Medieval literature encompasses a diverse and rich tapestry of literary traditions that thrived during the medieval period. It reflects the vibrant linguistic and cultural tapestry of the Indian subcontinent during this epoch. The medieval era witnessed the confluence of multiple literary trends and the emergence of distinct languages and dialects that would later influence the course of Indian literature.
The Influence of Prakrit and the Birth of Vernacular Languages
- Around 1000 A.D., the influence of Prakrit became more pronounced, eventually giving rise to Apabhramsa. This linguistic transformation marked the transition from classical languages to modern vernaculars.
- The medieval period saw the crystallization of languages like Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi, each shaped by its regional, linguistic, and ethnic environment.
- Persian, brought by Turks and Mongols in the 12th century, became the language of the court and played a pivotal role in shaping the literary landscape.
Persian Literature: Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Courts
- Persian, with its ancient roots, entered India with the Turks and Mongols in the 12th century.
- Amir Khusrau Dehlavi, a prominent Persian poet, left an indelible mark with his works like the 'Diwan,' 'Nuh Sipihr,' and the tragic love poem 'Masnavi Duwal Rani Khizr Khan.
- Historians like Zia-ud din Barani and Minhajus-Siraj chronicled the era, shedding light on the socio-political dynamics.
- The Mughal era heralded an explosion of Persian literature. Notable works include 'Tuzuk-I-Babari,' the autobiography of Babar, and 'Ain-e Akbari' and 'Akbarnama' by Abul Fazl.
- The translation of Sanskrit texts into Persian, such as the 'Razmnama,' brought two literary worlds together.
- Notable works from this era include 'Hamzanama,' 'Padmavat' by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, and contributions from Badauni and Faizi.
- Shah Jahan's reign saw the creation of texts like 'Shah Jahan-nama' by Inayat Khan.
- Satirists, including Mir Jafar Zatalli, penned their 'Kulliyat' during Aurangzeb's time.
- 'Tabaqat-i-Alamgiri' is a valuable source for understanding the eighteenth century, and 'Padshahnama' by Abdul Hamid Lahori is a notable story about Shah Jahan.
The Evolution of Urdu Literature:
- Urdu, believed to have originated in Turkish army barracks through the fusion of Persian and Hindi, was still in its infancy during this period.
- Early Urdu works by Amir Khusrau and the influence of Persian on the language set the stage for its future development.
- Poets like Mirza Ghalib, Sauda, Dard, and Mir Taqi Mir contributed significantly to Urdu literature.
- Visionaries like Iqbal, the author of 'Bang-i-Dara,' left an indelible mark with his nationalistic anthem, 'Saare Jahan se achcha.'
- The Nawabs of Awadh were patrons of Urdu literature, and Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan brought new life to the language in the twentieth century.
Hindi Literature:
- Hindi, born from Apabhramsa, flourished between the seventh and fourteenth centuries.
- The Bhakti movement played a pivotal role in shaping Hindi literature, as it championed the use of the language of the common people.
- Notable works include 'Prithviraj Raso,' documenting the life of Prithviraj Chauhan.
- Bhakti poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas, Rahim, Bhushan, and Raskhan composed devotional verses with themes centered around Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
- Mirabai, the iconic devotee of Lord Krishna, expressed her devotion through Bhakti poetry.
- The works of Satsai from Bihar and other poets contributed to the diverse landscape of Hindi literature.
Medieval literature in the Indian subcontinent is an intricate tapestry of linguistic diversity and cultural expression. From Persian poetry to the evolution of Urdu and the emergence of vernacular languages like Hindi, this period laid the foundation for the vibrant literary traditions that continue to captivate readers to this day.
