Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’: The Immortal Poems of the ‘National Poet’ and His Role in Indian Nationalism — The Rise of the ‘Bard of the Era’ and the ‘National Poet’
When the Indian freedom struggle was at its zenith, and the nation stood in need of a voice capable of awakening its dormant consciousness, a resonant voice emerged from the soil of Bihar—Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar.’
Birth and Early Life:
Dinkar was born on September 23, 1908, in the village of Simaria, located in the Begusarai district of Bihar. Born into a humble farming family, Dinkar received his early education at the village school. Later, he earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in history from Patna University. As a student of history, his poetry presents a remarkable confluence of the glorious sagas of the past and the challenges of the present.
The Title of ‘Rashtrakavi’ (National Poet): Dinkar is referred to as the ‘Rashtrakavi’ (National Poet), although this title had also been bestowed upon Maithilisharan Gupta. However, Dinkar came to be regarded as the ‘Yugcharan’ (Bard of the Era) because, through his poetry, he directly challenged the powers that be and ignited the flame of nationalism within the hearts of the common people. The revolutionary movements of Bihar and the plight of the farmers lent a sharp edge to his writing.
Major Works and Literary Contributions
Dinkar’s writing was multifaceted. While on one hand he penned epic poems imbued with the Veer Ras (heroic sentiment)—such as Rashmirathi and Kurukshetra—through Urvashi, he explored the depths of Shringar (romantic sentiment) and philosophy.
1. Kurukshetra (1946)
Written against the backdrop of the Second World War, this epic poem explores the dichotomy between peace and war. It holds immense significance for BPSC optional subjects, as it poses the fundamental question: Is war inevitable for the sake of peace?
2. Rashmirathi (1952)
Based on the life of Karna, this epic elucidates the principle of “power and forgiveness.” Its verses continue to inspire the youth to this day:
“To show the path of friendship, to guide all onto the righteous way, to reason with Duryodhana, and to avert a catastrophic destruction—the Lord arrived in the assembly, bearing the message of the Pandavas.”
हो गया पूर्ण अज्ञात वास,
पाडंव लौटे वन से सहास,
पावक में कनक-सदृश तप कर,
वीरत्व लिए कुछ और प्रखर,
नस-नस में तेज-प्रवाह लिये,
कुछ और नया उत्साह लिये।
सच है, विपत्ति जब आती है,
कायर को ही दहलाती है,
शूरमा नहीं विचलित होते,
क्षण एक नहीं धीरज खोते,
विघ्नों को गले लगाते हैं,
काँटों में राह बनाते हैं।
मुख से न कभी उफ कहते हैं,
संकट का चरण न गहते हैं,
जो आ पड़ता सब सहते हैं,
उद्योग-निरत नित रहते हैं,
शूलों का मूल नसाने को,
बढ़ खुद विपत्ति पर छाने को।
है कौन विघ्न ऐसा जग में,
टिक सके वीर नर के मग में
खम ठोंक ठेलता है जब नर,
पर्वत के जाते पाँव उखड़।
मानव जब जोर लगाता है,
पत्थर पानी बन जाता है।
गुण बड़े एक से एक प्रखर,
हैं छिपे मानवों के भीतर,
मेंहदी में जैसे लाली हो,
वर्तिका-बीच उजियाली हो।
बत्ती जो नहीं जलाता है
रोशनी नहीं वह पाता है।
पीसा जाता जब इक्षु-दण्ड,
झरती रस की धारा अखण्ड,
मेंहदी जब सहती है प्रहार,
बनती ललनाओं का सिंगार।
जब फूल पिरोये जाते हैं,
हम उनको गले लगाते हैं।
3. Urvashi (1961)
For this masterpiece, he was honoured with the Jnanpith Award in 1972. The work explores the philosophical dimensions of spiritual love and Kama.
Role in the Freedom Struggle and Nationalism
Dinkar was not merely a poet of the page; he was an ideological revolutionary.
The Congress and the Movement:
During the 1930s, even while serving in government employment, he secretly penned poems in support of the freedom movement. During the ‘Quit India Movement’ of 1942, his poetry ignited a spirit of fervor among the students of Bihar.
Revolutionary Voice:
His famous line—”Vacate the throne, for the people are coming”—became the rallying cry of the JP Movement in 1974; however, its original intent was directed against British colonial rule.
Social Reform:
He launched a scathing critique against casteism and social inequality. In Rashmirathi, he asserts that a human being’s identity should be defined not by their lineage but by their deeds.
Key Life Achievements (Timeline for Examinations)
From the perspective of competitive examinations, the following facts are essential:
Bihar Vidyapith: He rendered his services here in the capacity of a principal.
Rajya Sabha: In 1952, upon the formation of the first Parliament, he was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, a position he held continuously for 12 years.
Padma Bhushan: In recognition of his contributions to the fields of literature and education, the Government of India conferred upon him the ‘Padma Bhushan’ award in 1959.
Sahitya Akademi: He received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his prose work, Sanskriti Ke Char Adhyay (Four Chapters on Culture). This book serves as an indispensable reference text for the cultural analysis of Indian history.
Demise: This illustrious figure passed away on April 24, 1974.
Dinkar’s Relevance in Modern India
Today, as we speak of 21st-century India, Dinkar’s ideas become even more pertinent:
Youth Power: Dinkar inspires the youth to cast aside lethargy and strive for vigorous action.
Defense of Democracy: His poetry serves as a reminder that, in a democracy, the people reign supreme.
Cultural Unity: Through Sanskriti Ke Char Adhyay (Four Chapters on Culture), he demonstrated that Indian culture is ‘composite”—a confluence where diverse streams converge.
“Heed the rumbling roar of Time’s chariot; vacate the throne, for the people are coming!”
Conclusion and Exam Preparation Tips (BPSC/JPSC Special)
Ramdhari Singh Dinkar is not merely the pride of Bihar but of the entire nation. His literary works embody both the depth of history and a vision for the future.
Titles: Rashtrakavi (National Poet), ‘The Poet of Impatience.’
Major Awards: Jnanpith Award (Urvashi), Sahitya Akademi Award (Sanskriti Ke Char Adhyay), Padma Bhushan.
Major Works: Renuka, Hunkar, Rashmirathi, Parashuram Ki Pratiksha, Kurukshetra.
