Mahadevi Varma: Early Life, Career, Notable Works, and Legacy

A luminary in the realm of Hindi literature, Mahadevi Varma (March 26, 1907 - September 11, 1987) was a celebrated poet, essayist, and short story writer. Her profound contributions to literature during the Chhayawadi period have earned her a place among the four major pillars of Hindi literature. Often referred to as the Modern Meera, she was also lauded as “Saraswati in the vast temple of Hindi Literature” by the eminent poet Nirala.

This article delves into the early life and notable works of Mahadevi Varma, including its relevance to the IAS Exam.

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About Mahadevi Varma

Mahadevi Varma was a renowned Indian poet, social worker, and freedom fighter. She was born on March 26, 1907, in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. She dedicated her life to the education and development of women. Varma is considered one of the foundational poets of the Chhayavad movement in Hindi literature. She is also a prominent figure in Hindi Kavi Sammelans.

Early Life and Education

Born in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, to a Hindu Brahmin family, Mahadevi Varma was the daughter of Govind Prasad Varma, a college lecturer, and Hem Rani Devi. Her mother was a spiritual, compassionate woman who instilled in young Mahadevi a love for music and spirituality, while her father was an erudite scholar with a zest for life. Mahadevi's close friends included prominent figures in Hindi literature, such as Sumitranandan Pant and Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, with whom she shared a bond of over 40 years.

Initially enrolled in a Convent school, Varma later transferred to Crosthwaite Girls College in Allahabad, where she discovered the power of unity among students from diverse religious backgrounds. She began penning poems in secret, a talent that was eventually discovered by her senior Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, a renowned poet herself. Together, they nurtured their poetic talents, often sending their works to weekly magazines and attending poetry seminars.

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Career

Literary Career

Mahadevi Varma's literary career spanned several decades. During this, she produced a significant body of work comprising poems, essays, and stories. Her poetry collections, such as "Yama" and "Sandhya Geet," gained widespread acclaim for their evocative imagery and emotional depth.

Educator

Alongside her literary pursuits, Mahadevi Varma was an educator. She played a crucial role in promoting education for women. She worked as a professor of Hindi literature at Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth in Allahabad. She made significant contributions to women's empowerment through education.

Advocate

Mahadevi Varma was a passionate advocate for women's rights and social equality. She actively participated in the freedom struggle against British colonial rule. She later became involved in social and political movements focused on women's rights, education, and gender equality. Her writings often reflected her advocacy for women's empowerment and challenged societal norms and injustices.

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Works of Mahadevi Varma

Poems

Mahadevi Varma's poetic works are considered her most significant contributions. Her poetry explored themes of love, nature, spirituality, and the complexities of human emotions. Some notable collections include:

• Nihar
• Rashmi
• Neerja
• Sandhyageet
• Pratham Ayam
• Saptaparna
• Deepshikha
• Agni Rekha

Proses

In addition to poetry, Mahadevi Varma also wrote prose works, including essays and short stories. Her prose writings often focused on social issues, women's rights, and the challenges faced by women in Indian society. Some of them include:

• Ateet Ke Chalchitr (1961)
• Smriti ki Rekhaye (1943)
• Patha ke Sathi (1956)
• Mera Parivar (1972)
• Sansmaran (1943)
• Sambhasan (1949)
• Shrinkhala ki Kadiyan (1942)
• Vivechamanak Gadya (1972)
• Skandha (1956)
• Himalaya (1973)

Others

Mahadevi Varma's literary contributions extended beyond poetry and prose. She also wrote plays, children's literature, and translated works from other languages into Hindi. Her versatility as a writer showcased her talent and dedication to literary expression in various forms.

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Death and Legacy

Mahadevi Varma passed away on September 11, 1987, in Allahabad, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Her contributions to Hindi literature, her advocacy for women's rights, and her role as an educator continue to inspire and empower generations. Varma's poetry and prose continue to be celebrated for their depth, beauty, and social relevance. She has left an indelible mark on Indian literature and remains an icon for her significant contributions to society.

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Important Facts about Mahadevi Varma for UPSC

1. Mahadevi Varma was one of the four founders of the Chhayavad movement in Hindi literature.
2. She started writing poems at the age of seven and gained recognition as a successful poet by the age of 18.
3. Varma renounced her child marriage and refused proposals to remarry. This demonstrated her commitment to women's empowerment.
4. Her works, such as "Neelkanth" and "Gillu," have been included in textbooks for CBSE classes.
5. She was the first woman to be made a Fellow of the Sahitya Akademi and received the prestigious Jnanpith Award for her collection of poetry titled "Yama."

We hope all your doubts regarding this topic have been addressed after going through this article. Ace your UPSC preparation with the Testbook App!