Bharatendu Harishchandra

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Introduction

Bharatendu Harishchandra (9 September 1850 – 6 January 1885) was an Indian writer, poet, and playwright, widely regarded as the father of modern Hindi literature and Hindi theatre. His contributions to the development of Hindi as a literary language were monumental, and his work laid the foundation for subsequent generations of Hindi writers. Harishchandra's extensive body of work reflects his deep engagement with the cultural, social, and political issues of his time, making him a pivotal figure in the Indian literary renaissance of the 19th century.

Early Life and Education

Bharatendu Harishchandra was born on 9 September 1850 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a well-to-do family of the Agarwal Bania caste. His father, Gopal Chandra, was a poet who wrote under the pen name ‘Girdhar Das,’ which influenced Bharatendu’s literary inclinations from an early age. Harishchandra’s mother, Harsharani Devi, passed away when he was young, which had a profound impact on his emotional life and creative expression.

Despite his family’s wealth, Harishchandra was deeply affected by the plight of the poor and the colonial exploitation of India. This sense of social justice and national pride would later become a recurring theme in his works. He received a traditional education in Sanskrit, Persian, and Hindi, and was proficient in Bengali and English, which enabled him to engage with a broad spectrum of literary traditions.

Literary Career

Poetry

Harishchandra began writing poetry at a young age, and his work is marked by its lyrical beauty and profound emotional depth. His poems often reflect his personal experiences, including his deep sense of loss and his patriotic fervor. Some of his notable poetic works include "Prem Malika," "Prem Madhuri," and "Vinay Prem Pachasa." His poetry played a significant role in shaping modern Hindi literature, as he was one of the first writers to use Hindi for expressing complex emotions and ideas, previously reserved for more classical languages like Sanskrit.

Plays and Theatre

Bharatendu Harishchandra is often credited with modernizing Hindi theatre. His plays, such as "Andher Nagari," "Bharat Durdasha," and "Harishchandra," are still considered classics. "Andher Nagari" is perhaps his most famous play, a satirical comedy that criticizes the arbitrary and corrupt nature of British colonial rule in India. His work in theatre was pioneering in its use of Hindi as the language of drama and in addressing contemporary social issues.

Harishchandra also translated several works from Bengali and English into Hindi, further enriching the corpus of Hindi literature. His plays were performed widely during his lifetime, and he was involved in every aspect of their production, from writing to directing, which contributed to the growth of Hindi theatre as a distinct genre.

Prose

In addition to his poetry and plays, Harishchandra was an accomplished prose writer. He wrote essays, historical accounts, and fiction, contributing to the development of modern Hindi prose. His works often explored themes such as the plight of the poor, the degradation of traditional values, and the need for social reform.

His historical works, such as "Bharatendu Itihas," provide a critical analysis of India’s past, while his essays, such as "Agarwalon ki Utpatti," delve into the origins and history of the Agarwal community, reflecting his interest in social history.

Journalism

Bharatendu was also a prominent journalist and editor. He founded and edited several periodicals, including Kavi Vachan Sudha and Harishchandra Magazine, which played a crucial role in the promotion of Hindi as a literary language. These publications provided a platform for new writers and were instrumental in shaping public opinion on important social and political issues of the time.

Social and Cultural Contributions

Bharatendu Harishchandra was not just a literary figure but also a social reformer. He was deeply involved in the social and cultural movements of his time and used his writings to advocate for social reform, particularly in the areas of women’s rights and education. He was a strong proponent of using Hindi as a medium for education and administration, believing that the promotion of the vernacular language was essential for the cultural and intellectual development of the Indian people.

He was associated with various social organizations and played a key role in the establishment of institutions that promoted Hindi literature and culture. His efforts in this direction earned him the title "Bharatendu," meaning "Moon of India," a recognition of his significant contributions to Indian society.

Legacy

Bharatendu Harishchandra’s influence on Hindi literature and theatre is profound and enduring. He is often credited with laying the foundations for the modern Hindi literary tradition, and his works continue to be studied and performed today. His emphasis on social issues, his use of Hindi as a literary language, and his pioneering work in Hindi theatre have left a lasting impact on Indian culture.

Many institutions, including the Bharatendu Academy of Dramatic Arts in Lucknow, are named in his honor, reflecting his enduring legacy in the field of literature and the arts.

Major Works

• Poetry: Prem Malika, Prem Madhuri, Vinay Prem Pachasa
• Plays: Andher Nagari, Bharat Durdasha, Harishchandra
• Prose: Agarwalon ki Utpatti, Bharatendu Itihas
• Journals: Kavi Vachan Sudha, Harishchandra Magazine

Personal Life

Bharatendu Harishchandra was married at a young age, following the customs of his time. However, 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 melancholy and depth of emotion found in his writings.

Despite his personal sorrows, Harishchandra remained a tireless advocate for social and cultural reform throughout his life. His personal beliefs, including a strong sense of national pride and a commitment to social justice, informed much of his work.

Death

Bharatendu Harishchandra died on 6 January 1885 in Varanasi at the age of 34. His untimely death was a great loss to Hindi literature, but his works have continued to inspire generations of writers and readers.

References

• Gupta, R.S. Bharatendu Harishchandra: A Critical Study. Delhi: Sahitya Akademi, 1990.
• Das, Sisir Kumar, ed. History of Indian Literature: 1800-1910. New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi, 1991.
• Rai, Amrit. A House Divided: The Origin and Development of Hindi/Urdu. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1984.
• Harishchandra, Bharatendu. Agarwalon ki Utpatti. Khimraj Shrikrishnadas, 2020.

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