For All the Hindi Sahitya Lovers: Books by Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Harivansh Rai Shrivastav, or what we famously know him as Harivansh Rai Bachchan was one of the greatest writers and poets India has ever had. Born in a Hindu Srivastava Kayastha community, he got the name 'Bachchan’ because of his child-like ways, which he later adopted as his pen name replacing his original surname. With this pen name, he became one of the most prolific Hindi-language poets and writers of the Nayi Kavita literary movement of early 20th-century Hindi literature. In this period he gave us some of his best works and this article talks about some of the best books written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. 

Madhushala 

Even if you don’t read Hindi literature, you might have definitely heard about Madhushala; one of the finest creations of Harivansh Rai; a book of 135 verses of four lines. Madhushala is a Sanskrit word for a place where Madhu (Honey) or Madira (Wine) is available. The poem shows traces of the Persian Sufi style and is patterned, to some extent, on the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Bachchan has translated the Rubaiyat into Hindi and has acknowledged the Persian influence in his work. 

Milan Yamini 

Milani Yamini is a book with 99 poems divided into three parts of 33 each. It is placed in the beautiful backdrop of Dharamshala, where on one side the snow-clad Dhawalidhar mountain range stands and on the other side is the fertile valley of Kangra, irrigated and resounding with many mountains, streams and waterfalls, on whose southern border the river Beas appears like a line of milk in the distance. Harivansh has tried to keep the poems in a particular cast in the first and third parts, whereas there are no such restrictions in the second part. 

Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon 

An autobiography for which Harivansh Rai Bachchan received one of the highest awards in Indian literature - 'Saraswati Samman' is a classic book divided into four parts: "Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon", "Neer Ka Nirmaan Phir", "Basere Se Door" and "'Dash Dwaar' Se 'Sopan' Tak". This is a powerful epic, which not only narrates the story of his life and the undercurrent of poetry but also presents an analysis of the literary scenario after the Chhayavadi era. Undoubtedly, this autobiography is a milestone in the journey of Hindi literature. 

Jala Sameta 

Jala Sameta is a collection of Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poems that embody his profound thoughts and feelings. This book explores themes of life's transience, the beauty of nature, and human emotions. The verses are written in Bachchan's distinctive lyrical style, making the collection deeply resonant for readers who appreciate introspective and evocative poetry.

Nisha Nimantran

Nisha Nimantran translates to "Invitation to the Night". This lyrical collection is filled with poems reflecting the beauty of the night, the mysteries it holds, and the emotions it evokes. It showcases his ability to weave romanticism with philosophical undertones.

Aakul Antar

This collection of poetry reflects Bachchan's introspections on life, death, and the eternal questions of existence. The poems are deeply personal yet universally relatable, making them a favourite among readers.

Pranay Patrika

In this book, Harivansh Rai Bachchan explores themes of love, longing, and relationships. The poems are a testament to his emotional depth and the timeless nature of his insights on human bonds.