Hindi Gadya Nirman

This is a summary of the Hindi text "हिन्दी गद्य निर्माण" (Hindi Prose Composition), edited by Lakshmidhar Vajpai and published by Hindi Sahitya Sammelan Prayag. The provided text is the seventh edition.

The book is a compilation of prose essays by various prominent Hindi writers, aiming to showcase the development and diversity of Hindi prose style. The editor, Lakshmidhar Vajpai, presents this collection with the intention of providing young students with a scientific and stylistic understanding of Hindi prose, based on its evolution.

The preface and introduction highlight the historical trajectory of Hindi prose:

• Early Beginnings: The text acknowledges Raja Shiv Prasad 'Sitare Hind' as a significant figure from whose time the construction of modern Hindi prose can be traced. However, it's noted that due to his position in the education department, he had to compromise with the Hindi-Urdu agreement, aiming for the widespread adoption of the Nagari script and Hindi language.
• Bhagavat's Contribution: Following Raja Shiv Prasad, Bhartendu Harishchandra is credited with stabilizing and solidifying Hindi prose. The Bhartendu era saw many talented prose writers who supported him, elevating Hindi prose through their dedication and efforts.
• Dwivedi Ji's Influence: Acharya Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi is recognized for his substantial contribution to refining Hindi prose. The text points out that while Bhartendu's contemporaries focused on their writing "passion" more than strict grammatical rules, Dwivedi Ji emphasized language and grammar refinement. He wrote in a formal Hindi style and, through his editorship of 'Saraswati' magazine, guided hundreds of new and old writers towards pure Hindi prose. Dwivedi Ji's movements through criticism, journalistic language, analytical reasoning, and poetic expression, significantly shaped modern Hindi prose. His efforts led to a more organized and broader style, making both analytical and expressive styles prominent.
• The Nature of Prose: The text emphasizes the difficulty of writing good prose, noting that it's considered a test for poets. Prose needs to be lively and natural, like spoken language, so that the writer's presence is felt by the reader. The author's personality ("style is the man himself") should be evident in their writing.
• Developing Individual Styles: The compilation aims to showcase the unique styles of various writers, each contributing to the overall development of Hindi prose. The collection includes essays by:
  • Raja Shiv Prasad 'Sitare Hind' (e.g., "Raja Bhoj ka Sapna" demonstrating pure Hindi, and "Kashmir" showing a mixed style)
  • Raja Lakshman Singh (e.g., "Shakuntala Natak" - a translation)
  • Bhartendu Harishchandra ("Vaishnavta aur Bharatvarsh")
  • Balakrishna Bhatt
  • Pandit Pratapnarayan Mishra
  • Upadhyay Badrinarayan Chaudhuri 'Premghan'
  • Babu Balmukund Gupta
  • Acharya Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi
  • Pandit Madhavprasad Mishra
  • Adhyapak Purnsingh Ji
  • Pandit Shyam Bihari Mishra & Pandit Shukdev Bihari Mishra
  • Babu Shyamsundar Das
  • Pandit Padamsinh Sharma
  • Pandit Ramchandra Shukla
  • Babu Purushottam Das Tandon
  • Shri Premchand Ji
  • Babu Jaishankar Prasad
  • Pandit Badri Nath Bhatt
  • Rai Krishnadas Ji
  • Shri Viyogi Hari Ji
  • Babu Shivpujan Sahay
  • Pandey Bechan Sharma 'Ugra'
  • Lakshmidhar Vajpai himself (e.g., "Sahitya aur Saundarya-Pradarshan")

The introduction delves into the evolution of Hindi language and literature, starting from Vedic language, its transition through Sanskrit and Prakrit, and finally the emergence of modern Hindi. It discusses the influence of various historical periods and cultural interactions on the shaping of prose.

The essays themselves cover a wide range of topics, from philosophical musings and historical accounts to literary criticism and social commentary, each presented in the distinctive style of its author. The collection aims to serve as a valuable resource for understanding the nuances of Hindi prose and its rich literary heritage.

In essence, "Hindi Gadya Nirman" is a curated anthology designed to educate and inspire readers, particularly students, by presenting exemplary works that illustrate the growth and stylistic variations within Hindi prose.