SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In the opening chapter an attempt is made to trace the development of Hindi prose from its earliest beginnings in Rajasthani and Brajbhasa, Khari Boli (Hindi) prose is shown as one of the dialects of Meerut and Delhi in North India. The shift of Hindi Literature from Rajasthan to BraJ Provinces and religious movements of the period, are also outlined, The second chapter traces the influence of Port William College and the impetus it gave, indirectly, to Hindi Prose writings. The work of the Protestant Missionaries in popularising Hindi as a part of their religious campaign, is analysed in chapter III. The recognition of Hindi as the medium of instruction is discussed in chapter IV together with the pioneering efforts of various individuals and organizations concerned in the vernacularisation of education. The fifth chapter recounts the story of early Hindi journalism. The last chapter Introduces five MSS. of Hindi prose from the Hodgson Collection described herein for the first time and throws new light on the extent of the Hindi area. The findings are summed up in the conclusion, which is followed by appendices on Regulation IX (1800), Grammars and Dictionaites, and a list of books published under the scheme of vernacularisation of education. The Bibliography lists the documents and publications consulted, comprising Govemment Records, Parliamentary Papers, Hindi MSS. Annual and Asiatic Registers, Journals, Memoirs and works on History and Literature.