CELEBRATING THE LITERARY HISTORIAN : HAZARI PRASAD DWIVEDI

By Anshika Khera

Hazari Prasad Dwivedi was a renowned Hindi writer, essayist, critic, and scholar, whose contribution to Hindi literature is immense. He was born on 19 August 1907 in Dubey ka Chhapra, Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. Dwivedi is best remembered for his scholarly research on Hindi literature and his unique ability to blend tradition with modern thought. He had a deep understanding of Indian culture, philosophy, and history, which reflected in his writings.

His famous works include Banabhatta ki Atmakatha, Alok Parva, Anamdas ka Potha, and Ashok ke Phool. Among these, Banabhatta ki Atmakatha is considered a landmark novel in Hindi prose, presenting historical themes with creative imagination. As a critic, Dwivedi emphasized the importance of cultural roots and spiritual values in literature. His essays on medieval saint poets like Kabir, Surdas, and Narsinh Mehta revealed his mastery of literary analysis and philosophical depth.

Dwivedi also served as a professor and later director at the Hindi Department of Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, where he influenced many students with his erudition. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1957 for his services to literature. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi remains a towering figure who enriched Hindi literature with intellectual depth and cultural vision.