
The Poet · 1850 to 1885
भारतेंदु हरिश्चंद्र
Bharatendu Harishchandra
Region
North India
Language
Hindi
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.

Hasya
01नींद आती ही नहीं
Neend Aati Hi Nahin
The clearest statement of hasya in this catalogue, begin here.
Read the poem →9 verses
Shanta
02जहाँ देखो वहाँ मौजूद मेरा कृष्ण प्यारा है
Jahan Dekho Wahan Maujood Mera Krishna Pyara Hai
A shorter turn in shanta, 1 verse long.
Read the poem →1 verse
Shringara
03सुनौ सखि बाजत है मुरली
Sunau Sakhi Bajat Hai Murali
A shorter turn in shringara, 1 verse long.
Read the poem →1 verseFull Catalogue
Every composition, by mood.
48 entries · 6 rasas
View full catalogue →हास्य
Hasya
6 compositions
शान्त
Shanta
9 compositions
- 011 verseRead →
जहाँ देखो वहाँ मौजूद मेरा कृष्ण प्यारा है
Jahan Dekho Wahan Maujood Mera Krishna Pyara Hai
- 021 verseRead →
जगत में घर की फूट बुरी
Jagat Mein Ghar Ki Phoot Buri
- 0310 versesRead →
मातृभाषा प्रेम पर दोहे
Matribhasha Prem Par Dohe
- 041 verseRead →
लहौ सुख सब विधि भारतवासी
Lahau Sukh Sab Vidhi Bharatvasi
- 054 versesRead →
ब्रज के लता पता मोहिं कीजै
Braj Ke Lata Pata Mohin Kijai
- 061 verseRead →
फ़सादे दुनिया मिटा चुके हैं हुसूले हस्ती उठा चुके हैं
Fasade Duniya Mita Chuke Hain Husule Hasti Utha Chuke Hain
- 071 verseRead →
हरि को धूप-दीप लै कीजै
Hari Ko Dhup-Deep Lai Kijai
- 081 verseRead →
धन्य ये मुनि वृन्दाबन बासी
Dhanya Ye Muni Vrindaban Basi
शृंगार
Shringara
27 compositions
- 011 verseRead →
सुनौ सखि बाजत है मुरली
Sunau Sakhi Bajat Hai Murali
- 021 verseRead →
इन दुखियन को न चैन सपनेहुं मिल्यौ
In Dukhiyan Ko Na Chain Sapnehun Milyau
- 031 verseRead →
उठा के नाज़ से दामन भला किधर को चले
Utha Ke Naz Se Daman Bhala Khidhar Ko Chale
- 041 verseRead →
सखी हम काह करैं कित जायं
Sakhi Ham Kah Karain Kit Jayan
- 058 versesRead →
ग़ज़ब है सुरमः देकर आज वह बाहर निकलते हैं
Gazab Hai Surmah Dekar Aaj Vah Bahar Nikalte Hain
- 061 verseRead →
काले परे कोस चलि चलि थक गए पाय
Kale Pare Kos Chali Chali Thak Gae Pay
- 076 versesRead →
ख़याले नावके मिजगाँ में बस हम सर पटकते हैं
Khayale Navake Mijgan Mein Bas Hum Sar Patakate Hain
- 081 verseRead →
हरि-सिर बाँकी बिराजै
Hari Sir Banki Birajai
अद्भुत
Adbhuta
1 composition
वीर
Veera
1 composition
करुणा
Karuna
4 compositions
- 011 verseRead →
परदे में क़ैद औरत की गुहार
Parde Mein Qaid Aurat Ki Guhar
- 028 versesRead →
आ गई सर पर कज़ा लो सारा सामाँ रह गया
Aa Gayi Sar Par Qaza Lo Sara Saman Rah Gaya
- 031 verseRead →
दश्त पैमाई का गर कस्द मुकर्रर होगा
Dasht Paimai Ka Gar Kasd Mukarrar Hoga
- 048 versesRead →
कहाँ करुणानिधि केशव सोए
Kahan Karunanidhi Keshav Soye



