Hindi Haiku: A Study of Shifts in Moods

• Main Author: Mallika Tosha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The International Academic Forum 2019-12-01
• Series: IAFOR Journal of Literature & Librarianship
• Subjects: haiku; hindi literature; japanese philosophy; japanese poetry; weltanschauung; zen thought
• Online Access: https://iafor.org/journal/iafor-journal-of-literature-and-librarianship/volume-8-issue-1/article-4/

Making a grand breakthrough in the eighth century, Japanese poetry remains one of the earliest boons for the world of literature. Indian poets are some of the many writers who have been influenced by Japanese poetry. This article analyses haiku composed in the Hindi language. The analysis is based on a thematic and critical study of the works of selective haiku writers of the Hindi language. The benefits that Hindi haiku has created for Hindi literature is seen in how it adapts itself culturally, socially and philosophically which is elucidated here. The Hindi haiku poets, through restriction of syllables, gave rise to images that forced us to dwell upon their reflections. Those who deviated from its strict syllabic form also gave rise to innovative poetic compositions. This study explores the philosophical inclination, formative deviation and cultural variation of haiku as it travelled from Japanese culture to the Indian culture.