UP — The Cradle of Modern Hindi Literature
Uttar Pradesh has shaped modern Hindi literature more profoundly than any other state. From the first Hindi plays to the greatest Hindi novels, from the Chhayavaad poetry revolution to literary criticism, nearly every milestone in Hindi’s evolution as a modern literary language traces back to a writer from UP.
This lesson covers the major modern literary figures (19th and 20th centuries) whose works regularly appear in UPSSSC and other state-level examinations.
Bharatendu Harishchandra (1850-1885)
Bharatendu Harishchandra of Varanasi is honoured as the “Father of Modern Hindi Literature” (Adhunik Hindi Sahitya ke Pitamah).
- He wrote the first original Hindi play: “Andher Nagari” (a satire on misgovernance).
- Other important plays: Vaidiki Himsa Himsa Na Bhavati, Bharat Durdasha.
- He founded the magazine “Kavi Vachan Sudha” and championed Khari Boli Hindi as the national language.
- The era from 1850-1885 in Hindi literature is called the “Bharatendu Yug”.
Munshi Premchand (1880-1936)
Munshi Premchand (born Dhanpat Rai Shrivastava) is regarded as the greatest Hindi fiction writer and one of the finest novelists in any Indian language.
Major Novels
- Premchand also wrote over 300 short stories; famous ones include “Idgah”, “Panch Parameshwar”, “Kafan”, and “Poos ki Raat”.
- He presided over the first Progressive Writers’ Association conference in Lucknow (1936).
- Premchand Jayanti (31 July) is celebrated as Hindi fiction day by literary circles.
The Chhayavaad Quartet
The Chhayavaad movement (1920s-1940s) was Hindi literature’s Romantic era — emphasising imagination, nature, inner emotion, and national pride. Its four pillars were all connected to UP.
Jaishankar Prasad (1889-1937)
- Prasad is regarded as the leader of the Chhayavaad movement.
- Kamayani has 15 cantos (sargas) and is a set text in most Hindi literature syllabi.
Suryakant Tripathi “Nirala” (1896-1961)
- Ram Ki Shakti Puja is a revolutionary poem depicting Rama worshipping Shakti before the final battle with Ravana — blending devotion with nationalist fervour.
- Saroj Smriti is a deeply personal elegy for his daughter — considered Hindi’s finest autobiographical poem.
- Nirala lived in poverty in Prayagraj and is remembered for his fierce independence and literary rebellion.
Mahadevi Verma (1907-1987)
- Her poetry is characterised by vedana (pain/suffering) and deep emotional intensity.
- She was also a noted prose writer — her sketch-based memoirs of common people are considered masterpieces of Hindi prose.
- She was the Chancellor of Prayag Mahila Vidyapith and a champion of women’s education.
Sumitranandan Pant (1900-1977)
- While born in present-day Uttarakhand, Pant spent his formative years in Prayagraj and is integral to UP’s literary heritage.
- Known as the “Poet of Nature” (Prakriti ka Sukumar Kavi).
Other Important Modern Writers
Key Takeaways
- Bharatendu Harishchandra launched modern Hindi literature from Varanasi; Premchand perfected Hindi fiction.
- The Chhayavaad movement had four pillars: Prasad, Nirala, Mahadevi Verma, and Pant — all linked to UP.
- Kamayani by Prasad is the greatest Hindi epic poem; Godan by Premchand is the greatest Hindi novel.
- Jnanpith Award winners from UP: Sumitranandan Pant (1968), Mahadevi Verma (1982).
Summary Cheat Sheet