Garhwali, Kumaoni, Himalayan Literature

Harikrishna Daurgadatti Rudola: The Initial Poet of Modern Garhwali Poetry
Bhishma Kukreti

Harikrishna Daurgidatti Rudola is one of the initial poets of Garhwali (Himalayan ) language. His initiation in Garhwali poetry creation is commended by all. The greatness of Himalaya, Himalayan way of life and Garhwali Folk songs have complete influence on the poetries of Harikrishna Rudola.

Harikrishna Daurgidatti Rudola was born in Sharinagar , Garhwal of Himalaya region in 1855. Rudola was Sanskrit teacher and taught in the schools of Tihri and Srinagar (Garhwal -Himalaya) . Rudola also taught students privately after his retirement. Rudola was Karmkandi Brahmin too and this profession provided him chance to understand the difference between the social structures in British Garhwal and Tihri Riyasat ( a small Himalayan kingdom) and this social knowledge helped Harikrishna for creating poetries of social values.
Harikrishna Daurgidatti Rudola created literature in Sanskrit and his three books in Sanskrit were praised by professor Maxmullar .

Harikrishna ia one the poets of Garhwali language who initiated to write in Garhwali, publish them and at the same time popularize the modern Garhwali poetries among educated Garhwalis and students. All his Garhwali poems are published in ‘Garhwali Kavitavali’ a collection of Garhwali poetries by many poets. The poetries of Rudola are sophisticated , having inspirational subjects, with Garhwali symbols and imagery and have lyrical influences of Garhwali folk songs
Harikrishna Daurgidatti Rudola expired in 1892 in Shrinagar, Garhwal, Himalaya .

Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti, Mumbai, India, 2009