Awadhi: The Forgotten Melody of India’s Literary Past

 

Awadhi: The Forgotten Melody of India’s Literary Past

                      BY ABHAY PANDEY 

                

   "कवन सो काज कठिन जग माहीं। जो नहिं होइ तात तुम पाहीं॥"

  (“What task in the world is too difficult for you, dear Hanuman, that cannot  be accomplished by your grace?”)

These timeless words from Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas echo across centuries, a testament to the enduring strength found in devotion, language, and culture. Just as Hanuman’s unwavering faith surmounts the impossible, the Awadhi language, which once carried the weight of India’s greatest epics and folklore, still lingers waiting for rediscovery and revival.

Awadhi, the language of Ramcharitmanas, Padmavat, and countless folk songs, served as a cultural and literary beacon during medieval India. It connected people through stories of valor, love, and spiritual awakening. However, as modernity sweeps across generations, this classical tongue finds itself at a crossroads celebrated in temples and recitations but fading from everyday life.

Like Hanuman’s strength that knows no bounds, perhaps there is hope yet for Awadhi to rise once more vibrant and full of life.

 The Roots of Awadhi

Awadhi, a dialect of Khari Boli (standard Hindi), is primarily spoken in the central Uttar Pradesh region called Awadh. Its roots trace back to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Linguistically, Awadhi evolved from Shauraseni and Magadhi Prakrit, contributing to the early formation of standard Hindi.

Even today, Awadhi finds a voice among the people of Awadh and beyond. In Nepal, two provinces recognize Awadhi as a local language. During British colonial rule, a significant number of indentured labourers from the Awadh region were sent outside to work on plantations. These labourers carried their languages,including Awadhi, which evolved and blended with local dialects, contributing to the unique linguistic tapestry of these regions.

In Fiji, Awadhi became a foundational part of the Fiji Hindi creole, which remains widely spoken today among Indo-Fijians. Similarly, in South Africa, Awadhi, along with Bhojpuri and other Indian languages, shaped the Hindi dialect spoken by descendants of indentured laborers. The epic Ramcharitmanas was carried across oceans by migrants, and its recitation in temples continues to preserve Awadhi's literary essence. In places like Mauritius and Trinidad, the celebration of Ram Navami and performances of the Ramlila often feature Awadhi verses, keeping the language alive through oral traditions. 

       

The Golden Age of Awadhi

Awadhi’s distinct phonetics, melodic rhythm, and accessible vocabulary made it beloved by both commoners and poets. One of its most significant contributions is Ramcharitmanas, where Tulsidas translated the Ramayana into Awadhi, making it comprehensible for the masses. His work fostered devotion and spiritual awakening across households.

Sufi saints also embraced Awadhi to convey mystical and moral teachings, enhancing its literary richness. Texts like Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi reflect this synthesis of devotion and cultural expression. Jayasi's "Padmavat" (1540), written in Awadhi, blends history, romance, and spirituality, showcasing the dialect’s ability to convey profound and complex narratives.

Rahim and Kabir primarily composed their works in Braj Bhasha and Sant Bhasha (a blend of regional dialects like Awadhi, Braj, and Bhojpuri). However, Kabir, being a mystic and social reformer, occasionally used Awadhi in his verses, as it was a common language among the masses in central and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

For example

  "माटी कहे कुम्हार से, तू क्या रौंदे मोहे। एक दिन ऐसा आएगा, मैं रौंदूंगी तोहे।।"

[The clay says to the potter, why do you trample upon me? A day will come when I shall trample upon you.] Poets like Rahim and Kabir used Awadhi to address societal issues, preaching universal love and tolerance. Their simple yet profound words transcended religious and social barriers, uniting people through shared experiences

 Challenges: Decline of Awadhi

The decline of Awadhi began with the establishment of Khari Boli as the standard form of Hindi. The British colonial administration prioritized English and Persian for official purposes, sidelining Awadhi. During the national movement, Khari Boli further cemented its place as a tool for unity, marginalizing Awadhi to rural and informal settings.

Urbanization and modern education accelerated this decline. Awadhi was dismissed as a rural language, and children were discouraged from speaking it to avoid social stigma. The absence of political and institutional support deepened this erosion, unlike Tamil, Bengali, and Sanskrit, which enjoyed state-sponsored preservations 

  Rekindling Awadhi's Flame

Today, social media and regional artists are driving a resurgence of Awadhi. Performances by artists like Kalesh Gautam, whose Amausha ka Mela resonates with audiences, are reviving interest. Awadhi folk songs, like Sohar, Nakta, Biyah, and Birha, gain traction during festivals and cultural gatherings. Folk theatre (Nautanki) still thrives in villages, keeping the language alive. In 2022, Vidya Vinod Singh received the Padma Shri for his contributions to Awadhi literature. Occasionally, Awadhi finds a place in Bollywood, such as in Lagaan (2001) and songs like Paayeliya from Devdas, Rang Barse Bhige Chunar Wali, and Holi Khele Raghuveera. Yet, these contributions are often overshadowed by Hindi, with Awadhi receiving little recognition.

One of the key contributors to this revival is renowned folk artist Malini Awasthi, whose captivating renditions of Awadhi folk songs like Birha and Sohar have helped preserve and popularize the language. Through her music, Awasthi has rekindled interest in Awadhi, making it resonate with both younger and older generations alike.

 Charting the Path Forward

Preserving Awadhi requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, community participation, and media engagement. Introducing Awadhi as an optional language in schools and universities can spark early interest and pride in young learners. Cultural festivals celebrating Awadhi literature, music, and theatre can foster greater appreciation and ensure that oral traditions thrive. Digital platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and social media are instrumental in popularizing Awadhi through poetry recitations, folk songs, and storytelling. Involving local artists, poets, and writers in creating contemporary Awadhi works can further anchor its presence in the modern world. Institutional support through dedicated departments for Awadhi studies in universities and advocacy at the political level can provide a structured path for long-term preservation

 A Language Worth Saving

Awadhi is more than just a dialect; it is the soul of India’s devotional and cultural landscape. The Hanuman Chalisa, recited in temples, homes, and gatherings across the country, is perhaps the greatest testimony to the timeless power of Awadhi. These verses transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries, uniting millions in prayer and belief. If the Hanuman Chalisa can continue to thrive in the hearts of people, it is a reminder that Awadhi holds the potential to bloom once more. To preserve Awadhi is to honour not just a language, but a legacy of unity, devotion, and cultural resilience. Just as Hanuman symbolizes unwavering strength, the revival of Awadhi can become a symbol of India’s respect for its rich and diverse linguistic heritage.

Let Awadhi stand tall again, echoing through generations vibrant, proud, and eternal.

ABHAY PANDEY 

Undergraduate Student of political science 

Ramjas college, Delhi university 

Follow me on instagram @abhaypandey623