
The Poet · 1850 – 1885
भारतेंदु हरिश्चंद्र
Bharatendu Harishchandra
Region
Kashi
Language
hindi / braj bhasha / khari boli
Signature rasa
Shringara
Works · archive
48
Bharatendu Harishchandra stands at the exact crossroads where classical Indian tradition met the fierce urgency of modern national consciousness. Born in Varanasi in 1850 and living a brief but meteorically impactful life until 1885, he is universally acknowledged as the father of modern Hindi literature.
Before Harishchandra, Hindi poetry was largely confined to the courtly and devotional aesthetics of Braj Bhasha. He bravely shifted the literary medium to Khari Boli, standardizing the language and making it a powerful vehicle for public discourse, social reform, and anticolonial resistance.
Through literary journals like Kavi Vachan Sudha and groundbreaking plays like Andher Nagari, he documented the economic exploitation of India under British rule while simultaneously critiquing orthodoxies within his own society. He wrote with sharp satirical wit, deep patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to cultural awakening.
To read his work is to witness the exact moment when the Hindi language found its modern voice.
Chronology
A life, paced like a poem.
1850
Born in Varanasi to a wealthy family of merchants.
1868
Launched the influential literary journal 'Kavi Vachan Sudha'.
1873
Founded the 'Harishchandra Magazine' to promote modern Hindi prose.
1880
Honored with the title 'Bharatendu' (Moon of India) by scholars of Kashi.
1881
Wrote his famous satirical play 'Andher Nagari'.
1885
Passed away at the young age of 34 in Varanasi.
Essential
Start with these.
Three doorways into Bharatendu Harishchandra, chosen for how quickly they show you what this voice sounds like.

Shanta
01ब्रज के लता पता मोहिं कीजै
Braj Ke Lata Pata Mohin Kijai
The clearest statement of shanta in this catalogue, begin here.
Read the poem →4 verses
Shringara
02हरि-सिर बाँकी बिराजै
Hari Sir Banki Birajai
A shorter turn in shringara, 1 verse long.
Read the poem →1 verse
Shanta
03हरि को धूप-दीप लै कीजै
Hari Ko Dhup-Deep Lai Kijai
A shorter turn in shanta, 1 verse long.
Read the poem →1 verseFull Catalogue
Every composition, by mood.
48 entries · 6 rasas
View full catalogue →हास्य
Hasya
6 compositions
शृंगार
Shringara
27 compositions
- 016 versesRead →
ख़याले नावके मिजगाँ में बस हम सर पटकते हैं
Khayale Navake Mijgan Mein Bas Hum Sar Patakate Hain
- 021 verseRead →
सखी री ठाढ़े नंदकिसोर
Sakhi Ri Thadhe Nandakisor
- 035 versesRead →
गले मुझको लगा लो ए दिलदार होली में
Gale Mujhko Laga Lo Ae Dildar Holi Mein
- 041 verseRead →
हरी हुई सब भूमि
Hari Hui Sab Bhoomi
- 051 verseRead →
सुनौ सखि बाजत है मुरली
Sunau Sakhi Bajat Hai Murali
- 061 verseRead →
इन दुखियन को न चैन सपनेहुं मिल्यौ
In Dukhiyan Ko Na Chain Sapnehun Milyau
- 071 verseRead →
बैरिनि बाँसुरी फेरि बजी
Bairini Bansuri Pheri Baji
- 081 verseRead →
उठा के नाज़ से दामन भला किधर को चले
Utha Ke Naz Se Daman Bhala Khidhar Ko Chale
करुणा
Karuna
4 compositions
- 011 verseRead →
परदे में क़ैद औरत की गुहार
Parde Mein Qaid Aurat Ki Guhar
- 028 versesRead →
कहाँ करुणानिधि केशव सोए
Kahan Karunanidhi Keshav Soye
- 038 versesRead →
आ गई सर पर कज़ा लो सारा सामाँ रह गया
Aa Gayi Sar Par Qaza Lo Sara Saman Rah Gaya
- 041 verseRead →
दश्त पैमाई का गर कस्द मुकर्रर होगा
Dasht Paimai Ka Gar Kasd Mukarrar Hoga
शान्त
Shanta
9 compositions
- 011 verseRead →
जहाँ देखो वहाँ मौजूद मेरा कृष्ण प्यारा है
Jahan Dekho Wahan Maujood Mera Krishna Pyara Hai
- 021 verseRead →
फ़सादे दुनिया मिटा चुके हैं हुसूले हस्ती उठा चुके हैं
Fasade Duniya Mita Chuke Hain Husule Hasti Utha Chuke Hain
- 031 verseRead →
हरि को धूप-दीप लै कीजै
Hari Ko Dhup-Deep Lai Kijai
- 041 verseRead →
जगत में घर की फूट बुरी
Jagat Mein Ghar Ki Phoot Buri
- 051 verseRead →
धन्य ये मुनि वृन्दाबन बासी
Dhanya Ye Muni Vrindaban Basi
- 066 versesRead →
गंगा-वर्णन
Ganga Varnan
- 0710 versesRead →
मातृभाषा प्रेम पर दोहे
Matribhasha Prem Par Dohe
- 081 verseRead →
लहौ सुख सब विधि भारतवासी
Lahau Sukh Sab Vidhi Bharatvasi
अद्भुत
Adbhuta
1 composition



