Chhayavad

Chhayavad (ISO: Chāyāvād) refers to the era of mystical-romanticism in Hindi literature, particularly poetry, spanning approximately from mid-1910s to early-1940s. It emerged as a reaction to the didacticism of its previous poetic movement - the Dwivedi era - as well as the courtly traditions of poetry.

It was marked by a renewed sense of the self and personal expression with an increase in romantic and humanist content. It is known for its leaning towards themes of love and nature, as well as an individualistic reappropriation in a new form of mysticism.

The movement is typically attributed to Jaishankar Prasad, Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, Sumitranandan Pant, and Mahadevi Varma, often cited as the four pillars of Chāyāvād. Their writings reflected a conscious blending of classical Indian heritage with occidental sensibilities. The movement delved into love as a spiritual and transformative force, reverence for nature as a source of solace, and the individual's quest for identity and connection with the divine. These themes incorporated traditional values with the evolving ideas of freedom and self-expression during the country's struggle for independence.

It is characterized by a lyrical, poetic, and musical accomplishment of modern Hindi literature. Anchored in new sensibilities, it concluded with the rise of the experimental spirit of Prayogvad and the socially engaged Pragativad, together reflecting the dynamic evolution of Hindi poetry in the early 20th century.