Bharatendu Harishchandra (1850–1885) is often hailed as the “Father of Modern Hindi Literature and Theater” for his immense contributions to the Hindi language, literature, and Indian theater during the 19th century. His influence stretches far beyond his brief life span, laying the foundation for future generations of writers, poets, and dramatists. He is credited with modernizing Hindi literature by blending traditional forms with contemporary themes, particularly focusing on issues related to Indian society under British colonial rule.
Early Life and Family Background
Bharatendu Harishchandra was born on September 9, 1850, in the historic city of Varanasi (then called Kashi), which was a hub of cultural and religious activities. His birth name was Harishchandra, but he later adopted the pen name “Rasa,”. He was also titled “Bharatendu” (“The moon of India”) at a public meeting by scholars of Kashi in 1880 in recognition of his services as a writer, patron, and moderniser.
He was born into a wealthy and culturally rich family. His father, Gopal Chandra, was a poet and musician, which influenced Bharatendu’s early exposure to art and literature. He lost his father at a young age, but his family’s affluence allowed him access to education and the world of Hindi, Sanskrit, and other classical languages. His upbringing in Varanasi, a center of learning, also deeply shaped his literary and cultural sensibilities.
Education and Literary Awakening
Bharatendu was well-versed in several languages, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali, Urdu, and English. His multilingual education enabled him to absorb a wide range of literary styles and ideas, which he would later use to enrich his own writing. His education in English allowed him to engage with European literature, and he was particularly influenced by the works of William Shakespeare and the literary movements that emerged in Europe during the 19th century.
He began writing at an early age, and by his twenties, he had already gained recognition for his literary prowess. His early poems, often written in Braj Bhasha (a dialect of Hindi), reflected his deep love for his country, a recurring theme in his works. Over time, he shifted to using Khari Boli, which would later become the standard form of Hindi.
Contributions to Hindi Literature and Theater
Bharatendu Harishchandra’s contributions to Hindi literature are vast and varied. His works cover a wide array of genres, including poetry, drama, prose, and essays. His writing style is known for its simplicity, yet it carried profound social and political messages. He wrote about themes like patriotism, social reform, the oppression of the poor, and the struggle against British rule.
Poetry: Bharatendu’s poetry often expressed a deep sense of patriotism and love for his nation. He penned numerous nationalist poems that called for unity against British colonization, and he urged the Indian populace to take pride in their heritage and language. His famous poem, Bharat Durdasha (India’s Misery), is a lament over the economic exploitation and suffering of India under colonial rule. His poetry also reflected his philosophical musings on life, spirituality, and morality.
Drama and Theater: Bharatendu’s work in theater is particularly revolutionary. He is considered the pioneer of modern Hindi drama, having written more than a dozen plays, both original works and adaptations. His plays brought a sense of realism to Hindi theater, often addressing contemporary social issues, unlike the traditional mythological themes that had dominated the stage.
Some of his well-known plays include:
- Satya Harishchandra (1875): Based on the mythological king Harishchandra, this play resonated deeply with audiences for its themes of truth and justice.
- Andher Nagari (1878): This satirical play is a commentary on the corrupt legal and administrative systems of the time. The phrase “Andher Nagari, Chaupat Raja” (a dark city ruled by an inept king) became a popular idiom representing misrule.
- Bharat Janani: A patriotic drama that encouraged Indian nationalism and pride in the country’s heritage.
His plays were not just literary masterpieces but also an instrument of social and political commentary. Bharatendu actively used theater as a medium to criticize British policies and the deteriorating conditions of Indian society. He believed theater could be an effective tool for social reform, and many of his works touched upon issues such as caste oppression, poverty, and the importance of education.
Prose and Journalism: Bharatendu was also a pioneering figure in Hindi prose and journalism. He edited and published several magazines, including Kavi Vachan Sudha and Harishchandra Patrika, which played a critical role in the development of Hindi journalism. Through these platforms, he promoted the use of Hindi as a modern literary language and advocated for social reforms, women’s education, and the use of indigenous products as part of the Swadeshi movement.
He was instrumental in developing a modern prose style for Hindi, which was accessible to a broader readership. His essays and articles often addressed contemporary social, political, and economic issues, making him not just a literary figure but also a public intellectual.
Bharatendu Harishchandra’s realization of the importance of education was so acute that he started a school in 1866 in his house for the poor. This school which Bharatendu has started with five student on its rolls is today’s Harish Chandra Postgraduate College having a strength of about 6000 students.
Social Reform and Patriotism
Bharatendu Harishchandra was deeply engaged with the socio-political issues of his time. Living during the period of British colonialism, he was acutely aware of the injustices inflicted upon India. His writings reflect a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to see India free from foreign rule. He was vocal about the exploitation of Indian resources and the economic drain under British rule, and his works frequently called for unity among Indians to resist colonial oppression.
He also advocated for social reforms, particularly in the fields of education and women’s rights. Bharatendu believed that education was essential for the upliftment of society, and he supported the idea of modern education for both men and women. His essays often discussed the importance of women’s education and the need for progress in Indian society.
Personal Life
Bharatendu’s personal life was marked by tragedy and struggle. Despite coming from a wealthy family, he faced financial difficulties later in life due to his generous donations to various causes and his patronage of fellow writers and artists. He was known for his philanthropy, supporting numerous cultural and social organizations that aimed to uplift Hindi and Indian culture.
He suffered from poor health throughout his life, and his relentless work took a toll on him. Bharatendu passed away on January 6, 1885, at the young age of 34, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.
Influence of Romantic Relationships and Mallika
In addition to his formal education and literary pursuits, Bharatendu’s personal life involved romantic relationships, particularly with women known as tawaifs (courtesans or performers in traditional Indian society). These women played a significant role in shaping his appreciation for the arts, music, and poetry. Among them, Mallika, a Bengali woman widowed at a young age, became particularly important to him. She was not only a companion but also an intellectual partner who deeply influenced his literary life.
Mallika was a poet herself and is believed to have contributed to Bharatendu’s journals anonymously. Her involvement was not just limited to his personal life but extended into his professional endeavors, as she helped him with editing and translating Bengali works. Mallika’s influence on Bharatendu helped broaden his horizons and enriched his literary output. She inspired some of his poetic works and contributed to his understanding and appreciation of different forms of art.
In addition to Mallika, Bharatendu had other close relationships, including with a tawaif named Madhavi, but it was Mallika with whom he is said to have shared the deepest intellectual and emotional bond. She played a crucial, albeit often overlooked, role in shaping his creative world and helping him leave a lasting imprint on Hindi literature.
Legacy and Impact
Bharatendu Harishchandra’s legacy in Hindi literature and theater is immense. His works laid the foundation for modern Hindi prose and drama, and his contributions to the Hindi language helped it evolve into a modern medium of expression. He is remembered as one of the first writers to use literature as a tool for social reform and political awakening.
Today, Bharatendu is revered as one of the most important figures in Hindi literature. The Indian government honors his contributions through the Bharatendu Harishchandra Awards, given annually for outstanding work in Hindi literature and journalism. His influence can be seen in the works of later writers like Premchand, who continued his legacy of realism and social reform in Hindi literature.
In conclusion, Bharatendu Harishchandra was not just a literary genius but a visionary who understood the power of literature to shape society. His commitment to the Hindi language, his advocacy for social reforms, and his literary innovations have left an indelible mark on Indian culture. Through his works, Bharatendu continues to inspire generations of writers, thinkers, and activists.
