Mahadevi Verma (1907-1987) was a prominent Indian Hindi poet, essayist, sketch story writer, and novelist. She is considered one of the four major pillars of the Chhayawadi era of Hindi literature.

Early life and Education:

• Mahadevi Verma was born on March 26, 1907, in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• She received her early education at home and later attended Crosthwaite Girls' College in Allahabad.
• She was married at a young age but continued her education.
• Mahadevi Verma completed her B.A. degree from Allahabad University and then went on to earn an M.A. in Sanskrit.

Literary Career:

• Mahadevi Verma's poetry is known for its emotional depth, intense longing, and mystical sensibility.
• Her poems often explore themes of love, pain, separation, and the search for the divine.
• She is known for her use of symbolism and imagery to convey complex emotions and ideas.
• Some of her most famous works include "Nihar," "Rashmi," "Neerja," and "Sandhyageet."
• She also wrote prose works, including essays, sketches, and memoirs, which provide insights into her life, thoughts, and experiences.

Major Works:

• Poetry collections: Nihar (1930), Rashmi (1932), Neerja (1935), Sandhyageet (1936), Yama (1940), Deepshikha (1942)
• Prose: Atit ke Chalchitra (1941), Smriti ki Rekhayen (1943), Path ke Sathi (1956), Mera Pariwar (1972)

Awards and Recognition:

• Mahadevi Verma received numerous awards and honors for her literary contributions, including the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and the Jnanpith Award in 1982.
• She was also a Fellow of the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters.

Death:

• Mahadevi Verma passed away on September 11, 1987, in Allahabad, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and prose that continues to inspire readers today.

Legacy:

• Mahadevi Verma's contribution to Hindi literature is immense. She is celebrated as one of the greatest poets of the Chhayawadi school.
• Her works are studied and admired for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and philosophical insights.
• She was also a social reformer and worked for the education and empowerment of women.

Sources:

• Wikipedia - Mahadevi Verma
• Britannica - Mahadevi Verma