HINDU LITERATURE: ORIGINS, AUTHORS AND CHARACTERISTICS - LITERATURE - 2024

The Hindu literature is one of the oldest. The first record is estimated to have emerged over 4,000 years ago in what is now India and some regions of Pakistan. It is also known as Sanskrit literature because most of the pieces are written in Sanskrit, an ancient language made up of various types of scripture.

In general terms, Hindu literature talks about wisdom, religion, worship, and social norms, themes that were treated throughout the writings. It should be noted that the oldest writings found are compiled in a book called Vedas (from the term "truth"), and these became the basis of the Hindu religion.

An essential feature of this literature is the linguistic, mythical and religious richness through which it broadly collects the history of a region from its genesis, taking into account various types of language as well as the manifestation of other cultures and practices that still nurtured it. plus.

The first manifestations of Hindu literature were intimately related to religion. Later, as the genre developed, the works began to cover other themes, even in contrast to the doctrinal material characteristic of the first expressions of this literature.

Origins and history

The first manifestations of Hindu literature are known from the emergence of the Vedas, a series of ancient writings (they arose between 1600 and 700 BC), which were preserved because they were the foundations of what would later become Hinduism.

The Vedas contemplate a series of rituals, precepts, myths and chants that were originally transmitted orally. Later these would be written to be used in rituals led by the ancient priests.

Then the post-Vedic period was characterized by the presence of new doctrines that served to contradict some of the postulates that were raised in the Vedas.

It should be noted that it was at this time that the two most important works of Hindu literature were composed: The Ramayana and the Majabharata.

The Ramayana is a relatively short text that focuses on compiling the philosophical and theological teachings of Prince Rama, who suffers a series of misadventures with the intention of saving his wife who is in the hands of the demon Ravana.

On the other hand, the Majabharata is considered the second longest work in world literature, since it contains more than 200 thousand verses.

This work includes a mixture of narrations, myths and advice made in different styles and by different authors. Today it can be considered as a kind of Bible for Hindus.

After this stage the Brahmin period was consolidated, which served as a kind of transition between the Veda and the Hindu religion. In this historical moment, there is also talk of the division of society by castes and the principles of interaction between them.

In this current, the Laws of Manu stand out, a book where the main rules of conduct, the operation of karma and punishments are indicated.

The four main stages of Hindu literature

There were four main stages in the formation and development of Hindu literature, from its inception to the present. The characteristics of each of these stages are detailed below.

1- Adikal Literature

The main expression of this literature was poetry, focusing in turn on religiosity and heroic stories.

2- Bhakti Kal Literature

It developed between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. At this stage the process of highlighting the importance of God consciousness begins, although records of epic poems have also been found.

Thanks to the Islamic presence at that time, it is possible to find the influence of religion in various artistic expressions.

3- Ritikal literature

Period developed between 1600 and 1850 AD. C. Ritikal literature emphasizes the power of love and other emotions throughout the poems made at the time.

4- Adhunikaal Literature

It developed from the mid-19th century to the present day. It is divided into four phases: Renaissance, Dwivedi Yug, Chhayavada Yug and the contemporary period.

Different literary styles and genres are explored, such as drama, comedy, criticism, novel, short stories, and non-fiction.

Main features

Despite the convergence of different styles, languages ​​and religious manifestations, it is possible to point out some general characteristics of Hindu literature:

- The vast majority of the texts speak of gods and the benefits that men obtain when a favor is granted to them. Likewise, they also report the punishments they must assume for improper conduct. This reflects the importance of religious content.

- The elements that interact with man, both inanimate objects or not, have their own personality and qualities.

- The stories seek to leave some kind of teaching of value for the reader.

- There is the intention to explain the origins of the world, so it is usual to find stories that speak about it.

- There is a host of fantastic events in which beings with supernatural and extraordinary qualities intervene.

- The protagonists of these stories have special and very unique features: they are gods or divine reincarnations, they have great beauty, courage and admirable moral behaviors.

- There is an emphasis that the balance of the Universe depends on the respect that is given to all living beings that coexist. Any action taken against any of them will have repercussions in the next life.

Social context

Brahmanism was a transitional religion between the Veda period and the settlement of Hinduism. However, some of his postulates would have great repercussion in Hindu literature.

During the time (approximately 1st century BC) a caste classification was established that is still maintained today.

This categorization is done as follows: priests and scholars of literature (Brahmins), warriors, businessmen and peasants (also including slaves) and the invisible, considered subhuman.

Social dynamics gave way to the creation of new texts that would indicate the functioning and behavior of the members of each of the castes.

These precepts were exposed in the so-called Dharma-sastras, which are books of social norms and laws.

Despite the fact that the country suffered the Islamic (which also contributed to the enrichment of the arts) and British invasions, this social system would continue to form part of the national and cultural identity, rejecting in turn the presence of other more Western models.

Contemporary Hindu Literature

The current current presents a significant change in relation to ancient literature. One characteristic is the need for independence and rebellion against the British, spearheaded by the pacifist precepts proposed by Mahatma Gandhi.

At that point there is evidence of a resumption of Hinduism and Buddhism, religions that have millions of faithful so far.

Also, thanks to the influence of the West, Hindu literature was opened to new expressions and styles.

It would not only limit itself to poetry, but it would also diversify into non-fiction, drama, satire and the realization of short stories.

The 6 most representative authors of Hindu literature

Among the most important authors of Hindu literature the following stand out:

1- Valmiki

Writer of El Ramayana, one of the most popular books in India and Hindu literature in general.

2- Kalidasa

Writer of religious and devotional literature, author of the Sanskrit play Sakuntala.

3- Chanakia

Brahmin and writer of the Sanskrit text Artha Shastra, one of the most important treatises on how a state should function.

In this he states that practices such as the use of poison against the enemy or the death penalty for serious crimes are valid.

4- Dhanpat Rai Srivastav

Also known as Premchadn, he is considered one of the most prominent writers of Hindu literature.

In their works they include short stories, essays and translations. He is the author of recognized works such as Panch Parameshvar, Igah and Sevasadan.

5- RK Narayan

He was noted for writing fiction and non-fiction books, among which are: Swami and his friends, Hamish Hamilton, The dark room and Waiting for Mahatma.

6- Rabindranath Tagore

Bengali writer who left an extensive legacy of works that revolutionized Bengali and Hindu literature. It was characterized by having a spontaneous prose, considered by some as sensual.

He was the author of titles such as The King and the Queen, The New Moon or The Harvest. Thanks to his work, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.

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