Rajasthan Literature & Language

1. Dialects and Script

• Language Origins: Rajasthani evolved from Maru-Gurjar Apabhramsa. Famous linguist George Abraham Grierson was the first to use the term 'Rajasthani' in his 'Linguistic Survey of India'. • The Two Styles:

• Dingal: The literature of Western Rajasthan (Marwari). Primarily used by Charans. It is virile and martial.
• Pingal: The literature of Eastern Rajasthan. Primarily used by Bhats. It is more melodic and influenced by Braj Bhasha. • Script: Historically written in Mudiya script (also known as Marwari or Mahajani).

2. Iconic Literature of Rajasthan

• Prithviraj Raso: Written by Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan. It is considered the first great epic of Northern India. • Vansh Bhaskar: Written by Surya Mal Misran (State Poet of Rajasthan). It details the history of Bundi. • Vir Vinod: Written by Kaviraja Syamal Das. It is an authoritative history of Mewar. • Muhnot Nainsi ri Khyat: Written by Muhnot Nainsi, often called the 'Abul Fazl of Rajasthan' by Munshi Devi Prasad. • Batan ri Phulwari: A 14-volume collection of folk tales by Vijaydan Detha (known as 'Bijji').

3. Literary Academies

• Rajasthan Sahitya Academy: Located in Udaipur (Est. 1958). Magazine: Madhumati. • Rajasthani Bhasha Academy: Located in Bikaner. Magazine: Jagti Jot. • Rajasthan Hindi Granth Academy: Located in Jaipur.