Mahadevi Varma

Mahadevi Varma (26 March 1907 – 11 September 1987) was an Indian Hindi-language poet, essayist and short-story writer. As a prominent figure of Hindi literature, she is regarded as one of the four major pillarsTemplate:Efn of the Chhayavadi era.Template:Sfn

Between 1930 and 1988, Varma published eight collections of poetry, along with several books, containing her essays, speeches, and other prose work. Her work depicts her experiences before and after the decleration of Indian independence, as well as her own experience as a social reformer, primarily in the cause of women's liberation.

Varma has been described as the modern Meera.<ref>Template:Cite web Archived from the original Template:Webarchive on 21 September 2007</ref> Poet Nirālā once called her "Saraswati in the vast temple of Hindi Literature".Template:Efn<ref>Template:Cite web Archived from the original Template:Webarchive on 22 September 2007</ref>

She developed a soft vocabulary in the Hindi poetry of Khadi Boli, which previously was considered possible only in Braj Bhasha. She was also well-versed in music, with her songs characterized by a tone that conveyed sharp expressions, in a nuanced and euphemistic style.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

She started her career as a teacher and went on to become the principal of Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth. Varma chose to live an ascetic life,<ref name="a">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web Archived from the original Template:Webarchive on 17 May 2006</ref> despite being married. She was also a painter and translator. She went onto also receive all the major awards in Hindi literature.

As the most celebrated female writer of the last century, she remains highly revered.<ref>Vasistha, R.K. (2002). Uttar Pradesh (Monthly Magazine) Issue 7. Lucknow, India: Information and Public Relations Department, U.P. Page 24.</ref> Her centenary was celebrated in 2007. In 2018, Google honoured her with a Google Doodle.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Life and education

Early life

Varma was born on 26 March 1907Template:Sfn in a Hindu Chitraguptavanshi Kayastha<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> family from Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Her father, Govind Prasad Varma, was a college professor in Bhagalpur. Her mother, Hem Rani Devi, was a vegetarian and a religious woman, with a keen interest in music.Template:Sfn Varma's mother spent hours reciting Ramayana, Gita and Vinay Patrika. Her father was a scholar, music lover, atheist, and hunting enthusiast. Sumitranandan Pant and Suryakant Tripathi, known as "Nirālā", were close friends of Mahadevi Varma.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is said that Varma tied Rakhi to Nirālā for 40 years.Template:Sfn

Education

Varma was originally admitted to a Convent school, but upon her insistence and objection, she was admitted to Crosthwaite Girls College in Prayagraj (then Allahabad).<ref name="a" /> According to Varma, she learned the strength of unity while staying in the hostel at Crosthwaite, where students of different religions lived together. At first, she started to write poems disecreetly. However, it was her roommate and senior, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (known in the school for writing poems), who discovered her hidden stash of poems eventually exposing Varma's hidden talent.Template:Sfn

She and Subhadra would also send poems to various publications, including weekly magazines, and managed to get some of their poems published. The budding poets also attended poetry seminars, where they met eminent Hindi poets and read their poems to the audience. This partnership continued until Subhadra graduated from Crosthwaite.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In her childhood biography, Mere Bachpan Ke Din (My Childhood Days),<ref name="MVerma">Template:Cite news</ref> Varma wrote that she was very fortunate to be born into a liberal family, especially at a time when girls were considered a burden to their families. Her grandfather reportedly had the ambition of making her a scholar, although he insisted that she follow the tradition and marry at the age of 9.<ref name="Book">Template:Cite book</ref> Her mother was fluent in both Sanskrit and Hindi and was strongly committed to her faith. Varma credits her mother for inspiring her to write poems and take an interest in literature.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Married as a child, Varma was expected to live with her husband after graduating in 1929, but she refusedTemplate:Sfn as she found his hunting and meat-eating habits offensive.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Her remorseful father offered to convert along with her if she wanted to divorce and remarry (since Hindus could not legally divorce at the time), but she declined, insisting she wanted to remain single.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> She even tried, unsuccessfully, to convince her husband to remarry.<ref name="Book" /> Later, she reportedly considered becoming a Buddhist nun but decided against it, though she studied Buddhist Pali and Prakrit texts for her master's degree.<ref name="Book" />

Professional career

Literary

Nihar was her debut collection of poems. She composed Nihar in 1930,<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref> Rashmi in 1932,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and Neerja in 1933.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref> In 1936, a collection of her poems titled Sandhya Geet<ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref> was published. In 1939, four poetry collections were published with their respective artworks under the title Yāmā.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Apart from these, she also wrote memoirs and essays, with Mera Parivar (My Family), Smriti ki Rekhaye (Sketches from memory), Path ke Sathi (Path's Companions), Shrinkhala ki Kariyan (Series of Links), and Ateet ke Chalchitra (Scenes from Past) being prominent among them.

Women's advocacy

File:Mahadevi Varma receiving the Gyanpeeth Award.jpg

Mahadevi Varma (on right) receiving the Jnanpith Award from then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1982

Varma is also considered among the pioneers of feminism in India.<ref>Template:Cite webArchived from the on 28 September 2007</ref> Her career had always revolved around writing, editing, and teaching, all of which significantly contributed to the development of Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth in Allahabad.<ref name="a" /> This kind of responsibility was considered a revolutionary step in the field of women's education at the time. She also worked as a school principal.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1923, she took over Chand, the women's leading magazine. In the year 1955, Varma established the Literary Parliament in Allahabad with the help of Ilachandra Joshi and eventually took up the editorship of its publication. She laid the foundation for women poets' conferences in India.<ref>Varma, Mahadevi (May 1933) Sudha (Monthly Magazine). Lucknow.</ref> Mahadevi was greatly influenced by Buddhism. Under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, she took up public service and worked in Jhansi in support of the Indian freedom struggle.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In 1937, Mahadevi Varma built a house in the village of Umagarh, Ramgarh, Uttarakhand, 25 km from Nainital. She named it Meera Temple. She started working for the people of the village and their education. She dedicated herself to women's education and their economic self-sufficiency. Today, this bungalow is known as the Mahadevi Sahitya Museum.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Through sustained efforts, she fostered courage and determination in supporting women's liberation and development.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Her strong condemnation of social stereotypes earned her recognition as a women's rights advocate.<ref>Template:Cite web Archived from the original Template:Webarchive on 19 October 2002</ref> She had also been called a social reformer due to her development work and public service towards women and their education.Template:Sfn Throughout her creations, there are no visions of pain or anguish anywhere, but the indomitable creative fury reflected in the society's desire for change and an innate attachment towards development.Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite web Archived from the original Template:Webarchive on 16 March 2007</ref>

In Hindu, Stree Ka Patnitva (The Wifehood of Hindu Women) marriage is compared to slavery. She writes that, without affiliation to any political or financial authority, women are relegated to roles as wives and mothers. Her feminism is often overshadowed by her poetic persona. Through poems like Cha, she explores themes and ideas of female sexuality, while her short stories, such as Biblia, discuss the subject of experiences of women's physical and mental abuse.Template:Sfn

She spent most of her life in Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. She died in Allahabad on 11 September 1987.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Works

Varma was a poet as well as a distinguished prose and story writer. Her works are as listed below:

Poetry

• Nihar<ref name=":0" /> (1930)
• Rashmi<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (1932)
• Neerja<ref name=":1" /> (1933)
• Sandhyageet<ref name=":2" /> (1935)
• Deepshikha<ref name=":3">Template:Cite book</ref> (1942)
• Pratham Ayam<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (1949)
• Saptaparna<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (1959)
• Agni Rekha<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (1988)

Template:Div col end Several other poetic collections of Mahadevi Varma have also been published, in which selected songs from the above compositions have been compiled.

Prose

List of selected prose works includes

• Shrinkhala ki Kadiyan (1942)
• Smriti ki Rekhaye (1943)
• Sansmaran (1943)
• Sambhasan (1949)
• Path ke Sathi (1956)
• Skandha (1956)
• Ateet Ke Chalchitra (1961)
• Mera Parivar (1972)
• Vivechamanak Gadya (1972)
• Himalaya (1973)
• Meera Aur Meera (1975) : A collection of speeches on Meerabai.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Others

Two compilations of children's poems of Mahadevi Varma are

• Thakurji Bhole Hai<ref name="child">Template:Cite book</ref>
• Aaj Kharidenge hum Jwala<ref name="child" />

Critical analysis

Mahadevi Varma's poetry has often been interpreted as deeply personal, especially in its exploration of emotional themes such as pain, longing, compassion, and spiritual yearning. While many critics have praised the emotive power and lyrical depth of her work, others have questioned the authenticity of her emotional expression.

One such critic, the moralist Ramchandra Shukla, expressed skepticism about the reality of her poetic anguish. He noted:

In contrast, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi viewed Varma's poetry as a collective reflection of human emotion. He argued that her poetic pain was not confined to individual sorrow, but symbolized universal experiences.

Poems such as Deep (from Nihar), Madhur Madhur Mere Deepak Jal (from Neerja), and Mome Sa Tan Gal Hai, are frequently cited as representative of Varma's introspective and reflective tone. These works, while sometimes seen as self-centered, also align with the aesthetic and thematic concerns of the Chhayavaad (Shadowism) literary movement.

Literary scholar Satya Prakash Mishra offered a philosophical reading of Varma's role in redefining Chhayavaad:

American novelist and translator David Rubin praised her distinctive poetic voice and technical finesse:

Writer and critic Prabhakar Shrotriya rejected the notion that Mahadevi Varma should be seen solely as a poet of sorrow and despair. He wrote:

In the scholarly paper Ethical Literary Criticism of the Pain Emotion in Mahadevi Varma's Poetry, researcher Li Yalan examined how critics have interpreted Varma's recurrent focus on suffering. While acknowledging the spiritual and metaphysical tone of her poetry, Li noted that many critics view her portrayal of pain as more symbolic or lyrical than literal. Some also argue that her melancholic tone feels somewhat anachronistic or disconnected from the historical realities of her time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Despite these debates, Mahadevi Varma remained deeply engaged with the social and political issues of her time. During the Bengal famine of 1943, she published a poetry collection that included the piece Banga Bhu Shanth Vandana.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Similarly, in response to the Sino-Indian War, she edited a patriotic poetry collection titled Himalaya.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Honors and awards

Honorary postal stamp released in 1991

• 1956: Padma Bhushan<ref name="PadmaAwards">Template:Cite web</ref>
• 1979: Sahitya Akademi Fellowship<ref name="honour">Template:Cite news</ref>
• 1982: Jnanpith Award for her poetry collection Yāmā.<ref name="honour" />
• 1988: Padma Vibhushan<ref name="PadmaAwards" /><ref name="Book" />

In 1979, the Indian filmmaker Mrinal Sen produced a Bengali film on her memoir Woh Chini Bhai (The Chinese Brothers),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> titled Neel Akasher Neechey.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 14 September 1991, the Postal Department of the Government of India, issued a doubles stamp of Template:INR2 honoring her and Jaishankar Prasad.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Literary contributions

Mahadevi Varma (bottom row, third from left), along with Hazari Prasad Dwivedi and others

The emergence of Mahadevi Varma in literature happened at a time when the shape of Khadi Boli was being refined. She introduced Braj bhasha softness to Hindi poetry. She developed a repertoire of songs reflecting her heartfelt acceptance of Indian philosophy. By which, she became an influential figure in language, literature, and philosophy, all of which later influenced an entire generation. Varma created a unique rhythm and simplicity within the composition and language of her songs, as well as the natural use of symbols and images that, draw a picture in the mind of the reader.<ref>Paliwal, Krishnadatta (2007). आजकल (monthly magazine). CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003: Publications Division, Information Bhawan. Page 15</ref> Her contribution to the prosperity of Chhayavadi poetry is significant; while Jaishankar Prasad gave naturalization to the Chhayavadi poetry, Suryakant Tripathi Nirālā embodied the liberation in it and Sumitranandan Pant brought the art of delicateness, Varma embodied life in the Chhayavadi poetry. The most prominent features of her poetry are emotionalism and intensity of feeling. A such, lively and tangible manifestation of the subtle expressions of the heart, makes "Varma" among the best Chhayavadi poets.<ref>Vanzpe, Prof. Shubhada (2006). Pushpak (Semi-Annual Magazine) Issue-6. Hyderabad, India: Kadambini Club. Page 113.</ref> She is remembered with respect for her speeches in Hindi. Her speeches were full of compassion for the common man and firm in the truth. At the 3rd World Hindi Conference held in Delhi in 1983, she was the chief guest of the closing ceremony.<ref>Template:Cite web Archived from the original Template:Webarchive on 8 October 2007</ref>

Apart from her original creations, she was also a creative translator, with works such as, her translation of Saptaparna (1980). With the help of her cultural consciousness, she presented 39 selected important pieces of Hindi poetry in her work, by establishing the identity of Vedas, Ramayana, Theragatha and the works of Ashwaghosh, Kalidas, Bhavabhuti, and Jayadeva. In the beginning, in the 61-page Apna Baat, she gives thorough research on this invaluable heritage of Indian wisdom and literature, enriching the overall thinking and fine writing of Hindi, not just limited to female writing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Works in English translation

Many of Mahadevi Varma’s work — particularly prose writings — have been translated into English, both in full volumes as well as anthologies.

Prose translations

• A Pilgrimage to the Himalayas and Other Silhouettes from Memory (1975), translation of Smriti ki Rekhayen by Radhika Prasad Srivastava and Lillian Srivastava. This work was included in the Indian series of UNESCO Collection of Representative Works.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Sketches from My Past: Encounters with India’s Oppressed (1994), selections from Ateet ke Chalchitra, translated by Neera Kuckreja Sohoni, published by Northeastern University Press.Template:Sfn
• Links in the Chain (2003), translation of Shrinkhala ki Kadiyan by Neera Kuckreja Sohoni, a collection of Varma’s essays on Indian women.<ref>Template:Cite book

</ref>

• My Family (2021), translation of Mera Parivar by Ruth Vanita published by Penguin India.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Political Essays on Women, Culture, and Nation (2010), edited by Anita Anantharam (Cambria Press), comprising major political essays and selected poems translated by various scholars.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Poetry translations

Translations of Mahadevi Varma’s poetry have appeared in a few editions. Selected Poems: Mahadevi Varma (1987), translated by L.S. Sinha, was among the earliest stand-alone English editions of her poems.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> David Rubin included substantial selections of her work in The Return of Sarasvati: Four Hindi Poets (1998) and in Of Love and War: A Chhayavad Anthology (2005).<ref name="Book"/><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Beyond these, a few poems have been translated into various journals. Notable appearances include The Illustrated Weekly of India, Hindi Review (the English organ of the Nagari Pracharini Sabha), Indian Literature published by the Sahitya Akademi, and Modern Indian Literature: An Anthology edited by K.M. George.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book </ref>

See also

• Chhayavaad
• Jaishankar Prasad
• Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirālā'
• Sumitranandan Pant

References

Sources

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Further reading

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External links

• Mahadevi Varma Jivan Parichay (Hindi Jivan Parichay)
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• Mahadevi Varma at Kavita Kosh Template:Webarchive (Hindi)
• Mahadevi Varma at Anubhuti
• Mahadevi Varma | Kavishala Sootradhar