Lekhak & Rachnayen — Study Notes

Overview

Hindi literature has a rich tradition spanning centuries, from medieval Bhakti and Riti periods to modern prose and poetry. For UP Police Constable exams, questions on famous Hindi authors (लेखक/कवि) and their works (रचनाएँ) appear regularly under General Hindi. You must be familiar with major writers from different literary movements — Chhayavad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, and contemporary literature — along with their notable works and literary awards.

This topic tests your cultural awareness and general knowledge of Hindi literary heritage. Expect direct match questions: "Who wrote 'Kamayani'?" or "Which award did Ramdhari Singh Dinkar receive?" Also be prepared for reverse questions: given a work, identify the author. Focus on the most celebrated names — Premchand, Mahadevi Verma, Jaishankar Prasad, Harivansh Rai Bachchan — and their signature works. Knowing major awards (Jnanpith, Sahitya Akademi, Vyas Samman) and their recipients will fetch quick marks.

Since this is a constable-level exam, depth is limited but breadth matters. Memorise 15–20 author-work pairs and 8–10 major award winners. This forms a high-yield, low-effort scoring opportunity in the General Hindi section.

Key Concepts

• **Chhayavad (छायावाद)** — Romantic movement in Hindi poetry (1918–1938); key poets: Jaishankar Prasad, Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, Sumitranandan Pant, Mahadevi Verma. Focus on imagination, nature and mysticism.
• **Premchand Era** — Munshi Premchand is called "Upanyas Samrat" (Emperor of Novels); pioneered realistic fiction in Hindi; wrote on rural life, poverty and social reform.
• **Pragativad (प्रगतिवाद)** — Progressive movement (1936 onwards); socially conscious, leftist themes; key names: Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Nagarjun, Trilochan.
• **Prayogvad/Nai Kavita (प्रयोगवाद/नयी कविता)** — Experimental poetry post-1950s; emphasis on individualism and modernism; leaders: Agyeya, Dharamvir Bharati.
• **Major Literary Awards** — Jnanpith Award (highest literary honour in India), Sahitya Akademi Award (given by Sahitya Akademi for best literary work), Vyas Samman (by K.K. Birla Foundation), Bharatendu Harishchandra Award.
• **Bhakti and Riti Poets** — Medieval poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas and Bihari are also part of Hindi heritage; know their signature works (Ramcharitmanas, Sursagar, Bihari Satsai).
• **Modern Prose Writers** — Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Yashpal, Jainendra Kumar, Mohan Rakesh contributed novels, essays and plays; often tested on representative works.
• **Women Writers** — Mahadevi Verma (poet), Mahashweta Devi (prose, though primarily Bengali but translated widely), Usha Priyamvada and Krishna Sobti are notable; Mahadevi Verma's "Yama" won Jnanpith.

Formulas / Key Facts

**Must-Remember Author-Work Pairs:**

1. **Munshi Premchand** — Godaan (गोदान), Gaban (गबन), Nirmala (निर्मला), Rangbhoomi (रंगभूमि), Kafan (कफ़न — short story). 2. **Jaishankar Prasad** — Kamayani (कामायनी — epic poem), Chandragupta (चंद्रगुप्त — play), Skandagupta (स्कंदगुप्त — play), Aansoo (आँसू — poetry). 3. **Suryakant Tripathi Nirala** — Ram ki Shakti Pooja (राम की शक्तिपूजा), Saroj Smriti (सरोज स्मृति), Parimal (परिमल). 4. **Sumitranandan Pant** — Pallav (पल्लव), Chidambara (चिदम्बरा), Kala aur Budhdha Chand (काला और बूढ़ा चाँद). Won Jnanpith in 1968. 5. **Mahadevi Verma** — Yama (यामा — poetry collection, Jnanpith Award 1982), Neelkanth (नीलकंठ — prose). 6. **Harivansh Rai Bachchan** — Madhushala (मधुशाला — most famous), Madhubala (मधुबाला), Nisha Nimantran (निशा निमंत्रण). 7. **Ramdhari Singh Dinkar** — Rashmirathi (रश्मिरथी), Kurukshetra (कुरुक्षेत्र), Urvashi (उर्वशी — Jnanpith 1972), Sanskriti ke Char Adhyay (संस्कृति के चार अध्याय). 8. **Agyeya (S.H. Vatsyayan)** — Shekhar: Ek Jivani (शेखर: एक जीवनी — novel), Angan ke Par Dwar (आँगन के पार द्वार — poetry). Jnanpith 1978. 9. **Dharamvir Bharati** — Andha Yug (अंधा युग — verse play on Mahabharata), Gunahon ka Devta (गुनाहों का देवता — novel). 10. **Mohan Rakesh** — Aadhe Adhure (आधे अधूरे — play), Ashadh ka Ek Din (आषाढ़ का एक दिन — play). Pioneer of Nayi Kahani movement.