

1. ^ Vasudha Dalmia, Poetics, Plays and Performances: The Politics of Modern Indian Theatre, New Delhi, Oxford University Press (2006) ISBN 0195674731
2. ^ Dalmia, Vasudha (1997). The nationalization of Hindu traditions : Bharatendu Harischandra and nineteenth-century Banaras. Delhi; New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-563961-8. 
3. ^ Indian Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (2003-01-08). "Bharatendu Harishchandra Awards Presented". Press release.

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