Rajasthani Classical Literature (Ancient & Medieval)

1. Origin and Development Stages

The development of Rajasthani language from the Vedic period followed these major phases:

• Gujar Apabhramsa (11th-13th c.): Early roots after the disintegration of Prakrit.
• Old Rajasthani (13th-15th c.): Used primarily by Jain scholars and early Charan poets.
• Medieval Rajasthani (15th-18th c.): The 'Golden Age' of Dingal, Pingal, and Saint literature.
• Modern Rajasthani (18th c.-Present): Evolution towards modern social themes.

2. International Scholars and Researchers

• L.P. Tessitori (Italy): Conducted extensive research on Dingal at Bikaner. He was the first to classify Rajasthani into Western and Eastern styles.
• George Abraham Grierson: In the 'Linguistic Survey of India' (1908), he coined the term 'Rajasthani' for the region's dialects and gave a scientific classification.
• James Tod: Documented numerous heroic legends and historical poems in his 'Annals and Antiquities'.

3. Introduction to Literary Styles

A. Dingal (डिंगल)

• Origin: Based on Marwari (Western Rajasthan).
• Characteristics: Harsh sounds, martial spirit (Veer Ras), and heroic grandiosity.
• Usage: Primarily used by the Charan bards.

B. Pingal (पिंगल)

• Origin: Based on Braj Bhasha (Eastern Rajasthan influence).
• Characteristics: Melodic, sweet, focused on Shringar Ras (romance) and Bhakti.
• Usage: Primarily used by the Bhatt poets.

4. Major Classifications

A. Charan Sahitya (चारण साहित्य)

• Prithviraj Raso: By Chand Bardai. Biography of Prithviraj Chauhan III.
• Bisaldev Raso: By Narpati Nalha. Romantic story of Vigraharaj IV.
• Khumman Raso: By Dalpat Vijay. History of Mewar's Guhil dynasty.
• Hammir Raso: By Jodhraj. Legend of Hammir Dev Chauhan.

B. Jain Sahitya (जैन साहित्य)

• Bharteshwar Bahubali Ghor: By Vajrasen Suri (c. 1168 AD). Oldest known work.
• Kuvlaymala: By Udyotan Suri (778 AD). First mention of "Maru Bhasha".

C. Saint Sahitya (संत साहित्य)

• Meera Bai: Famous for 'Padavali' (Marwari-Braj mix).
• Dadu Dayal: 'Kabir of Rajasthan'. Works in 'Dadu ra Duha'.

5. Detailed Literary Genres (Forms)

• Veli (वेलि): Historical narrative poems. Veli Krishan Rukmani ri is called the '5th Veda'.
• Marsiya (मरसिया): Elegies written to mourn the death of heroes.
• Davavet (दवावैत): Rhythmic prose with Arabic/Persian influence, used for royal praise.
• Nisani (निसानी): Religious/philosophical poems regarding spiritual truths.
• Jhulna (झूलना): Devotional poetic metre (e.g., Amar Singh Rathore ra Jhulna).
• Khyat (ख्यात): Chronological dynastic histories (e.g., Nainsi ri Khyat).
• Vachnika (वचनिका): Rhythmic prose describing battles (e.g., Achaldas Khichi ri Vachnika).