Rajasthan Literature

Rajasthan Literature

Rajasthani literature has a rich heritage and diverse history, with writings in various genres dating back to 1000 AD. The literature of this region has been preserved in the form of prose and poetry over centuries, recognized and cherished by the native people.

The literature history of Rajasthan goes back nearly 1500 years, with roots in Vedic Sanskrit and Sauraseni Prakrit. One of the ancient contributors to this literature was the renowned astronomer and mathematician Brahmagupta. The script in which the Rajasthani language is written is derived from the Devanagari script.

Modern Rajasthani literature is generally agreed to have begun with the works of Suryamal Misrama, a scholar of grammar, logic, history, and politics. His most important works, "Vamsa Bhaskara" and "Vira Satsai," have significantly contributed to Rajasthani literature.

The literature produced from 1450 to 1650 is considered to have attained new heights of excellence in every sphere, with several brilliant contemporary writers contributing during this period. The emergence of "riti" poetry, a tradition associated with the Hindu warrior class, the Rajputs, was a noteworthy development in this era.

One of the most popular Rajasthani poets is Kanhaiyalal Sethia, also known for his social activism. His works have had a significant impact on Rajasthani literature.

The rich heritage and diverse forms of Rajasthani literature have evolved over the centuries and continue to be a significant part of Indian literature.

The literary heritage of Rajasthan goes back to the Vedic times and the 'Rigveda' was probably written on the banks of the ancient Saraswati in Bikaner. The known history of literature in this region roughly covers a span of nearly 1500 years. In the historical period, Varhamihir, the astronomer, belonged to Rajasthan and the Brahmfut Siddhanta was written by brahmagupta in Bhinmal town. The famous sanskrit poet, Magha also lived and worked in bhinmal.

The literature of Rajasthan can be divided into three categories:

(i) Sanskrit and Prakrit Literature

(ii)Rajasthani Literature, and

(iii) Hindi Literature.

The Sanskrit Literature in Rajasthan flourished under the patronage of Jain sadhus and the court. The Prakrit literature was produced by the Jains alone. The first great-work in Sanskrit was produced by the poet Magh of Bhinmal in the 8th century. It was entitled 'Shishupal Vadh' (the murder of Shishupal).

 

Hari Bhadra Suri of Chittore wrote in Sanskrit as well as in Prakrit. His 'Samaraichcha Katha' is a well-known work written in a simple and interesting manner.

 

Udyotan Suri one of the disciples of Haribhadra wrote 'Kuvalaya Mala' partly in Prakrit and partly in Apbhransh in 779 A.D. in 906 AD., Sidha Rishi produced Upmiti Bharva Prancha Kattha. VigrahKaj Chauhan IV of Ajmer wrote a drama called ‘Harkaili' one of the poets of his court, named somadeva produced another drama Lahit Vigrah Raj.

 

Jayanak who was a poet in the court of Prithvi raj chauhan III wrote Prithvi Raj Vijay (The conquest by Prithvi Raj). The Jain saints and sadhus and literary men contributed a lot in Sanskrit and Prakrit. Some of them are-Ballabh Suri, Jindatta Suri, Jim Chandra Suri,Megh Vijay in 1760 produced 'Sandhana’. Maharaja Kumbha wrote a learned treatise on Jai deva ‘Geet Govind' and a scholarly book 'Sangeet  Raj’ on musicology.

 

Charan Literature

The bardic literature of the early period (vs 1450 to vs 1600) consists of mainly eulogistic writing and lacks that refinement and elegance which followed later on. Yet its significance lies in the wealth of historical information that it provides. One of the notable works of this period is Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachanika by Charan Shivadas. The most outstanding contribution of the Charanas to literature in this period lies in two poetical works namely the Dhola Maru and Chanda Rao jeta SiRo by Kallola and Vithu Sujo respectively.

 

 

The mediaeval period ( 1600 to  1900) witnessed a phenomenal development of bardic literature in all its direction. The Charan poets of this era touched new dimensions in the realm of forms of composition, style, subject matter and technical devices. The most outstanding poet of this order was Barhat Ishardas who was highly revered as a saintly man both in Rajasthan and Gujrat. Sanyaji born in the illustrious charan family of the Jhula sect is known for his two works namely the Naga-Daman and Rukmani Haran.

 

 

The modern age of Rajasthani bardic poetry made a beginning with the 19th century dominated by the genius of Suryamal of Bundi, the writer of Vansa Bhaskar and Veer Satsai A generation after Suryamal Mishran, was born Kavi Raja Syamal dasji of Mewar, known to fame as the author of Virvinod(Hindi) now available in print in five thick volumes.

 

 

Though himself a charan of mediaeval stock, modern method of research or a comprehensive scale downed upon Rajputana with Shyamal Dasji. The pioneer poet of the period of freedom struggle was Keshri Singh Barhat who aroused the rulers and people of Rajasthan from their slumber. Ujjwal has also sung of the national movement for independence. On Rajasthani Literature, L.P. Tessitori is a great authority. In his famous book “The Descriptive catalogue of Bardic and Historical Manuscript, praised Rajasthani literature very much.

 

 

Rajasthani literature can be grouped into three sections-(i) Jainstyle, (ii) Dingal style, and (iii) Popular style, Jains have contributed a lot to the development of Rajasthani Literature. In the Epic period, the most famous work is"Prithvi Raj Raso' written by Chand Bardai in Dingal.

 

The langauge is in heroie style and most suited to war like themes. It describes the life and adventures of Prithvi Raj. It is called the 'Mahabharata of Rajasthan’.

 

Another fine poem in Dingal is 'Rau-Jaitasirau Chhanda' by Vithu Sujo Nagarjota which is an eulogy of the heroic victory won by Rau Jaitasi of Bikaner. Isar dass wrote “Harirasa' which is very popular among the masses. The most renowned work is, ‘Veli Krishna Rukmani' by Prithvi Raj Rathore. It has been called a rare gem of Rajasthani Literature.Surya Mal's long peoms “Vansh-Bhaskar” a scholarly work, narrate the history of the Chauhans  of Bundi. He was patronised by the then ruler Maharaja Ram Singh.

 

Suraj Mal was a great scholar of Sanskrit,Prakrit, Dungal and Brij Bhasa and he made use of them at different places some other important poetic treatises are 'Raso-Bisaldeo Raso' written by Narpat Nalha, Rana Raso by Dayal das, Rai Raso by Dighvadia, Sagat Singh Raso by Girdhar Ashiya,Khuman Raso by Dalpat Vijay etc. Many other poems are extent an dall of them tell us of the contemporary age. Padam Nabha wrote Kanahade Prabandh and similarly Dhadi Bahadur wrote Virmayana, Ranwal Chhand written by Shridhar and Achaldas Ri Bachnika by Shivadas.

 

 

The devotional songs of Meera Bai are the proudest heritage of Rajasthani literature. Meera Bai sang her verses in Rajastani, in her sweet melodious voice. Similarly Chandra Sakhi, Bakhtarvar, DaduDayal, Sunder Das and Raidas wrote and sang their verses in Rajasthani and appealed to the heart and mind of the people. Other famous poems are Haraji-ro-vivahlo, Rukmani Mangala Haraji-Ro-Mahro etc.

Meera bai

 

Hindi and Rajasthani Literature

In the wake of national movement, the Hindi Rajasthani literature in this desert state took gain strides towards the close of the 19th century and throbbed with new life. A large number of poets and writers expressed the fury of the people against the British rule. Being disgusted with the lethargy, voluptuousness and worthlessness, these poets reprimanded the Rajput rulers for their suicidal slumber and issued note of warning to them.

 

 

Suryamal Mishran along with Girvardhan, Bhopal Dan and the illustrious revolutionary Keshri Singh Barhat voiced eloquently the anguish and aspirations of the people. Besides the nationalistic poets-late Vijay SinghPathik, Maniklal verma, Jai Narain Vyas, Hiralal Shastri, Sagarmal Gopa, Kala Badal and Ganeshilal Vjas-- there were others who were writing on a variety contribution by his Badali composed in Rajasthani of themes. In 1940, Chandra Singh made significant contribution by his badali composed in Rajasthani Duha.

 

 

The advent of post-independence period brought a phenomenal change in the literary landscape of Rajasthan. Strangely enough, the poets and writers involved in the freedom struggle dramatically changed overnight. The relief provided by freedom put them entirely in a gay mood and the result was the emergence of a band of lyricists. Sudhindra, NandChaturvedi, Kulish, Kamlakar, Prakash Atur and Gyan Bharilla all came with romantic mood. A collection titled Sapta Kiran Published with a foreword by Prof. Vishnu Ambalal Joshi who was representative of the lyrical trends then obtaining in Rajasthan.

 

 

On the Rajasthani side, Kanihya Lal Sethia,Narain Singh Bhati, Satya Prakash Joshi, Meghraj Mukul, Gajanan Verma, Vishwanath Vimlesh gavenew dimensions to Rajasthani poetry by their fresh imagery. Narain Singh Bhati's Sanjh and Durgadas brought a new fervour to Rajasthani poetry.

 

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