In ancient India, Prakrit and Apabhramsha were the two main languages. Sanskrit, the well known language of the period developed out of these two languages. A lot of ancient literature was written in Sanskrit. Hindi, like many other Indian languages developed from Sanskrit.
Hindi literature has been composed in various dialects of Hindi. It has many forms and has been written in the form of poetry, prose, short stories, novel, dramas and other such forms. Poetry is the oldest form in which Hindi literature was first composed.
Hindi literature was divided into four periods, being, Adi Kaal, Riti Kaal, Bhakti Kaal and Adhunik Kaal. All these four periods witnessed the rise of many eminent Hindi authors. Every author had a particular style of writing. They wrote on subjects having close affinity with nature and mankind. They wrote literature in praise of kings and religion. They also wrote on social, political and religious issues.
Some famous Hindi authors who have touched the hearts and minds of their readers are:
| Related Links |
| Hindi authors | |
| Phanishwar Nath Renu | Padmakar |
| Nagarjun | Mohan Rakesh |
| Kamleshwar | Jai Shankar Prasad |
| Hazari Prasad Dwivedi | Munshi Premchand |
