Mahadevi Varma
- Born:
- March 26, 1907, Farrukhabad, British India
- Died:
- September 11, 1987, Prayagraj, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Essayist, Educator, Social Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Mahadevi Varma received her early education at home, where she was taught Sanskrit, Hindi, English, and painting.
- She joined Crosthwaite Girls' College in Allahabad (now Prayagraj).
- She demonstrated exceptional literary talent from a young age, writing poetry in Hindi.
Career and Major Achievements
- Mahadevi Varma is a major figure in Chhayavaad, a literary movement of romanticism in modern Hindi poetry.
- She was a professor and later the Vice-Chancellor of Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth in Allahabad.
- She played a significant role in promoting women's education and empowerment.
- She received numerous awards and honors for her literary contributions.
Notable Works
- Poetry Collections: Nihar, Rashmi, Neerja, Sandhyageet, Deepshikha, Yama (Compilation of her selected poems)
- Prose Works: Mera Parivar, Path Ke Sathi, Smriti Ki Rekhayen, Shrinkhla Ki Kadiyan
Legacy and Impact
Mahadevi Varma's poetic and prose works are celebrated for their profound emotional depth, philosophical insights, and evocative imagery. Her contributions to Hindi literature and her advocacy for women's education and rights cemented her place as a prominent figure in 20th-century India. Many students study the 'maha devi verma jeevan parichay in hindi' as a part of their literature curriculum.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Padma Bhushan | 1956 |
| Sahitya Akademi Fellowship | 1979 |
| Jnanpith Award | 1982 |
| Padma Vibhushan | 1988 (Posthumous) |