Seven Awesome Hindi Authors That You Must Read

First of all a question, why am I writing a blog about top Hindi Writers in another language?

Because many of us (Pratilipi readers) are much more comfortable with reading English than with our native lanugage (in this case Hindi). We have read Shakespeare, Milton and George R.R. Martin but we are not much aware of the people who wrote as well -or even better- in our own languages. This posts lists out Seven such classical writers in Hindi, so go grab a cuppa chai and read them.

We promise you that you will enjoy it as much as you ever enjoyed reading anyone.

1.> Munshi Premchand: Arguably the most read Hindi writer of all time -discounting religious texts-. Premchand was an incredible story teller, whose stories are as relevant now as they were when he first wrote them. He has written over 200 stories including 'Do baillon ki katha', 'Namak ka daroga' and 'Eidgah', he has also written over a dozen popular novels including 'Gaban', 'Godan' and 'Nirmala'

2.> Acharya Chatursen Shastri: A prolific writer, an ayurvedacharya, a linguist and a philosopher Acharya Chatursen Shastri has written over 70 published books, over 250 short stories and many essays. Some of his most famous books include Dharamputra, Vaishali ki Nagarvadhu and Aparajita.

3.> Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala': Often called 'Mahapran Nirala', he is the one writer / poet who is revered by almost every Hindi writer. Nirala's own life was one long tragedy but his works have given hope and peace to millions of his readers. Being a life long fan, I may be biased but I think he is one of the most extraordinary writers of all langages and times. Some of his best works include 'Saroj Smriti' (Poetry), 'Ram Ki Shakti Puja' (Poetry), 'Nirupama' (Novel), 'Chhaturi Chamar' (Story Collection), 'Sukul ki Biwi' (Story Collection) and 'Kullibhat' (Prose).

4.> Ramdhari Singh Dinkar: Perhaps the most famous poet of Veer Rasa (the songs of valour) in Hindi literature, Dinkar has penned lines which have moved millions of people during and after India's independence movement. 'Kurukshetra', 'Rashmirathi', 'Urvashi' and 'Parashuram ki Pratigya' are four of his works that every reader must read.

5.> Jayshankar Prasad: He studied only till class 8'th and yet his writing is often taught in various post-graduate and post-doctoral courses. Equally adept at writing various forms of poetry and prose, Prasad is most famous for his incredible book 'Kamayani' and has written many poems, articles, essays and stories. Some of my personal favorites include 'Chota Jadugar', 'Noori', and 'Gunda'

6.> Devkinandan Khatri; Babu Devkinandan Khatri got more adulation and popularity by his one book -Chandrakanta- than most writers get in their entire lives. One of the earliest modern hindi novels (and possibly the first in mystery novel category) Chandrakanta was so famous than many learned Hindi language just to be able to read it. His other notable works include 'Chandrakanta Santati', 'Katora Bhar Khoon' and 'Gupt Godna'.

7.> Harivansh Rai Bacchhan: मिट्टी का तन, मस्ती का मन, क्षण भर जीवन, मेरा परिचय. You may not know about Harivansh Rai Bacchhan, but you almost certainly know his son and his most famous poem -Madhushala- And if you loved Madhushala you must read more of Bacchhan sahab particularly 'Nisha Nimantran', 'Madhukalash', 'Buddha aur Naachghar' and 'Aatmparichai'.

Who are your favorite Hindi writers? Let me know at [email protected] and I will update the list with the three writers who get the most votes.