Relevance of the Evaluation of Hindi literature of the Riti Period

Abstract

The long tradition of Hindi Literature has many literary trends that began to emerge from the tenth century leading up to the present. The ballads of bravery and valour, the poetry of different sects of Naths, Siddhas and Jainas and also Vidyapati and Amir Khusro were written during early period called Adikaal (1000-1318) of Hindi literature. Devotional poetry called Bhaktikaal (1318-1643) includes the aphorisms of Kabir, the Padmavata of Jayasi, the Ramacharitamanas of Tulsidas and the Bhajans of Sur and Mira. The Ritikaal (1643-1843) consists of the poetical rhetoric of Kesavadas, the epigrams of Bihari, the free verse poetry of Ghananand, Bodha, Alam and Thakur. Modern literature called Adhunickaal (1843 to the present) reflects many new literary trends emerged during this period. In the poetry of Ritikaaleen Hindi literature erotic elements became more dominant. During this era poetic forms and theory got dominance and developed to the fullest. Theoretical aspects of literature and the style of writing poetry as an Art Form had reached to a very high level during this period. But at the same time due to the impact of devotional poetry of Bhakti Poets in which they expressed dissatisfaction about the caste system and other religious prejudices present in the society vanished during this period. The Riti poets have composed most of their work on the Krishna Bhakti Cult. The erotic description of Shringaric aspects of Krishnas life had more attraction for Riti poets rather than other aspects of life. Instead of depicting common man’s problems the Riti poets served the cause of their patrons the feudal lords of that time. Many critics and the writers of the History of Hindi literature have criticized the role of Riti Poets and Riti poetry for not expressing the problems of society. But some of the critics had contradicted the criticism and defended Riti poetry. In the present article Ritikaalin literature has been revaluated, and the relevance of scholars like Ramchandra Shukla has been re-established.