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Bridging Tradition and Modernity: A Comparative Study of Acharya Ramchandra Shukla and Dr. Namvar Singh’s Critical Approaches in Hindi Literature
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Arts
DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I10-1717031
Abstract
This study examines the divergent critical methodologies of Acharya Ramchandra Shukla and Dr. Namvar Singh, two pivotal figures in Hindi literary criticism, to illuminate the evolution of the field from tradition to modernity. We conduct a qualitative comparative analysis of their works, drawing on secondary sources such as seminal texts, essays, and scholarly critiques, to juxtapose Shukla’s historically grounded, society-centric approach with Singh’s Marxist-influenced, ideologically driven framework. Shukla’s criticism, exemplified in Hindi Sahitya ka Itihas, prioritizes historicity, moral idealism, and lokmangal (public welfare), reflecting a commitment to social cohesion and cultural continuity. In contrast, Singh’s works, like Kavita ke Naye Pratiman, employ structuralist and interdisciplinary lenses, emphasizing class struggle and discursive engagement as tools for literary interpretation. The analysis reveals that while Shukla’s traditionalism anchors literature in ethical and historical contexts, Singh’s modernity interrogates power dynamics and ideological underpinnings, thereby expanding the scope of critical inquiry. Furthermore, the study highlights how their contrasting yet complementary perspectives collectively enrich Hindi literary criticism, bridging gaps between conservative and progressive paradigms. The findings underscore the significance of their contributions in shaping the trajectory of the field, offering insights into the interplay of tradition and innovation in literary studies. This research not only delineates their theoretical distinctions but also demonstrates their shared commitment to linking literature to societal progress, thereby affirming their enduring relevance in contemporary discourse.
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How to cite this paper
@article{1717031,
author = {Dr. Bhola Ram Saini},
title = {Bridging Tradition and Modernity: A Comparative Study of Acharya Ramchandra Shukla and Dr. Namvar Singh’s Critical Approaches in Hindi Literature},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {3849-3856},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1717031.pdf},
abstract = {This study examines the divergent critical methodologies of Acharya Ramchandra Shukla and Dr. Namvar Singh, two pivotal figures in Hindi literary criticism, to illuminate the evolution of the field from tradition to modernity. We conduct a qualitative comparative analysis of their works, drawing on secondary sources such as seminal texts, essays, and scholarly critiques, to juxtapose Shukla’s historically grounded, society-centric approach with Singh’s Marxist-influenced, ideologically driven framework. Shukla’s criticism, exemplified in Hindi Sahitya ka Itihas, prioritizes historicity, moral idealism, and lokmangal (public welfare), reflecting a commitment to social cohesion and cultural continuity. In contrast, Singh’s works, like Kavita ke Naye Pratiman, employ structuralist and interdisciplinary lenses, emphasizing class struggle and discursive engagement as tools for literary interpretation. The analysis reveals that while Shukla’s traditionalism anchors literature in ethical and historical contexts, Singh’s modernity interrogates power dynamics and ideological underpinnings, thereby expanding the scope of critical inquiry. Furthermore, the study highlights how their contrasting yet complementary perspectives collectively enrich Hindi literary criticism, bridging gaps between conservative and progressive paradigms. The findings underscore the significance of their contributions in shaping the trajectory of the field, offering insights into the interplay of tradition and innovation in literary studies. This research not only delineates their theoretical distinctions but also demonstrates their shared commitment to linking literature to societal progress, thereby affirming their enduring relevance in contemporary discourse.},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1717031}
}