Hindu Literature: Origins, Authors and Most Important Characteristics

The Hindu literature It is one of the oldest. It is estimated that the first record emerged more than 4000 years ago in what is now India and in some regions of Pakistan. It is also known as Sanskrit literature because most of the pieces are written in Sanskrit, ancient language consisting of several types of scriptures.

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 widely collects the history of a region since its genesis, taking into account different types of language as well as the manifestation of other cultures and practices that nourished it. plus.

The first manifestations of Hindu literature were intimately related to religion. Then, while the genre was developing, the works began to cover other topics, 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 (arose between 1600 and 700 BC), which were preserved because they are the basis of what would later be Hinduism.

The Vedas They contemplate a series of rituals, precepts, myths and chants that were originally transmitted orally. Later, these would be written to be used in rituals headed 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: Ramayana and the Majabharatá .

He 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, Majabharatá It is considered as the second longest work in universal literature, since it contains more than 200 thousand verses.

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

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

In this current, the most Laws of Manu , a book where the main rules of conduct, the functioning 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 beginnings 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- Literature Bhakti Kal

It was developed between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. At this stage begins the process of highlighting the importance of God consciousness, 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 d. C. Ritikal literature emphasizes the power of love and other emotions throughout the poems made at the time.

4- Adhunikaal Literature

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

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

Main characteristics

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 get when they are granted a favor from them. Likewise, they also relate 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 value teaching for the reader.

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

- There is an accumulation of fantastic facts 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 behavior.

- There is an emphasis on the fact that the balance of the Universe depends on the respect that is given to all the living beings that live together. Any action taken against any of them will affect the next life.

Social context

Brahmanism was a religion of transition between the Veda period and the settlement of Hinduism. However, some of its postulates would have a great impact on Hindu literature.

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

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

The social dynamic gave way to the creation of new texts that would indicate the functioning and behavior of the members of each caste.

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

Although the country suffered the Islamic invasions (which also contributed to the enrichment of the arts) and British, this social system would continue to be part of the national and cultural identity, while rejecting the presence of other more Western models.

Contemporary Hindu literature

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

At that point there is evidence of a return to 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.

Not only would it be limited to poetry, but it would also be diversified into non-fiction, drama, satire, and the making of short stories.

The 6 most representative authors of Hindu literature

Among the most important authors of Hindu literature include the following:

1- Valmiki

Writer of The Ramayana , one of the most popular books of India and of 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 treaties on how a State should function.

In this it 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 his works they include short stories, essays and translations. He is the author of works recognized as Panch Parameshvar, Igah Y Sevasadan

5- RK Narayan

He stood out for writing fiction and nonfiction books, among which stand out: Swami and his friends, Hamish Hamilton, The dark room Y Waiting for Mahatma.

6- Rabindranath Tagore

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

He was the author of titles such as The king and the queen, The new moon or Harvest . Thanks to his works he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.

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