Bharatendu Harishchandra

• The death anniversary of Bharatendu Harishchandra was observed recently.

ABOUT BHARATENDU HARISHCHANDRA (9 SEPTEMBER 1850- 6 JANUARY 1885)

• He was an Indian poet, writer and playwright.
• He is considered the father of modern Hindi literature as well as Hindi theatre.
• Writing under the pen name “Rasa”, Harishchandra represented the agonies of the people, the country’s poverty, dependency, inhuman exploitation, the unrest of the middle class and the urge for the progress of the country
• He authored several dramas, life sketches and travel accounts, using new media such as reports, publications, letters to editors of publications, translations, and literary works to shape public opinion.
• At the age of 18, he wrote the Hindi translation of the Bengali play ‘Vidyasundar’.
• Bharatendu Harishchandra is known as father of ‘Khadi Boli and one of the era of Hindi literature in ‘Khadi Boli’ is also known as ‘Bharatendu Yuga’ after him.
• Major works
  • Journals: HarishChandra chandrika, Kavivachan Sudha etc.
  • Drama: Andher Nagari, Bharat Durdasha, Vaidik Hinsa Hinsa Na Bhavati etc.
  • Poetry: Bhakta Sarvagya, Prem Tarang, Madhumukul, Uttarardha Bhaktamal, Varsha Vinod, etc.

OTHER FACTS

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India confers Bharatendu Harishchandra Awards to encourage original and creative writing in Hindi since1983.