Biography of Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi

(May 15, 1864 - December 21, 1928)

Acharya Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi was the greatest writer of India. He will always be remembered for providing the modern outlook to the Hindi language.

He was born on May 15, 1864 in Raibareli (U.P.). Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi learnt Urdu and Persian in his village school and Sanskrit at his home. He did not have enough money to continue his studies. So he joined Railways at a meager salary of Rs. 15. He kept his interest alive in literature even while working for the Railways. In 1903, he was appointed as the editor of 'Saraswati' and remained for 17 years. He was a firm believer in simple language. On the other hand, he emphasised that the language based on certain principles and grammar would survive.

Dwivedi's contribution towards the development of Khadi Boli is immense. His well-known works are: 'Rasagya Ranjan', 'Sahitya Seekar, “Sahitya Sandarbha', Adbhuata Alapa' etc. His period in Hindi literature is known as 'Dwived Era'. On December 21, 1938, he left this world forever.