Literature of Rajasthan

Development of Rajasthani Language

The development of the Rajasthani language is traced back to Aryan languages, evolving from Vedic Sanskrit to Pali and Prakrit forms . Scholars believe that Rajasthani, along with Gujarati, developed from 'Marugurjari Apabhramsh' .

Historical mentions of the language include Udyotana Suri's 8th-century book "Kuvalayamala," which described 18 languages, including Maru language . Abul Fazl also mentioned the Marwari language in "Ain-e-Akbari" . A more formal description was provided by George Abraham Grierson in his 1912 book, "Linguistic Survey of India" .

Literary Forms: Dingal and Pingal

Dingal: The literary form of Western Rajasthan, showing a Gujarati influence but retaining the original form of Rajasthani. It predominantly uses Veer Ras (heroic sentiment) and is characterized by Charan literature, such as the works of Bankidas and Prithviraj Rathore's 'Veli Krishan Rukmani Ri' .

Pingal: The literary form of Eastern Rajasthan, influenced by the Braj language. It primarily uses Shringar Ras (romantic sentiment) and features compositions by Bhatt poets, like Chandbardai's 'Prithviraj Raso' .

Periods of Rajasthani Literature

• Ancient Period (Veergatha Period, 1050-1450 AD): Characterized by heroic literature to inspire warriors against western invasions. Sridhar Vyas's 'Ranmal Chand' is a key work from this era .
• Early Medieval Period (Bhakti Period, 1450-1650 AD): This period saw the rise of devotional literature from saints of various sects like Dadupanthi and Ramsnehi. It includes both Nirgun and Sagun creations, such as Mirabai's pads and Prithviraj Rathore's 'Veli Kisan Rukmani Ri' .
• Later Medieval Period (Shringar, Riti, Niti Period, 1650-1850 AD): In a time of relative peace, rulers patronized literature, leading to the development of popular love stories and poetry. Works like Manchharam's 'Raghunath Rupak' and 'Rajia Ra Soratha' are prominent .
• Modern Period (1850 AD - Present): Following the 1857 revolution, a new consciousness emerged in society, influencing literature. Poet Raja Bankidas of Marwar and Suryamalla Meesan of Bundi were pioneers of this new wave .

Major Literary Works and Authors

Author	Notable Work(s)	Description
Vajrasena Suri	Bharateshwar Bahubali Ghor	Considered the oldest Rajasthani book .
Shalibhadra Suri	Bharateshwar Bahubali Raas (1184 AD)	The oldest Rajasthani book to provide information about its date .
Nayanchandra Suri	Hammir Mahakavya	Court scholar of Raja Veeram of Gwalior .
Jodhraj	Hammir Rasau	Written in the Ahirwati language; court scholar of King Chandrabhan of Neemrana .
Dalpat Vijay	Khuman Rasau	Describes the history from Bappa Rawal to Raj Singh .
Dursa Adha	Virud Chahtari, Kirtar Bawni	A contemporary of Akbar, he glorified the patriotism of Maharana Pratap and Rao Chandrasen .
Kavi Kallol	Dhola-Maru Ra Duha	A famous folk epic .
Kushallabh	Dhola-Maru Ri Chaupai, Pingal Shiromani	Courtier of King Harraj of Jaisalmer .
Jagga Khidiya	Vachanika Rathod Ratan Singh Mahesdasot Ri	Describes Ratan Singh Rathore of Ratlam, who died fighting for Dara against Aurangzeb .
Shivdas Gadan	Achaldas Khinchi Ri vachnika	An important historical text .

Modern Rajasthani Literature

Author	Notable Work(s)	Description
Suryamal Meesan	Vansh Bhaskar, Veer Satsai	Courtier of King Ram Singh II of Bundi; propagated nationalist sentiments .
Kanhaiyalal Sethia	Pathal and Pithal, Dharti Dhaura Ri, Minjhar	Born in Sujangarh (Churu), a highly celebrated modern poet .
Vijaydan Detha ("Bijji")	Bataan Ri Phulwari (14 Parts), Duvidha, Charandas Chor	Padma Shri and Rajasthan Ratna awardee; his stories were adapted into films like 'Paheli' .
Lakshmi Kumari Chundawat	Manjhal Raat, Gir Uncha Uccha Gadha	A prolific writer of folk tales and historical narratives .
Shivchandra Bhartia	Kanak Sundar (Novel), Kesar Vilas (Play)	Considered the first litterateur of modern Rajasthani and called the 'Bharatendu Harishchandra' of Rajasthani literature .
Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha	Prachin Lipimala, Rajputana ka Itihas	A renowned historian and archaeologist from Rohida (Sirohi) .
Sitaram Lalas	Rajasthani sabdkosh	Compiled the definitive dictionary of the Rajasthani language .

Types of Rajasthani Literature

• Khyat: Derived from 'Khyati' (fame), these are historical accounts of princely states, detailing honors and notable works. They can be either chronological (Sanlagna) or a collection of events (Baat Sangrah) . Example: Mundiyar Ri Khyat .
• Vaat: Meaning "story," these are prose, poetry, or mixed-form narratives about historical or mythological characters, often told with a 'Hunkar' from the listener . Example: Pabuji Ri Vaat .
• Vachanika: Rhymed prose-verse compositions describing the achievements of a great person or dynasty, written in Apabhramsha-mixed Rajasthani . Example: Achaldas Khinchi Ri Vachanika .
• Davawaita: Similar to Vachanika but composed with Urdu and Persian words, praising a hero's splendor, wars, or hunting expeditions .
• Vigat: Detailed historical books that also describe the economic and social conditions of a region . Example: Muhnot Nainasi's 'Marwar Ra Parganan Ri Vigat' .
• Parchi: Verses that provide the life introduction of saints and mahatmas . Example: Saint Dadu ri parchi .
• Prakas: Works that shed light on the achievements or special events of a dynasty or person . Example: 'Rajprakas' by Kishordas .
• Marasya: Poems composed to mourn the death of a king or another important person, describing their character and great deeds .
• Raso: Poetry books that provide detailed descriptions of a king's fame, victories, wars, and valor . Example: Chandbardai's 'Prithviraj Raso' .
• Rupaka: Poetry depicting the achievements of a dynasty or a specific person . Example: 'Rajrupak' .
• Saakhi: Derived from 'Sakshi' (witness), these are compositions where saint poets describe their experienced knowledge, often using the Soratha verse .
• Siloka: Compositions by ordinary educated people that depict the feelings of the common person .