AYODHYA SINGH UADHYAYA “HARIOUDH’: THE FIRST EPIC POET OF KHARI BOLI : PRAMOD DIXIT MALAY

AYODHYA SINGH UADHYAYA “HARIOUDH’: THE FIRST EPIC POET OF KHARI BOLI : PRAMOD DIXIT MALAY

16-MARCH-ENG 18

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------The modern era of Hindi literary history is considered to have begun with Bharatendu Harishchandra, who not only composed works in Khari Boli across various literary genres himself but also inspired and encouraged numerous other writers. Through the editing of journals and magazines, he provided writers with opportunities and a platform for self-expression. Consequently, the writing of poetry and prose in Khari Boli began to flourish. The distinguished figure who undertook the monumental task of shifting poetic composition away from Braj Bhasha and nurturing it within the realm of Khari Boli Hindi—thereby enriching the ocean of literature by writing *Priya Pravas*, the first epic in Khari Boli Hindi—was the literary stalwart Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay ‘Harioudh’. He passed away on March 16, 1947—just five months prior to India attaining independence—in Nizamabad (Azamgarh). On the occasion of the death anniversary of Harioudh—a devoted servant of Mother India—it is fitting to pay tribute to his memory.

Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay ‘Harioudh’ was born on April 15, 1865, in the village of Nizamabad in the Azamgarh district. Cherished with the love and affection of his father, Pt. Bhola Singh Upadhyay, and his mother, Rukmini Devi, the infant’s joyful cries often echoed through the courtyards of his home. When he was merely five years old, his uncle began teaching him Persian. Later, he started attending school, and after passing his middle-school examinations, he enrolled at the renowned Queen's College in Kashi (Varanasi) to pursue higher studies. However, the climate of Banaras did not suit young Ayodhya, and he fell ill. Although he would recover following proper medical treatment, he would soon fall ill once again. Consequently, his family brought him back from Kashi to their village, Nizamabad, where they made comprehensive arrangements for his education to be continued at home. He was imbued with an insatiable thirst for learning; he would grasp and comprehend the lessons taught by his teacher with remarkable speed. Thus, through diligent study at home, he acquired an equal command over Sanskrit, Bengali, Urdu, Persian, and English. In 1883, he was appointed Headmaster at the Middle School in Nizamabad, and the very next year—in 1884—he entered into wedlock with Nirmala Kumari, embarking upon his married life. From his very childhood, he had enjoyed the nurturing embrace of nature; furthermore, as religious texts were regularly read and discussed at home, a literary sensibility began to blossom within young Ayodhya, leading him to compose poetry in *Brajbhasha*. Driven by his deep interest in and curiosity about learning, he read extensively. Later, in 1889, having passed the requisite examination for the Revenue Department, he was appointed to the post of *Kanungo*; he served in this capacity for nearly four decades before retiring in 1932. During this period, he emerged as a prominent and celebrated figure in the realm of literature. In 1914, *Priya Pravas*—the first epic poem (*Mahakavya*) in *Khariboli* Hindi—was published, and the firmament of Hindi literature was illuminated by the radiant moonlight of his fame. Subsequently, for this monumental epic work, he was awarded the prestigious *Mangala Prasad Paritoshik* (Prize)—a renowned honor of that era—causing the banner of his glory to flutter across the length and breadth of the nation. The *Hindi Sahitya Sammelan* (Hindi Literary Conference) was itself honored to appoint him as its President during its 1924 session. Furthermore, the literary fraternity experienced immense joy and pride in bestowing upon him the honorary titles of *Vidya Vachaspati* and *Kavi Samrat* (Emperor of Poets).

The scope of Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay 'Harioudh's' literary universe is vast and expansive. While his writing career undoubtedly began with the composition of poetry in *Brajbhasha*, he eventually transcended that tradition to merge his creative energies into the lucid and refined stream of *Khariboli* Hindi. He enhanced the prestige of the Hindi language by presenting novels such as *Theth Hindi ka Thath* and *Adhkhila Phool*, while also enriching its dramatic repertoire with plays such as *Rukmini Parinay* and *Pradyumna Vijay*, among others. Drawing upon the essence of folk dialects and employing proverbs and idioms, he dedicated works such as *Chokhe-Chaupade*, *Chubhte-Chaupade*, and *Ras Kalash* to the people. However, his enduring fame rests primarily on his identity as the creator of *Priya Pravas*. Divided into 17 cantos, *Priya Pravas* offers a magnificent portrayal of the love and separation of Radha and Krishna—a narrative that deeply moves the reader's heart. A depiction of the lives of Sita and Rama can be found in *Vaidehi Vanvas*, a work comprising 18 cantos that was published in 1940. The epic *Parijat*, printed in 1937 and consisting of 15 cantos, stands as another noteworthy literary achievement. Alongside his original compositions, Hariaudh Ji also made his mark in the realm of translation; he translated Shakespeare's *The Merchant of Venice* into *Khari Boli* Hindi under the title *Venice Ka Banka*—a work that garnered widespread acclaim.

Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay 'Hariaudh' possessed a linguistic style characterized by great diversity. On one hand, he frequently employed a Sanskritized vocabulary rich in *Tatsama* words; on the other, he embraced words of Urdu and Persian origin with equal ease. Through the use of indigenous terms and folk idioms, he acquainted the reader with the earthy fragrance of his native soil, while his use of *Braj Bhasha* infused his poetry with sweetness and tenderness. His vivid depictions of nature brought scenes to life, filling the mind with aesthetic delight. While he composed poetry utilizing traditional Sanskrit meters—such as *Indravajra*, *Shardul Vikridit*, *Shikharini*, and *Mandakranta*—he did not overlook indigenous poetic forms like *Chhappay*, *Doha*, *Kavitt*, and *Savaiya*. Consequently, the reader finds themselves completely immersed in the charm of his exquisite compositions.

In 1932, having retired from his position as a *Kanungo* (revenue official), he assumed the role of an Honorary Professor in the Department of Hindi at Kashi Hindu University (Banaras Hindu University), where he served until his retirement in 1942. Subsequently, he returned to his ancestral village, Nizamabad, where he remained actively engaged in the pursuit of writing until the very end. On March 16, 1947, drawing his final breath in his very birthplace, he dedicated his mortal body to the feet of Mother India. He will be remembered forever as the creator of the first epic in Khari Boli Hindi. The Government of India issued a special commemorative postage stamp in honor of Harioudh Ji at the Azamgarh Postal Exhibition. It was released on March 2, 2013—during the period of Shani—which is memorable.