Medieval Indian Literature

Medieval Indian Literature is an attempt to bring together the finest piece written during A. D. 1100-1800.

Medieval Rajasthani literature is noted for its heroic and romantic poetry in the chaupais and rasas, folk songs and folk tales apart from the soul-stirring outcries of Mira Bai, considered to be gems of devotional poetry.

Medieval Sanskrit literature, beginning with Jalhana, Bilhana and Kalhana and later moving to the stotra poetry provided literary models for writers in other languages. Contacts with younger literatures and the emergence of new genres provoked and inspired Medieval Sanskrit literature. Retelling of the stories and songs of Krishna, Rama, Shiva and Lakshmi however continued unabated.

Corresponding to the Bhakti literature in other languages is the rich Sufi literature in Sindhi. The full-fledged voice of Sindhi literature can be heard in Shah Abdul Karim, Shah Abdul Latif, Sachal Sarmast and Dalpat.

Tamil, having a history of over 2000 years, produced some of its richest literature during this period. Beginning with Kamba Ramayana, the centuries that followed produced a lot of Shaiva and Vaishnava literature and a large number of commentaries. New models were created by Tamil poets. Poetic genres like tutu and pillaitamil reveal the specialised sensibilities of the Tamil people.

Devotional writing by Christians and Muslims is also characteristic of this period.

Telugu medieval literature beginning with the translation of the Mahabharata by Nannaya abounds in various genres like kavyetihasa and kathakavya. While Tukkana, Errapragada, Shrinathudu and Pottana strengthened medieval Telugu literature. The literature of devotion was strengthened by the compositions of Annamacharya and Tyagaraju.

Medieval Urdu literature perhaps best represents the spirit of medievalism. It holds a mirror up to the social and political history of the time represented by Sufi devotional songs, ghazals, qasidas, masnavis, etc. of Amir Khusrau, Mir Taqi Mir, Mir Ghulam Hasan and others. Urdu poets of the Deccan figure prominently in the selections.