Modern Literature: Important Languages

Introduction

Modern literature, spanning the late 19th to the early 21st century, reflects the complexities of the modern world through diverse genres, styles, and voices. It captures the essence of human experience amidst social, cultural, and technological transformations.

Modern Literature Across Indian Languages

Hindi Literature:

Bengali Literature

• Many ancient and medieval literature in Bengali, like the Mangal Kavyas and Modern Literature, existed before the nineteenth century, but it had not been widely published.

Rajasthani Literature

•  Various dialects characterised medieval Rajasthani literature and have two primary forms of fictional writing: 
  • Dingal 
  • Pingal
• The tales of Rajasthan were frequently transmitted orally and by bards performing Virkavya, or triumphant poetry songs.

Kashmiri Literature

• During the early medieval period, as the Bhakti movement thrived, the Kashmiri language with modern literature saw the emergence of its first female poetess, Lal Ded, a Shaivite mystic.

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Punjabi Literature

• Punjabi literature was primarily composed in two major scripts: Persian and Gurmukhi.
• Guru Gobind Singh had written poetry in Punjabi called Savaiye.
• Local Punjabi literature focused on love stories and epics, such as Sohni-Mahiwal, Sassi-Punnu by Hashim Shah, and Heer-Ranjha by Waris Shah.
• Baba Farid and Bulley Shah’s Sufi poetry, known as Kafis, became well-liked by the populace and rulers through popular singing.
• Modern Punjabi literature was influenced by nationalistic writing, exemplified by Bhagat Singh’s legendary work Rang de Basanti Chola.

Marathi Literature

• The oldest known Marathi work dates back to the 13th century, by Saint Jnaneshwar, who had initiated Kirtan and written a detailed commentary on the Bhagvata Gita.
• Janabai, a female writer from the 13th-14th century, is the earliest known female Marathi writer.
• Eknath, a famous saint from the 16th century, wrote commentaries on Bhagwata Purana and Ramayana and composed famous vernacular works.
• During the nationalist movement, Bal Gangadhar Tilak published the regional newspaper Kesari in Marathi.

Conclusion

• Modern literature mirrors the multifaceted nature of contemporary society, offering insights into human emotions, struggles, and aspirations. 
  • Through its exploration of diverse themes and perspectives, it continues to provoke thought, inspire empathy, and enrich the cultural landscape.