Bhojpuri is a language spoken in parts of India and Nepal. It has a rich literary tradition, but for many years, it was considered a “lower” language, and its literature was often overlooked by mainstream Indian culture. However, in the 20th century, a number of writers and artists began to re-evaluate Bhojpuri and work to revive its literary traditions. One of the most important figures in this movement was Mahendra Misir, a poet who helped to bring Bhojpuri literature to a wider audience.
Early Life and Education
Mahendra Misir was born in 1886 in the Mishrwalia village of Saran district, Bihar. Misir was fascinated by the traditional Bhojpuri songs and folklore that he heard in his village, and he began writing his own poems and songs at a very young age.
Literary Career
Mahendra Misir was also known as Purbiya Samrat (Master of Purbi). He has written thousands of Purbi Songs. One of Misir’s most important contributions to Bhojpuri literature was his use of the “chhanda” form, a traditional metered verse style that had fallen out of fashion in modern Bhojpuri poetry. Misir revived this form and used it to create beautiful and expressive poems that helped to establish him as one of the leading voices in Bhojpuri poetry.
Legacy
Mahendra Misir’s work helped to revive interest in Bhojpuri literature and establish it as a legitimate and important literary tradition. He inspired a new generation of writers and poets to explore the language and its cultural heritage, and his poetry continues to be celebrated and studied today.
Misir’s contributions to Bhojpuri literature have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, one of the most prestigious literary awards in India. He passed away in 1981, but his legacy lives on in the thriving Bhojpuri literary scene that he helped to create.
Conclusion
Mahendra Misir was a pioneering figure in the revival of Bhojpuri literature, and his work helped to establish the language as an important literary tradition in India. His poetry and advocacy for the language continue to inspire Bhojpuri writers and artists today, and his legacy is a testament to the power of literature to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.
References: Bhartiya Sahitya ke Nirmata – Mahendra Misir by Bhagwati Prasad Dwivedi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bhojpuri was often considered a “lower” language and its literature was not given the same level of recognition as other Indian languages. However, in the 20th century, a number of writers and artists began to work to revive Bhojpuri literature and promote its cultural heritage.
The chhanda form is a traditional metered verse style that was used in older Bhojpuri poetry. Mahendra Misir revived this form in his own poetry, using it to create beautiful and expressive poems.
Mahendra Misir was a pioneering figure in the revival of Bhojpuri literature. He used the chhanda form to create beautiful and expressive poetry and worked tirelessly to promote the language and its cultural heritage.
Mahendra Misir’s work helped to establish Bhojpuri as a legitimate and important literary tradition in India. His poetry and advocacy for the language continue to inspire Bhojpuri writers and artists today, and his legacy is a testament to the power of literature to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.