With a literary career spanning 60 years, Harivansh Rai Bachchan wrote over 30 poems, each adorned with the themes of love, life, struggle, and hope. Famous poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan in English help students understand Hindi literature and its depth. His works, originally written in Hindi and later translated into English, gave voice to countless ordinary people in the country. Harivansh Rai Bachchan poems in English are simple yet profound, making them easy to understand while leaving a lasting impact. If you’re interested in exploring his poetry, read this blog to find the complete list of poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan in English.
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List Of Poems Written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan in English
One cannot talk about Hindi literature without mentioning Harivansh Rai Bachchan, widely regarded as the torchbearer of the Chhayavaad movement (romantic upsurge movement) in the 20th century. Here is a list of the best poems of Harivansh Rai Bachchan in English.
Name of the poem | Year of Publishing |
Tera Haar | 1932 |
Madhushala | 1935 |
Madhubala | 1936 |
Madhukalash | 1937 |
Nisha Nimantran | 1938 |
Ekaant Sangeet | 1939 |
Aakul Antar | 1943 |
Satarangini | 1945 |
Halaahal | 1946 |
Bengal ka Kaavya | 1946 |
Khaadi ke Phool | 1948 |
Soot ki Maala | 1948 |
Milan Yamini | 1950 |
Pranay Patrika | 1955 |
Dhaar ke idhar udhar | 1957 |
Aarti aur Angaare | 1958 |
Buddha aur Naachghar | 1958 |
Tribhangima | 1961 |
Chaar kheme Chaunsath khoonte | 1962 |
Do Chattane | 1965 |
Bahut din beete | 1967 |
Kat-ti pratimaaon ki awaaz | 1968 |
Ubharte pratimaano ke roop | 1969 |
Jaal sameta | 1973 |
Nirman | — |
Atmaparichay | — |
Ek Geet | — |
Agneepath | — |
Best Poems of Harivansh Rai Bachchan in English
Due to the simplicity and relatable themes of poems written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, people of all ages resonate with them. Here are more details about Harivansh Rai Bachchan poems in English for students.
Madhushala
He who has destroyed all the creeds
With fire from his burning breast,
He who quits the temple, mosque and church
A drunken heretic, unblest,
Who sees the snares, and now comes running
From Pandit’s, Priest’s and Mullah’s cunning,
He, and he only, shall today
Be in my House, a welcome Guest.”
Madhushala written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan is a 135-verse poetry. It was translated into English, Malayalam, Bengali and Marathi. It is one of the most popular poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Madhushala draws its influence heavily from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam and the ideals of Sufism. Madhushala or wine cellar is a metaphor for life, death, artistic inspiration, and love which adds to the nuance of the poem. Madhushala also covers themes like passion for beauty that ultimately ends in frustration, the transience of beauty, disillusionment and the consequent agony, inevitability of death and man’s surrender to fatalism. Evoking a rollercoaster of emotions, Madhushala has also been set to music and performed by celebrated Indian dancers.
Hai Andheri Raat Par Diva Jalana Kab Mana Hai
“The dream was from his taxes, which he adored with interest
From the vain colours of heaven, from the juices
He collapsed and gathered the bricks, stones, pebbles
When is it not forbidden to make a hut of your peace?
At the hour of dark night, lighting a candle is not prohibited”
Many of Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s poems draw inspiration from his personal life and tragedies. ‘ Hai Andheri Raat Par diya jalana Kab mana’ hai is one such. This poem was written following the death of his first wife Shyama. Unable to cope with his sadness, a grief-stricken Harivansh Rai Bachchan penned down this poem as a means to find peace. Through this poem he conveys the idea of moving on and finding happiness once again; he says it’s not impossible to build a little home of peace, and it is not forbidden to light a candle on a dark night.
Prateeksha
“Sweet wait, what happens when you come so dear?
Silent night as if someone was ringing on the last veena,
I just slept, lost my head in the dream
And the echoes from the directions come from waking senses,
What would have happened if your ears could listen to you from anywhere “
A lover’s anguish is one of the prominent themes in most of the poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. This trope is often seen in Sufi poems, which Bachchan has paralleled in many of his works, especially Prateeksha. In this poem, the poet is seen yearning for his lover’s presence and perfectly captures a lover’s anguish and desire to unite with his beloved. Some critics have also believed that Prateeska in essence, portrays his mother’s devotion to his father and provides a sneak peek into their marital life.
Agneepath
If trees are standing around
Even if they are tall, huge and shady
Shade of a single leaf
Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask
Walk on the path of fire
Walk on the path of fire
Walk on the path of fire
You will not feel tired, never feel tired
You will not stop or halt, never stop
You will not turn from your path, never turn
Take this oath
Take this oath
Take this oath
Walk on the path of fire
Walk on the path of fire
Walk on the path of fire
Agneepath poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan has been a motivation to many people. It is said that Bachchan wrote this poem when the freedom struggle had gained intensity to motivate those participating in it. Through this poem, Bachchan conveys that regardless of how daunting a path may seem, one must carry on relentlessly. In this poem Bachchan brings up the theme of life and its inherent struggle and over the course, it turns prescriptive when Harivansh Rai Bachchan asks his readers to take it in the right stead and keep moving without a halt. ‘Agneepath’ is also one of his poems that was incorporated into the movies of his son Amitabh Bachchan.
Koshish Karne Waalon ki Kabhi Haar Nhi Hoti
Afraid of the waves, the boat seldom crosses the river,
The ones who try, seldom meet with failure.
When a tiny ant surmounts a peak with a grain,
Ever noticed the countless time it slips
Does it not instil you with courage
By the end it’s hard work doesn’t go to waste,
For the ones who try, seldom meets with failure.
‘Koshish Karne Waalon ki Kabhi Haar Nhi Hoti ’ is one of the best poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. This is another inspirational poem wherein Bachchan espouses the idea that those who try always find success. He conveys the message that efforts never go in vain, not even for an ant; Hard Work always bears fruits of victory.
FAQs
One of Bachchan’s most famous quotes is from his poem Agnipath: “A path of fire is the way, but the fire burns within, not without.” This quote speaks to stay determined in the face of challenges, a common theme in his poetry.
The poem Agnipath was written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. It is one of his most powerful and motivational poems, focusing on the journey of life and the strength required to overcome obstacles.
To write like Harivansh Rai Bachchan, focus on using simple language that carries deep meaning. His poetry often includes vivid imagery and philosophical insights on life, love, and perseverance. His style is simple and reflective, making his poems relatable to all.
Yes, Harivansh Rai Bachchan was incredibly famous. He was one of India’s most renowned poets and his works inspired people of all ages.
One of the most famous poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan is Madhushala. This iconic poem delves into the themes of life, wine, and the search for meaning, making it one of the best poems of Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
The famous poem Madhushala was written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. The poem is a masterpiece in Hindi literature, symbolizing the journey of life through the metaphor of a tavern (Madhushala), and it remains a classic to this day.
The poem Agnipath by Harivansh Rai Bachchan speaks about the hardships of life and the strength needed to overcome them. “Agnipath,” meaning “the path of fire,” symbolizes a challenging but rewarding journey, urging readers to continue moving forward despite struggles.
Some of the most popular quotes by Harivansh Rai Bachchan in English include:
1. Madhur prateeksha hi jab itni, priye tum aate tab kya hota? (When waiting itself is so sweet, I can only imagine how wonderful it would be if you were to actually arrive.)
2. Ek apni shanti ki kutheeya banana kab manaa hai? Hai andheri raat par diya jalana kab manaa hai? (Is there any rule against building a small place of peace for yourself? In the dark of the night, is lighting a lamp forbidden?)
3. Ye bura ya accha, vyarth hai iss par din bitana, ab asambhav chhodh ye path, doosre path par pag badhana. (Whether it’s good or bad, spending time dwelling on it is pointless. It’s impossible to turn back now, so leave the past behind and take a step forward on a new path.)
Interesting Reads
Harivansh Rai Bachchan is a literary giant who left an unmatched legacy behind. However, his greatness, his wisdom live on through his poems. We hope you liked this blog on poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan and inspired you to read more of his works. For more interesting blogs, follow Leverage Edu!