Bharatendu Harishchandra (1850-1885) Commemoration

The nineteenth century in India saw the emergence of numerous great minds, among whom Bharatendu Harishchandra stands out. Born in September 1850 in Varanasi, Harishchandra was a prolific figure whose creative energy significantly propelled the growth of the Hindi language and literature. Beyond his literary contributions, he was also a passionate advocate for social reforms, aiming to broaden the intellectual horizons of the people.

Harishchandra forged connections with his eminent contemporaries such as Iswarchandra Vidyasagar, Kerala Varma of Travancore, Keshub Chunder Sen, and Madhusudan Dutt. He infused Hindi literature with the “new urges” driving the Bengal renaissance. His substantial contributions to the evolution and popularization of early Hindi have earned him the title of the Father of Modern Hindi.

Renowned as Hindi’s pioneer dramatist, Harishchandra authored approximately eighteen original plays and adaptations from Sanskrit, Bengali, and English. His role in the early development of Hindi journalism was equally significant. He was the first notable Hindi writer to explore essays, travelogues, biographical sketches, and historical books. In poetry, he composed around 300 devotional songs in various meters and was possibly the first Hindi poet to use Khariboli in his work. Later in life, he encouraged many writers to transition to Hindi novels.

George Grierson, a prominent historian of Indian literature, described Harishchandra as “the most celebrated of the native poets of the present day” and credited him with greatly popularizing vernacular literature. Harishchandra’s death on January 5, 1885, at the young age of 34, marked a significant loss for Hindi literature. His remarkable achievements within such a short lifespan are indeed impressive.

The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is honored to issue a commemorative stamp in memory of Bharatendu Harishchandra, celebrating his contributions to Hindi literature and his lasting legacy.