The BHDC 101: Hindi Sahitya ka Itihas (Riti Kaal tak) assignment offers a comprehensive understanding of the history of Hindi literature, focusing on its development up to the Riti Kaal period. Hindi literature has evolved over centuries, reflecting the cultural, social, and political shifts that shaped Indian society. The assignment traces the journey of Hindi literature from its early stages to the Riti Kaal, examining the major literary movements, prominent authors, and their contributions.

In the early period of Hindi literature, significant religious and philosophical movements like Bhakti and Sant literature laid the foundation for subsequent literary expressions. Bhakti literature, primarily devotional, focused on the relationship between the individual and God. Prominent figures like Kabir, Tulsidas, and Surdas were central to the development of Bhakti poetry. Tulsidas’s “Ramcharitmanas” and Surdas’s devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna are explored in detail in this assignment, highlighting their lyrical beauty and spiritual depth. Their works marked a turning point in Hindi literature, making it accessible to the masses and expressing the emotional devotion to the divine.

The Sant literature movement, represented by poets like Kabir and Guru Nanak, was equally influential. Kabir’s poetry, often written in the form of couplets or dohe, critiqued social norms and religious orthodoxy, while also focusing on spiritual liberation. The exploration of Kabir's unique poetic style and his ideas on unity and equality forms a key part of this section. Similarly, Guru Nanak’s hymns, which formed the foundation of Sikhism, are analyzed for their literary and philosophical significance.

Following the Bhakti and Sant movements, the Riti Kaal period emerged as a defining era in Hindi literature, marked by a shift in poetic form and content. Riti Kaal literature, which spanned from the 17th to the 19th century, was characterized by a focus on courtly love, adulation of kings, and the use of highly ornate, artificial language. The literature of this period often revolved around the themes of Rasa (aesthetic experience), beauty, and the expression of emotions through stylized language. Prominent poets of this period, such as Bihari, Keshavdas, and Raja Shiv Singh, are discussed in this section, with an emphasis on their distinctive poetic styles and contributions to the development of Mahakavya (epic poetry) and Riti Shaili (style of writing).

Bihari’s famous work, “Bihari Satsai”, a collection of saatak (couplets), stands as one of the most significant literary achievements of the Riti Kaal period. His intricate use of alankar (figures of speech) and his exploration of Vernacular Hindi set new standards in the field of poetry. The “Riti Kaal” section of the assignment focuses on the usage of intricate poetic devices, including upma (metaphor), rupak (simile), and anvay (syntax). It also discusses how the poets of this period were influenced by Persian and Mughal court culture, and how this influenced the development of formal poetry in Hindi.

Additionally, this assignment delves into the evolution of Hindi prose during this time. Early prose works were influenced by the classical Sanskrit tradition, but the rise of Hindi as a spoken language led to the growth of prose in vernacular Hindi. Writers like Braj Bhasha poets and Madhav Prasad are studied for their contributions to prose literature, and the transition from poetry to prose in Hindi literature is explored in detail.

The Riti Kaal is an essential period in the history of Hindi literature as it set the stage for the modern development of the language. The assignment not only provides historical context but also encourages students to critically engage with the themes, styles, and philosophies of the authors discussed.

For students who prefer a more personalized approach, a custom handwritten assignment option is available. These assignments offer a more individualized experience with greater attention to detail, which helps enhance understanding.

This assignment strictly adheres to IGNOU guidelines and provides comprehensive insights into the history of Hindi literature, helping students gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of Hindi writing.