Haryanvi Literature

Overview

Haryanvi literature holds a special place in the HTET examination as it reflects the cultural identity and linguistic heritage of Haryana. Questions from this topic typically appear in the Haryana General Knowledge section across all three levels (PRT, TGT, PGT). The emphasis is on recognising key literary figures, their major works, literary forms, and the distinctive features of folk literature.

The two towering figures in Haryanvi literary tradition are Pandit Lakhmi Chand (the father of modern Haryanvi folk theatre) and Surdas of Haryana (distinct from the Braj Bhasha poet). Beyond these personalities, candidates must understand the broader tradition of folk literature including Saang, Ragini, Kissa, and oral poetry that has shaped Haryanvi cultural expression for centuries.

Mastering this topic requires memorising names, works, and their cultural significance rather than deep textual analysis. Expect 2–4 direct factual questions on literary figures and folk forms.

Key Concepts

• **Pandit Lakhmi Chand (1903–1945)** is called the "Surya of Haryanvi Saang" and "Shakespeare of Haryana." He revolutionised the Saang tradition by introducing social themes, refined dialogues, and musical sophistication. Born in village Janti Kalan, district Sonipat.

• **Saang** is the most important folk theatre form of Haryana—a musical drama performed in open spaces combining singing, acting, and dance. Traditionally performed by all-male troupes with men playing female roles.

• **Ragini** is the poetic-musical form used in Saang performances. Pandit Lakhmi Chand composed over 1,000 raginis. These are sung in specific ragas and form the backbone of Haryanvi musical literature.

• **Haryanvi Surdas** (16th century) was a blind poet from village Sihi (Faridabad district), distinct from the famous Braj Bhasha Surdas. He composed devotional poetry in Haryanvi dialect and is associated with Krishna bhakti tradition.

• **Kissa** is a narrative folk poetry form depicting stories of love, valour, and tragedy. Popular kissas include Heer-Ranjha, Mirza-Sahiban, and regional tales of Haryanvi heroes.

• **Folk literature of Haryana** is predominantly oral, transmitted through generations via singing, storytelling, and theatrical performances. It includes wedding songs (banna-banni), festival songs, and ballads of local heroes.

• **Baat/Kahani tradition** refers to folk tales and proverbs (lokoktiyan) that carry moral lessons and reflect rural Haryanvi life, values, and wisdom.

Key Facts

| Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Pandit Lakhmi Chand's birth | 1903, Janti Kalan, Sonipat | | Pandit Lakhmi Chand's death | 1945 (aged 42) | | Title given to Lakhmi Chand | Surya of Haryanvi Saang, Shakespeare of Haryana | | Famous Saangs by Lakhmi Chand | Padmavat, Heer-Ranjha, Satyavan-Savitri, Puran Bhagat, Shahi Lakadhara, Nautanki | | Haryanvi Surdas's village | Sihi, Faridabad district | | Haryanvi Surdas's period | 16th century | | Major folk theatre form | Saang | | Musical poetry form | Ragini | | Narrative poetry form | Kissa | | Other notable Saang artists | Mange Ram, Deen Dayalu, Ali Baksh |