Description
Ghananand remains one of Hindi literature’s most poignant voices of unrequited love and spiritual longing. This collection brings together the finest love poems from the 18th-century Riti poet, whose verses continue to move readers with their raw emotional intensity and lyrical beauty. Unlike the ornate conventions of his contemporaries, Ghananand wrote from personal heartbreak, creating poetry that feels immediate and universal even three centuries later. The English translation by noted scholars makes these masterpieces accessible to modern readers who may not read Hindi but want to discover the depth of classical Indian poetry. Perfect for students of comparative literature, lovers of romantic verse, and anyone seeking the authentic voice of one of India’s great devotional and romantic poets. This Motilal Banarsidass edition includes scholarly notes that contextualize Ghananand’s life and times without overwhelming the pure pleasure of his poetry.
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers; New edition (1 January 1991)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 212 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8120808363
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120808362
- Item Weight : 500 g
- Dimensions : 19 x 1 x 22 cm
- Country of Origin : India
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ghananand and why is he famous?
Ghananand was an 18th-century Hindi poet celebrated for his intensely personal love poetry. Unlike other Riti poets who wrote formulaic verses, Ghananand’s poems emerged from his own experience of unrequited love, making his work exceptionally moving and authentic. He is considered one of the last great poets of the Riti tradition.
Is Love Poems of Ghananand available in English translation?
Yes, this Motilal Banarsidass edition presents Ghananand’s poetry in English translation by K.P. Bahadur. The translation preserves the emotional essence of the original Hindi verses while making them accessible to English readers across India and beyond.
What makes Ghananand’s love poetry different from other classical Hindi poets?
Ghananand wrote from lived experience rather than literary convention. His verses express genuine heartbreak and spiritual yearning, making them feel surprisingly modern. His direct, passionate style broke from the ornate artificiality common in 18th-century court poetry.
Is this book suitable for students studying Hindi classical literature?
Absolutely. This edition is ideal for literature students, researchers, and anyone studying the Riti period or Hindi devotional poetry. The scholarly introduction and notes provide valuable context while the English translation makes the content accessible for comparative literature studies.
Where can I buy Love Poems of Ghananand online in India?
You can purchase Love Poems of Ghananand at The Bookish Owl (thebookishowl.in) for ₹395. This hardcover edition from Motilal Banarsidass is currently in stock and available for delivery across India.
