Bharatendu Harishchandra Biography

Bharatendu Harishchandra was a prominent writer, poet, and playwright in the Hindi language during the late 19th century. He was a pioneer of the Hindi literary movement, and his works played a crucial role in shaping the modern Hindi language. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Bharatendu Harishchandra in detail.

Early Life and Education

Bharatendu Harishchandra was born on September 9, 1850, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father, Gopal Chandra, was a wealthy landlord, and his mother’s name was Annapurna Devi. Bharatendu was the youngest of his parents’ five children. He received his early education at home, where he learned Sanskrit and Hindi from his grandfather and father.

In 1863, Bharatendu was admitted to Queen’s College in Varanasi, where he studied English, Bengali, and Urdu. However, he soon became disenchanted with the British education system and dropped out of college. Instead, he turned to the study of Indian culture and languages.

Career and Literary Works

Bharatendu Harishchandra began his literary career in the 1870s by writing poems and essays in Hindi. He was deeply influenced by the Indian freedom movement and the struggle against British rule. He believed that Hindi literature could play a vital role in the cultural and intellectual awakening of the Indian masses.

In 1873, Bharatendu started the literary journal, ‘Haranodaya,’ which he used as a platform to promote Hindi literature and to challenge the dominance of the English language. He also founded the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, an organization that aimed to promote Hindi language and literature. The Sammelan held its first meeting in 1910 and has since become one of the most prominent organizations in the Hindi literary world.

Bharatendu’s literary works covered a wide range of genres, including poetry, drama, and prose. His works were deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition and focused on social issues such as caste discrimination, the plight of women, and the exploitation of the poor.

One of Bharatendu’s most famous works is the play ‘Andher Nagari,’ which was published in 1881. The play is a satire on the corruption and hypocrisy of the Indian society of the time. It is still performed today and is considered a classic of Hindi literature.

Another notable work of Bharatendu is the ‘Harishchandra Charit,’ a play based on the story of the legendary king Harishchandra. The play is a powerful commentary on the themes of truth, morality, and human suffering.

Bharatendu’s other significant works include the plays ‘Vishakha,’ ‘Uttararamacharit,’ and ‘Kichak-Vadh.’ He also wrote several collections of poetry, including ‘Bharat-Durdasha,’ ‘Vayam Rakshamah,’ and ‘Chandrakanta,’ among others.

Legacy and Impact

Bharatendu Harishchandra’s contribution to Hindi literature and language cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in popularizing Hindi as a literary language and making it accessible to the masses. He believed that literature could serve as a tool for social reform and worked tirelessly to promote Hindi literature and culture.

Bharatendu’s legacy continues to influence Hindi literature and language to this day. His works have been translated into many languages and are still widely read and performed. The Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, which he founded, continues to promote Hindi language and literature and has become an integral part of the Indian literary world.