Chapter 10: Soldiers of the Pen — Literature and Writers of Rajasthan
Chapter 10: Soldiers of the Pen — Literature and Writers of Rajasthan
Exam Relevance: RPSC / RSSB / REET / Assistant Professor / College Lecturer / Board Exams
SECTION 2: Core Idea
The literature of Rajasthan is remarkably magnificent, multifaceted, and historically authentic. Rajasthani literature is composed primarily in two classical stylistic idioms: Dingal (Western Rajasthani, heroic martial poetic idiom of the Charan bards) and Pingal (Eastern Rajasthani, Brajbhasha-infused poetic idiom of the Bhat bards). It exhibits a sublime synthesis of heroic valour (Veer Rasa), romantic devotion (Shringar Rasa), spiritual surrender (Bhakti Rasa), and ethical maxims (Neeti).
Rajasthani literature is chronologically divided into three principal epochs:
- Early / Heroic Age (1050 CE to 1450 CE): Jain literature and early heroic chronicles (e.g. Bharateshwara Bahubali Ghora by Vajrasena Suri, Prithviraj Raso by Chand Bardai, Hammir Raso by Sarangadhara, Khuman Raso by Dalpat Vijay).
- Medieval / Golden Age (1450 CE to 1850 CE): The zenith of Bhakti and historical prose-poetry (e.g. Mirabai, Dadu Dayal, Dursa Adha, Isardas, Suryamalla Misrana's Vamsa Bhaskara and Veer Satsai, Bankidas's Bankidas Ri Khyat, Muhnot Nainsi's Nainsi Ri Khyat).
- Modern Era (1850 CE to Present): National awakening, anti-colonial resistance, and progressive literature (e.g. Kesari Singh Barhath's Chetavani Ra Chungatya, Kanhaiyalal Sethia's Pathal Aur Peethal, Vijaydan Detha's Batan Ri Phulwari, Sitaram Lalas's Rajasthani Sabad Kos).
Major traditional genres include Khyat (historical prose chronicles), Vat (narrative tales/stories), Raso (poetic sagas of warfare and chivalry), Veli (eulogistic devotional/genealogical poetry, e.g. Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri), Vachanika (prosimetrum battle narratives), Davavait, Marsiya (elegiac laments), and Vigat (administrative gazetteers and socio-economic census records).
Key Keywords: Dingal, Pingal, Charan style, Khyat, Vat, Raso, Vamsa Bhaskara, Veer Vinod, Nainsi Ri Khyat, Sabad Kos An average of 3-5 questions are asked from this chapter.
SECTION 3: DISTRICT-WISE CONTRIBUTION
| District / Region | Prominent Literary Figures | Famous Literary Works | Literary Significance & Historical Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bikaner | Bankidas Ashiya, Dayaldas Sindhayach, Prithviraj Rathore | Bankidas Ri Khyat, Dayaldas Ri Khyat, Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri | Authentic Rathore dynastic chronicles; pride of Dingal poetry (Dr. L.P. Tessitori eulogized Prithviraj Rathore as the 'Hero of Dingal'). |
| Jodhpur / Marwar | Muhnot Nainsi, Muraridan, Hamirdan Ratnu, Bankidas | Muhnot Nainsi Ri Khyat, Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat, Yashwant Yashobhushan | Munshi Devi Prasad titled Nainsi 'Abul Fazl of Rajputana'; Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat is revered as the 'Gazetteer of Rajasthan'. |
| Bundi / Hadoti | Mahakavi Suryamalla Misrana | Vamsa Bhaskara, Veer Satsai, Balwant Vilas, Chhandomayukh, Sati Raso | State Poet of Rajasthan (Surajmal Meesan); electrifying patriotic martial compositions igniting resistance during the 1857 Uprising. |
| Ajmer / Nagaur | Chand Bardai, Jodhraj, Dalpat Vijay | Prithviraj Raso, Hammir Raso, Khuman Raso | Court poet Chand Bardai of Ajmer's Chahamana king Prithviraj III composed Hindi literature's first epic Prithviraj Raso in Pingal style. |
| Udaipur / Mewar | Kaviraja Shyamaldas, Maharana Kumbha, Dursa Adha | Veer Vinod, Sangitaraja, Sooda Prabandha, Viruda Chhattari, Kirtar Bavano | Royal courtier Shyamaldas of Maharana Sajjan Singh was conferred the imperial titles of 'Mahamahopadhyaya' and 'Kaisar-i-Hind'. |
| Churu / Sujangarh | Kanhaiyalal Sethia | Pathal Aur Peethal, Dharati Dhoran Ri, Leeltans, Minjhar, Sabad | Towering stalwart of modern Rajasthani poetry; honored with the Central Sahitya Akademi Award in 1976 for Leeltans. |
| Jalore / Bhinmal | Mahakavi Magha, Udyotana Suri, Kavi Kallol, Padmanabha | Shishupalavadham, Kuvalayamala (778 CE), Kanhadade Prabandha, Dhola Maru Ra Duha | Epicenter of cultural brilliance; Padmanabha's Kanhadade Prabandha vividly captures Alauddin Khalji's siege of Jalore in 1311 CE. |
| Alwar / Mewat | Jodhraj, Saint Charandas, Sahjobai, Dayabai | Hammir Raso (Ahirwati), Bhakti Sagar, Sahaj Prakash, Daya Bodh | Superb historical and devotional literature composed in the Ahirwati and Mewati vernaculars. |
| Jaipur / Dhundhar | Nayanchandra Suri, Isardas, Sitaram Lalas, Dadu Dayal | Hammir Mahakavya, Hala Jhala Ri Kundaliyan, Rajasthani Sabad Kos, Dadu Ri Vani | Flourishing cradle of Dhundhari, Dingal, and Pingal; Dr. Sitaram Lalas compiled the monumental 200,000-word Rajasthani lexicon. |
| Barmer / Jaisalmer | Kushallabh, Chandidan Sandu, Vijaydan Detha (Borunda) | Dhola Maru Ri Chaupai, Pingal Shiromani, Batan Ri Phulwari (14 volumes), Duvidha | Immortal folk prose narratives; Vijaydan Detha ('Bijji') was conferred the Padma Shri for his world-renowned folkloric stories. |
SECTION 4: Origin, Forms, Classification & Chronology
- Dingal Style: The classical literary manifestation of Western Rajasthani (Marwari), nurtured principally by Charan poets. It is internationally celebrated for martial verse, fierce battlefield descriptions, and heroic ballads.
- Pingal Style: The composite blend of Eastern Rajasthani (Dhundhari/Mewati) and Brajbhasha, patronized mainly by Bhat, Dhadhi, and Charan bards. It is renowned for courtly romances, ornate epics, and Shringar Rasa.
- Traditional Literary Genres:
- Khyat: Derived from the Sanskrit term 'Khyati' (fame/renown); authentic prose chronicles recording dynastic genealogies, conquests, and state annals (e.g. Nainsi Ri Khyat, Bankidas Ri Khyat, Dayaldas Ri Khyat).
- Vat: Derived from 'Varta'; historical, mythological, or folk narrative tales (e.g. Achaldas Khichi Ri Vat, Vijaydan Detha's Batan Ri Phulwari).
- Raso: Expansive heroic and romantic verse epics chronicling battles, valour, and chivalric deeds (e.g. Prithviraj Raso, Hammir Raso, Sagat Raso, Bisaldev Raso).
- Veli: Eulogistic verses composed in the specific Valli (creeper) metre celebrating divine or royal deeds (e.g. Prithviraj Rathore's Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri, eulogized by Dursa Adha as the 'Fifth Veda and Nineteenth Purana').
- Vachanika: Prosimetrum (Champu) compositions blending prose and rhythmic verse to chronicle battlefield engagements (e.g. Shivdas Gadan's Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachanika).
- Davavait: Rhythmic, poetical narrative prose exhibiting elegant Perso-Arabic stylistic influences.
- Marsiya: Mournful elegiac dirges composed upon the demise of a brave warrior, sovereign, or chieftain (e.g. Rathore Ratan Singh Ra Marsiya).
- Vigat: Minute administrative, revenue, and demographic gazetteers (e.g. Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat).
SECTION 5: Master Table of Key Writers, Dates, Works & Patrons
| Literary Scholar | Century / Era | Major Works & Treatises | Language / Style | Patron Sovereign / State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chand Bardai | 12th Century | Prithviraj Raso (First epic of Hindi literature) | Pingal (Braj infused) | Prithviraj Chauhan III (Ajmer/Delhi) |
| Dalpat Vijay | 17th Century | Khuman Raso (Saga of Rawal Khuman of Mewar) | Dingal | Contemporary of Maharana Raj Singh |
| Jodhraj | 18th/19th Century | Hammir Raso (Saga of Rao Hammir of Ranthambore) | Ahirwati / Pingal | Raja Chandrabhan (Neemrana) |
| Narpati Nalha | 12th/15th Century | Bisaldev Raso (Romance of Vigraharaja IV and Rajmati) | Old Western Rajasthani / Godwadi | Bisaldev (Vigraharaja IV) |
| Kavi Kallol | 15th/16th Century | Dhola Maru Ra Duha (Original love romance) | Dingal / Marwari | Independent folk poet (Chaupais added by Kushallabh) |
| Padmanabha | 15th Century (1455 CE) | Kanhadade Prabandha, Viramde Songara Ri Vat | Old Rajasthani / Dingal | Akhairaj Songara (Jalore) |
| Prithviraj Rathore | 16th Century (1538-1600) | Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri, Ganga Lahari, Dasham Bhagavata Ra Duha | Dingal | Courtier of Akbar (Bikaner royal family) |
| Dursa Adha | 16th/17th Century | Viruda Chhattari, Kirtar Bavano, Rao Surtan Ra Kavitta | Dingal | Admirer of Maharana Pratap & Rao Surtan (Sirohi) |
| Muhnot Nainsi | 17th Century (1610-1670) | Muhnot Nainsi Ri Khyat, Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat | Dingal Prose | Maharaja Jaswant Singh I (Jodhpur) |
| Suryamalla Misrana | 19th Century (1815-1868) | Vamsa Bhaskara, Veer Satsai, Balwant Vilas, Chhandomayukh | Dingal / Pingal / Hadoti | Maharao Ram Singh (Bundi) |
| Bankidas Ashiya | 18th/19th Century (1771-1833) | Bankidas Ri Khyat, Manjasomandan, Sur Chhatosi, song 'Aayo Angrez Mulak Re Upar' | Dingal | Maharaja Man Singh (Jodhpur) |
| Dayaldas Sindhayach | 19th Century | Dayaldas Ri Khyat (Bikaner Ra Rathoran Ri Khyat) | Dingal Prose | Maharaja Ratan Singh (Bikaner) |
| Kaviraja Shyamaldas | 19th Century (1836-1893) | Veer Vinod (Comprehensive history of Mewar) | Dingal / Hindi | Maharana Sajjan Singh (Mewar) |
| Kanhaiyalal Sethia | 20th Century (1919-2008) | Pathal Aur Peethal, Dharati Dhoran Ri, Leeltans, Minjhar, Kunku | Modern Rajasthani | Renowned poet (Churu) |
| Vijaydan Detha | 20th Century (1926-2014) | Batan Ri Phulwari (14 volumes), Duvidha, Alekhun Hitler, Sapano | Rajasthani Folk Prose | Rupayan Sansthan (Borunda, Jodhpur) |
| Padma Shri Sitaram Lalas | 20th Century (1908-1986) | Rajasthani Sabad Kos (4 volumes, 200,000+ words) | Rajasthani Lexicon | Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi honoree |
SECTION 6: Key Works Analysis
| Literary Work | Author | Date / Format | Core Theme & Essential Examination Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prithviraj Raso | Chand Bardai (Completed by son Jalhan) | 12th Century (69 Cantos/Samaya, 100,000 verses) | Valour of Ajmer king Prithviraj Chauhan III, Sanyogita Svayamvara, Battles of Tarain, and the famous sound-guided archery shot. Considered the first epic of Hindi literature. |
| Vamsa Bhaskara | Suryamalla Misrana (Completed by adopted son Muraridan) | 19th Century (Dala divisions, 8 volumes) | Exhaustive versified history of the Hada Rajput dynasty of Bundi; composed in classical Champu style. |
| Veer Satsai | Suryamalla Misrana | 1857 CE (288 couplets) | Heroic Dingal verses composed during the 1857 Uprising to awaken the warrior spirit of Rajput chieftains to defend their motherland. |
| Veer Vinod | Kaviraja Shyamaldas | 19th Century (4 volumes) | Authoritative documented history of the Mewar dynasty, commissioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh; earned the author the British title of 'Mahamahopadhyaya'. |
| Muhnot Nainsi Ri Khyat | Muhnot Nainsi | 17th Century (Medieval Prose) | The first comprehensive, unbiased, and chronologically systematic prose chronicle covering all major Rajput clans (Marwar, Mewar, Bikaner, Bundi). |
| Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat | Muhnot Nainsi | 17th Century (Administrative Gazetteer) | Authentic demographic, agrarian, economic, and revenue census of the seven parganas of Marwar. Known as the 'Gazetteer of Rajasthan'. |
| Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri | Prithviraj Rathore (Peethal) | 16th Century (Composed in Gagron Fort) | Sublime Dingal poem narrating the celestial marriage of Lord Krishna and Rukmini. Eulogized by Dursa Adha as the 'Fifth Veda and Nineteenth Purana'. |
| Kanhadade Prabandha | Padmanabha | 15th Century (1455 CE) | Heroic epic recounting the valiant defense of Jalore Fort by Kanhadade Songara and his son Viramde against the imperial army of Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE. |
| Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachanika | Shivdas Gadan | 15th Century (1430-1435 CE) | Eyewitness prosimetrum chronicle describing the siege of Gagron Fort by Sultan Hoshang Shah of Mandu in 1423 CE and the first Saka. |
| Pathal Aur Peethal | Kanhaiyalal Sethia | 20th Century | Inspiring patriotic dialogue between Maharana Pratap ('Pathal') and Kunwar Prithviraj Rathore of Bikaner ('Peethal') rekindling the flame of independence. |
SECTION 7: Timeline Table of Key Literary Events
| Period / Samvat / Year | Historical Milestone / Literary Work | Historical and Literary Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 778 CE (Samvat 835) | Kuvalayamala (Udyotana Suri, Jalore) | Contains the earliest recorded mention of 'Marubhasha' among 18 local tongues. |
| 1168-1192 CE | Prithviraj Raso (Chand Bardai) | Eyewitness poetic account of the Chahamana empire of Ajmer and the Battles of Tarain. |
| 1423-1435 CE | Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachanika (Shivdas Gadan) | Earliest surviving authentic Vachanika (prosimetrum) chronicle of Rajasthan. |
| 1455 CE | Kanhadade Prabandha (Padmanabha) | Epic heroic chronicle commemorating the Songara Chauhans of Jalore. |
| c. 1580 CE | Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri (Prithviraj Rathore) | Masterpiece of classical Dingal verse composed at Gagron Fort. |
| 1660-1665 CE | Muhnot Nainsi Ri Khyat and Vigat | Most voluminous and impartial medieval prose archives of Rajasthan's history. |
| 1803-1833 CE | Bankidas Ri Khyat & patriotic ballads | Bankidas composed the defiance song 'Aayo Angrez Mulak Re Upar' rallying rulers against British subjugation. |
| 1857 CE | Veer Satsai and Vamsa Bhaskara (Suryamalla Misrana) | Martial poems calling for self-sacrifice and national liberation during the 1857 Revolt. |
| 1886 CE | Publication of Veer Vinod (Kaviraja Shyamaldas) | Globally acclaimed comprehensive historical treatise on Mewar state. |
| 1903 CE | Chetavani Ra Chungatya (Kesari Singh Barhath) | 13 fiery Dingal Sorathas preventing Maharana Fateh Singh from attending Curzon's Delhi Durbar. |
| 1960-1975 CE | Batan Ri Phulwari and Leeltans | Modern Rajasthani literature earns prestigious national and international acclaim. |
SECTION 8: Previous Examination Questions
Q1. [RPSC Headmaster 2018 / RAS Pre 2013] Who authored 'Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri' and who designated it as the 'Fifth Veda'?
Answer: Author: Prithviraj Rathore; Fifth Veda: Designated by poet Dursa Adha. Explanation: Kunwar Prithviraj Rathore of Bikaner composed this immortal masterpiece in Dingal while residing at Gagron Fort. The celebrated bard Dursa Adha revered it as the 'Fifth Veda and Nineteenth Purana' due to its supreme spiritual and poetic grandeur.
Q2. [RSSB Patwar 2021 / REET 2021] Who authored 'Vamsa Bhaskara' and 'Veer Satsai'?
Answer: Mahakavi Suryamalla Misrana (Bundi). Explanation: Suryamalla Misrana served as the court poet of Maharao Ram Singh of Bundi. Vamsa Bhaskara chronicles the history of Bundi, which was later completed by his adopted son Muraridan.
Q3. [RPSC 2nd Grade 2019 / SI 2021] In whose court did Muhnot Nainsi serve as Dewan, and who bestowed upon him the title 'Abul Fazl of Rajputana'?
Answer: Court of Maharaja Jaswant Singh I of Jodhpur; Munshi Devi Prasad bestowed the title. Explanation: Nainsi compiled his renowned Khyat and Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat. Owing to his scrupulous historical impartiality, Munshi Devi Prasad titled him the 'Abul Fazl of Rajputana'.
Q4. [RSSB VDO 2021 / Forest Guard 2022] Who composed 'Kanhadade Prabandha' and which historical event does it describe?
Answer: Padmanabha; It chronicles the siege of Jalore Fort and battle between Kanhadade and Alauddin Khalji (1311 CE). Explanation: Composed in 1455 CE by Padmanabha, this epic represents an invaluable historical chronicle of Old Western Rajasthani.
Q5. [RPSC 1st Grade 2020 / Police Constable 2022] Who authored the iconic works 'Pathal Aur Peethal' and 'Dharati Dhoran Ri'?
Answer: Kanhaiyalal Sethia (Sujangarh, Churu). Explanation: 'Pathal' symbolizes Maharana Pratap, while 'Peethal' represents Kunwar Prithviraj Rathore of Bikaner. Sethia was honored with the Central Sahitya Akademi Award in 1976 for Leeltans.
Q6. [RPSC 2018 / College Lecturer] Who authored 'Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachanika' and which historical battle does it narrate?
Answer: Shivdas Gadan; Narrates the first Saka of Gagron Fort (1423 CE). Explanation: Composed by Shivdas Gadan, this work is the earliest extant prosimetrum (Champu) chronicle in Rajasthani, recording the valiant clash between Achaldas Khichi and Hoshang Shah of Mandu.
SECTION 9: Quick Revision Table
| Topic / Literary Work | Author / Creator | Key Recall Point |
|---|---|---|
| Prithviraj Raso | Chand Bardai (Completed by Jalhan) | First Hindi epic, Pingal style, chronicles Tarain battles and Prithviraj III. |
| Vamsa Bhaskara | Suryamalla Misrana (Completed by Muraridan) | History of the Hada rulers of Bundi, Champu verse, Dingal-Pingal blend. |
| Veer Satsai | Suryamalla Misrana | 288 heroic couplets composed during the 1857 Uprising. |
| Veer Vinod | Kaviraja Shyamaldas | Documented history of Mewar in 4 volumes; author conferred 'Mahamahopadhyaya'. |
| Veli Krisan Rukamani Ri | Prithviraj Rathore | Dingal masterpiece composed in Gagron; praised by Dursa Adha as 'Fifth Veda'. |
| Kanhadade Prabandha | Padmanabha | Composed in 1455 CE; depicts Jalore's clash with Alauddin Khalji. |
| Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachanika | Shivdas Gadan | Eyewitness Champu prosimetrum chronicle of the first Saka of Gagron (1423 CE). |
| Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat | Muhnot Nainsi | Gazetteer of Rajasthan; detailed administrative and economic census of 7 parganas. |
| Chetavani Ra Chungatya | Kesari Singh Barhath | 13 fiery Dingal Sorathas dissuading Maharana Fateh Singh from 1903 Delhi Durbar. |
| Batan Ri Phulwari | Vijaydan Detha ('Bijji') | Comprehensive 14-volume collection of Rajasthani folk tales from Borunda. |
| Rajasthani Sabad Kos | Padma Shri Sitaram Lalas | Monumental 4-volume dictionary containing over 200,000 Rajasthani words. |
| Dhola Maru Ra Duha | Kavi Kallol (Chaupais by Kushallabh) | Classic romantic ballad celebrating the eternal romance of Dhola and Marwani. |
SECTION 10: EXTRA EXAM NOTES (Tricks, Confusing Pairs & Map Pointers)
Mnemonics:
- "Peethal = Prithviraj Rathore, Pathal = Pratap": In Kanhaiyalal Sethia's timeless ballad, 'Pee' stands for Peethal/Prithviraj and 'Pa' for Pathal/Pratap.
- "Suraj of Bundi": Suryamalla Misrana was the court poet of Bundi state.
- "Shyamaldas in Mewar's Vinod": Shyamaldas composed Veer Vinod in Mewar.
- "Nainsi Counted the Land": Muhnot Nainsi presented an exhaustive census and revenue compilation in Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat.
Common Confusions Cleared:
- Hammir Raso: Composed separately by Sarangadhara (14th Century) and Jodhraj (18th/19th Century).
- Hammir Mahakavya: Nayanchandra Suri (Sanskrit epic) vs. Hammir Hath: Chandrashekhar.
- Dhola Maru Ra Duha: Original couplets by Kavi Kallol, while Chaupais were added in the 16th century by Jain poet Kushallabh.
- Bisaldev Raso: Composed by Narpati Nalha (celebrates romantic separation/Vipralambha Shringar Rasa, not martial warfare).
- Hero of Dingal: Italian linguist Dr. L.P. Tessitori conferred this title on Kunwar Prithviraj Rathore (not Prithviraj Chauhan).
Geographical Map Pointers:
- Bikaner (Northern Rajasthan): Citadel of Dingal literature (Prithviraj Rathore, Dayaldas Sindhayach, Dr. L.P. Tessitori).
- Jodhpur / Borunda (Western Rajasthan): Muhnot Nainsi, Bankidas Ashiya, Rupayan Sansthan (Komal Kothari and Vijaydan Detha).
- Mewar / Udaipur (Southern Rajasthan): Kaviraja Shyamaldas (Veer Vinod), Maharana Kumbha's classical music treaties.
- Bundi (Hadoti Region): Suryamalla Misrana (Vamsa Bhaskara, Veer Satsai).
- Jalore / Gagron: Padmanabha (Kanhadade Prabandha) and Shivdas Gadan (Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachanika).