Who Is Known as the Father of Hindi Literature? The Inspiring Story of Bharatendu Harishchandra
If you have ever wondered who is known as the Father o
Who Is Known as the Father of Hindi Literature? The Inspiring Story of Bharatendu Harishchandra
If you have ever wondered who is known as the Father of Hindi Literature, the answer is one extraordinary man who changed the destiny of a language forever. His name is Bharatendu Harishchandra, and his story is not just about writing poems or plays—it is about awakening a nation through words. Born in the holy city of Varanasi in 1850, this literary genius lived only 35 years, yet he accomplished so much that historians still call him the "Father of Modern Hindi Literature and Theatre." He did not just write; he revolutionized, modernized, and gave Hindi the dignity it deserved during a time when Persian and English dominated every corner of Indian life. Let us walk through his incredible journey, understand why he earned this grand title, and explore how a single man’s passion became the foundation of an entire literary tradition.
The Early Life of a Boy Destined for Greatness
Every great story has a beginning, and Bharatendu’s began in the narrow lanes of Varanasi (Kashi), the spiritual capital of India. He was born on 9 September 1850 into a family that already breathed poetry. His father, Gopal Chandra, was a well-known poet of Brajbhasha, and the household was filled with verses, music, and intellectual discussions. Imagine a five-year-old child sitting among scholars and spontaneously composing his first doha (couplet). That was Bharatendu. His father was so moved by his son’s early talent that he blessed him, believing the boy would one day bring immense pride to the family name. This was not just a father’s wish; it was a prophecy that came true in the most magnificent way.
Growing up in such an environment meant Bharatendu was never an ordinary child. He absorbed languages like a sponge—Sanskrit, Persian, Hindi, and English—all flowing through his mind with ease. However, life was not always kind. He lost his father at a young age, and though the family was wealthy, the emotional void was immense. Yet, this loss perhaps deepened his sensitivity toward society’s pain, a quality that later defined his writings. By the time he was a teenager, he had already decided that his life would not be about personal comfort but about serving Hindi and the nation. At age 16, this resolve became the guiding star of his existence, and he never looked back.
The Birth of a Literary Revolution: Why He Became the Father of Hindi Literature
To understand why Bharatendu Harishchandra is known as the Father of Hindi Literature, we must first look at the India he lived in. During the mid-19th century, Persian was the language of the courts, English was the language of the colonizers, and Sanskrit was the language of the priests. Where did Hindi stand? It was considered a language of the common people, often ignored by the elite and pushed to the margins. Literature in Hindi was either stuck in old dialects like Brajbhasha or Awadhi, or it was non-existent in modern forms like essays, novels, and social plays. Bharatendu looked at this situation and refused to accept it. He believed that no nation can progress without its own language, and he made it his mission to elevate Hindi to a language of pride, intellect, and modern expression.
His contributions were so groundbreaking that the period from 1857 to 1900 is officially called the "Bharatendu Era" in Hindi literary history. Here is what made him truly revolutionary:
- He championed Khari Boli Hindi — While poetry in Brajbhasha was popular, Bharatendu understood that the future of Hindi lay in Khari Boli, the standardized form spoken in Delhi and surrounding areas. He worked tirelessly to develop this dialect into a literary language, free from excessive Persian and Urdu influence. Today, when you read or write Hindi, you are using the foundation he laid.
- He introduced modern literary genres — Before Bharatendu, Hindi did not have modern plays, realistic essays, or social novels in the true sense. He brought these forms into Hindi, proving that the language could handle complex themes, contemporary issues, and intellectual debates just as well as English or Persian.
- He used literature as a weapon for social reform — He did not write to entertain alone; he wrote to awaken. His plays and essays attacked child marriage, caste discrimination, women’s illiteracy, and the poverty created by British exploitation. He showed that literature could be a mirror to society and a hammer to break its evils.
- He founded magazines and institutions — In 1868, at just 18 years old, he started "Kavi Vachan Sudha," a magazine that became the voice of Hindi intellectuals. Later, he founded "Harishchandra Magazine" (1873) and "Bala Bodhini" (1874), a magazine specifically dedicated to women’s education. He also organized "Kavi Sammelans" (poets’ gatherings), creating a community of writers who could collectively strengthen the Hindi movement.
- He blended nationalism with literature — At a time when India was gasping under British rule, Bharatendu infused his works with a deep love for the motherland. His writings inspired people to feel proud of their heritage and to dream of a free, educated, and progressive India.
Because of these monumental contributions, scholars of Kashi publicly honored him with the title "Bharatendu" in 1880, which means "The Moon of India." This was not a self-proclaimed title; it was a recognition from the people who saw him as the light guiding Hindi literature out of darkness.
His Most Powerful Works That Shaped a Generation
A writer is remembered by his words, and Bharatendu Harishchandra left behind a treasure chest of masterpieces that continue to resonate. He was incredibly prolific—composing over 75 texts in just 15 years of active writing. His works were not confined to one genre; he was a poet, playwright, essayist, novelist, translator, and journalist all rolled into one. Let us explore some of his most impactful creations:
- "Andher Nagari" (1878) — This is perhaps his most famous play, a biting satire on corrupt administration and mindless governance. The phrase "Andher Nagari, Chaupat Raja" (A dark city with a foolish king) became a timeless idiom in Hindi, still used today to describe chaotic misrule. The play was so bold that it directly mocked the British legal system and the puppet rulers of the time, yet it was wrapped in humor so clever that it escaped heavy censorship.
- "Bharat Durdasha" (1883) — A heart-wrenching historical drama that depicted the miserable condition of India under colonial rule. When Bharatendu wrote this play, he was not just telling a story; he was crying out for the nation. He invited every Indian to shed tears over the fallen state of their motherland. Many historians believe this play marked the beginning of nationalist awakening in Hindi literature.
- "Satya Harishchandra" (1879) — An adaptation of the legendary tale of King Harishchandra, who sacrificed everything for truth. Through this play, Bharatendu reinforced the moral values of truth and justice in a society that was losing its ethical foundation under foreign domination.
- "Prem Prakash" — This historical novel is considered one of the first modern novels in Hindi. It established Bharatendu as a pioneer of Hindi prose fiction, opening doors for future novelists like Devkinandan Khatri and later Premchand.
- "Bharatiya Nari" (1880) — An powerful essay advocating for women’s education and empowerment. Bharatendu was deeply concerned about the condition of women in Indian society, and he used his pen to argue that no nation can rise if its women remain uneducated and oppressed.
- "Grihadah" (1885) — A play that courageously addressed the evil of child marriage. He showed the devastating consequences of this practice through emotional storytelling, forcing his audience to confront a harsh reality.
- "Kavita Kusumakar" — A beautiful collection of his poetry that blended aesthetic beauty with social and philosophical messages. His poems were not just about romance or nature; they were about nationalism, poverty, and the soul of India.
- Translations of classics — He translated Kalidasa’s "Abhigyan Shakuntalam" into Hindi, bringing Sanskrit classics to the common reader. He also translated Shakespeare’s "Merchant of Venice", showing that Hindi could carry the weight of world literature.
Each of these works was a brick in the grand edifice of modern Hindi literature. He proved that Hindi could be scholarly, satirical, emotional, and revolutionary—all at once.
The Man Behind the Pen: A Life of Sacrifice and Passion
Bharatendu Harishchandra was not merely a writer sitting in an ivory tower. He was a man of action, deeply involved in the social and political issues of his time. He was appointed an Honorary Magistrate at the young age of 20, which shows the respect he commanded in society. However, his heart was always with the people, not with the colonial administration. When the British government sensed "sedition" in his articles and stopped their financial aid to his magazines, he did not bend. He famously believed that "Hindi and Hindu cannot be served depending on the mercy of the government." This was a man who chose integrity over income, principle over comfort.
His personal life was also marked by deep commitment to social causes. At just 17 years old, he opened a school for education, which later became the renowned Harishchandra Degree College in Varanasi. He was a devout Vaishnavite and established "Tadiya Samaj" to promote devotional and cultural activities. Yet, his devotion never made him orthodox; he constantly fought against meaningless rituals and caste oppression.
Travel played a huge role in shaping his worldview. He journeyed across India, from Rajasthan to Bengal, observing the customs, poverty, and exploitation that plagued ordinary Indians. These travels were not for leisure; they were pilgrimages of pain that deepened his understanding of what India truly needed. He poured these observations into his literature, making his works authentic voices of the masses rather than abstract intellectual exercises.
The Tragic End and the Immortal Legacy
The life of Bharatendu Harishchandra was like a brilliant meteor—intense, bright, and far too short. After returning from a trip to Mewad, Rajasthan in 1882, his health deteriorated sharply. Despite treatment, he never fully recovered. On 6 January 1885, at the tragically young age of 35, this giant of Hindi literature passed away. The nation lost a voice that had barely begun to sing, yet the echoes of that voice continue to this day.
The question—who is known as the Father of Hindi Literature?—finds its answer not just in his biography but in the legacy he left behind. After his death, the movement he started did not die. It grew. Writers like Munshi Premchand, who is called the "Upanyas Samrat" (Emperor of Novelists), walked on the path Bharatendu had cleared. The modern Hindi short story, the serious Hindi novel, the socially conscious Hindi play—all owe their existence to this pioneer. The Indian government honors his memory through the Bharatendu Harishchandra Awards, given annually for outstanding contributions to Hindi literature and journalism.
More importantly, he gave Hindi speakers something beyond literature—he gave them pride. His famous couplet remains the anthem of language loyalty:
"Nij bhasha unnati ahai, sab unnati ko mool. Bin nij bhasha-gyan ke, mitat na hiy ko shool."(Translation: Progress in one’s own language is the root of all progress. Without knowledge of the mother tongue, the pain of the heart never heals.)
This was not just poetry; it was a philosophy that inspired the entire Hindi language movement and continues to inspire language lovers today.
Why Bharatendu Matters Today: Lessons for the Modern Reader
In an age where English often dominates professional and digital spaces, Bharatendu Harishchandra’s message is more relevant than ever. He teaches us that language is not just a tool for communication; it is the soul of a civilization. When he fought for Hindi, he was not fighting against other languages. He was fighting for the dignity of millions who could only express their deepest thoughts in their mother tongue. He understood that literature must belong to the people, not just the elite.
For students preparing for competitive exams, for writers seeking inspiration, for anyone who speaks Hindi with love—understanding Bharatendu is essential. He is not a figure of the past; he is the foundation of the present. The modern Hindi prose you read in newspapers, the plays performed in theatres, the essays that spark debates—all carry his DNA. He showed that a writer can be a patriot, a reformer, an artist, and a journalist simultaneously.
He also reminds us that age is no barrier to impact. He achieved in 15 years what many cannot achieve in a lifetime. His life is proof that when passion meets purpose, the results are immortal. Whether you are a Hindi speaker or someone interested in Indian culture, knowing who is known as the Father of Hindi Literature gives you a deeper appreciation of the language’s resilience and beauty.
Source Links
- Wikipedia: Bharatendu Harishchandra — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharatendu_Harishchandra
- Hindi Wikipedia: à¤ारतेन्दु हरिश्चंद्र — https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/à¤ारतेन्दु_हरिश्चंद्र
- Varanasi Guru: Bharatendu Harishchandra — The Father Of Modern Hindi — https://www.varanasiguru.com/bharatendu-harishchandra/
- Quora: Bharatendu Harishchandra Birth Day — https://hindurashtramovement.quora.com/Bharatendu-Harishchandra-the-father-of-modern-Hindi-literature-Birth-Day-9-September
- Quora: Who was the first father of Hindi literature? — https://www.quora.com/Who-was-the-first-father-of-Hindi-literature
- Scribd: Bharatendu Harishchandra: Hindi Literature's Father — https://de.scribd.com/document/865008886/Bharatendu-Harishchandra-2017
- JLLS: Father Of Modern Hindi In Colonial India — https://www.jlls.org/index.php/jlls/article/view/5289
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