Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Mughal period (1526-1857) witnessed significant developments in Indian languages and literature, including Hindi. While Persian was the court language, Hindi, particularly in its various dialects like Awadhi, Braj Bhasha, and Khari Boli, flourished due to royal patronage and the growing interaction between different cultures. The literature produced during this time reflects a blend of indigenous traditions and Persian influences, marking a crucial phase in the evolution of modern Hindi. This period saw the emergence of devotional poetry (Bhakti movement) alongside romantic and heroic narratives, enriching the literary landscape of India.
Early Developments & Patronage (16th-17th Centuries)
Initially, Hindi literature during the early Mughal period was largely devotional, influenced by the Bhakti movement. Rulers like Akbar, known for his religious tolerance, extended patronage to poets writing in various languages, including Hindi. However, direct royal patronage specifically for Hindi was less common compared to Persian. The focus was more on translations of Sanskrit texts into Persian, which indirectly fostered an environment conducive to Hindi literary activity.
Prominent Poets and Works
Kabir (1440-1518)
Though Kabir predates the full establishment of Mughal rule, his influence extended significantly into the Mughal period. His *dohas* (couplets) continued to be widely circulated and recited, embodying a syncretic philosophy challenging religious orthodoxy. His work, written in a simple, accessible language, resonated with the masses.
Surdas (1479-1581)
Surdas, a prominent poet of the Vallabhacharya sect, composed extensively in Braj Bhasha, focusing on the life and love of Krishna. His *Sur Sagar* (Ocean of Sur) is a monumental work of devotional poetry, deeply influencing subsequent Hindi literature. His poetry reflects the Vaishnava Bhakti tradition.
Tulsidas (1532-1624)
Tulsidas is arguably the most celebrated Hindi poet of the Mughal period. His *Ramcharitmanas* (The Lake of the Deeds of Rama), an epic retelling of the Ramayana in Awadhi dialect, became immensely popular and remains a cornerstone of Hindi literature and culture. It was composed during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir. The *Ramcharitmanas* not only popularized the Ramayana story but also established Awadhi as a significant literary language.
Birbal (1528-1586)
Birbal, a Navratna (nine jewels) in Akbar’s court, was a renowned poet and wit. He is credited with composing *dohas* and riddles in Hindi, showcasing his poetic talent and contributing to the development of the language. His work often contained social commentary and moral lessons.
Keshavdas (1555-1617)
Keshavdas, a poet of the court of Raja Man Singh of Amber (a Mughal vassal), wrote in Braj Bhasha. He is known for his *Keshavdas’s Rasikpriya*, a work on poetics and aesthetics, and his contributions to the development of Braj Bhasha as a literary language.
Influence of Persian and Sanskrit
Hindi literature during the Mughal period was not isolated. It absorbed influences from both Persian and Sanskrit. Persian contributed vocabulary, literary forms (like *ghazal* and *masnavi* which were adapted into Hindi), and stylistic elements. Sanskrit provided a rich source of mythology, philosophy, and grammatical structure. This synthesis created a unique literary style that characterized Mughal-era Hindi literature.
Development of Khari Boli
While Awadhi and Braj Bhasha dominated much of the literary output, the foundations for modern standard Hindi (Khari Boli) were also being laid during this period. The gradual shift towards Khari Boli as a lingua franca in urban centers contributed to its increasing use in literary works, though it wasn't yet the dominant literary language.
| Poet | Language | Major Work | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kabir | Hindi (various dialects) | Bijak | 15th-16th Century |
| Surdas | Braj Bhasha | Sur Sagar | 16th Century |
| Tulsidas | Awadhi | Ramcharitmanas | 16th-17th Century |
| Birbal | Hindi | Dohas, Riddles | 16th Century |
Conclusion
The Mughal period was a formative era for Hindi literature. Despite Persian being the court language, Hindi flourished through devotional poetry, royal patronage (albeit limited), and the synthesis of indigenous and foreign influences. The works of poets like Tulsidas, Surdas, and Kabir continue to resonate today, shaping the cultural and literary landscape of India. The period also laid the groundwork for the eventual emergence of Khari Boli as the standard form of Hindi, marking a significant transition in the language’s evolution.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.