Rajasthani Language Literature: Short history

In previous posts, we knew about various aspects of language, and we also knew about Rajasthani language history, distribution, all the dialects of Rajasthan and we also discussed the challenges Rajasthani language is facing. Today we will talk about the rich literature of Rajasthan.

Rajasthani language literature started from the 11th century when Maru-Gurjari language was developed. This Rajasthani literature can be divided into three eras on the basis of time.

1. Early period (1100-1450)
2. Medieval period (1450-1850)
3. Modern period (1850-1950)

Another classification of the Rajasthani literature can be done on the basis of different forms. This difference is made on the style and the themes of the written literature.  It can be divided into following parts.

• Rajasthani Jain Literature
• Rajasthani Charan Literature
• Rajasthani Saint Literature
• Rajasthani Folk Literature

We will discuss first Rajasthani Literature history on the basis of time.

EARLY PERIOD (1100-1450)

Earlier before 1169, no written literature of Rajasthani is available because at that time it was primarily used as oral language only. So early period of Rajasthani literature starts from the 11th century and lasts till mid-14th century. Literature of Jain scholars dominated this era. Main work of Jain scholars of  early period is as follows

• Vijresen Suri written Bharatvarsh war Bahubali Ghor
• Bharteswar Bahubali Raas written by Shalibhadra Suri
• Jiyadarya Raas by Asig
• Padmawati Chaupai by Jinprabha Suri
• Stulibhadra Phag authored by Hemraj
• Gyan Manjari by Vijhana

Some non-Jain literature was also drafted in this early period which is as follows

• Prithviraj Raso by Chandbardai in 12th century
• Achaldas Khichi ri Vachnika by Gadan Shivdas
• Visaldeo Raas by Narpati Nath
• Ranmall Chanda by Shridhan

Medieval period (1450-1850)

Medieval era of Rajasthani Literature starts from 1450. It is considered as a golden period for Rajasthani Literature. A lot of text was written at this time.  Some of the famous work of that period is as follows.

• In the year 1455  Padmanabh wrote Kanhadade Prabandh. It was considered as an encyclopaedia of that time.
• Famous literature work Dhola Maru was written in this period in the year 1473 by Kallol.
• Hammirayan was written by Bhandari Vyas in the year 1481
• Buddhi Raso was written by Jallah in the year 1568
• In the 17th century, Khumman Raso was written by Dalpat
• Halan Jhalan ra Kundaliya was written by Bairath Isardas

Modern period of rajasthani literature (1850 to 1950)

The modern period of Rajasthani literature started from the year 1850. Many of the literature published in this modern era. But still, there were a lot of unpublished literature which made surveying of Rajasthani literature difficult.

• Suryamal Mishra of Bundi wrote Vansh Bhaskar and Veer Satsai, in middle of 19th century. Suryamal Mishra was also called Bhusan of Rajasthan.
• In similar period Alwar’s Ramnath Kavya wrote Draupadi Vinaya and Pabuji ra Soratha.
• Swarup Das, a Dadupanthi scholar, wrote Pandava Yashendu Chandrika.
• In 19th century Maharaja Chatur singh ji translated Patanjali’s Yogsutra and Geeta into Mewari.
• Meghraj Mukul composed poem Sainani.

Classification on basis of different forms of literature of Rajasthan

The above classification of Rajasthani literature is based on the time. We knew about the famous writings of the various eras. A lot of development happened in Rajasthani literature from initial earlier period to modern period. Now we will look into the classification based on the form of literature art.  

Rajasthani jain literature

Literature written by various Jain scholars is called Jain literature. In an earlier era of Rajasthani literature role of Jain literature is immense. This literature is stored in ancient Jain temples. The famous authors of that time were Hemchandra Suri, Hrishivardhan Suri and Hemratna Suri.

Rajasthani Charan Literature

The Role of Charan community in Rajasthani literature is great. They have expounded the bravery stories of Rajput Kings. Followings are few authors of Charan community and their work.

• Veer Bhayan was written by Baadar Dhaadi.
• Prithviraj Raso was written by Chandbardai
• Nainsiri Khyat wrote Nainsi
• Bankidas wrote Bankidas ri Khyat
• In poetry Dhola Maru ra Doha

Rajasthani Saint Literature

Rajasthan has produced many saints, like Meerabai, Saint Dadu, Pabuji, etc. Rajasthani Saints also produced some historical literature some of them are as follows

• Meera ki Padavali
• Daddu ki Vaani
• Narsingh ji ki Vaani
• Ram Charan ji ki Vaani

Rajasthani folk literature

Rajasthan is full of its folk culture. A lot of folk idioms, poems are famous in Rajasthan. This folk literature is available in folk songs, folk stories, etc.

Hence we see Rajasthan’s Literature is a vibrant and rich and it touches all aspects of life. Whether it is an occasion of happiness or sad moments, Rajasthan’s literature in the form of poems, songs, text or drama touches every thing. We all Rajasthani should be proud of our literature.