BHDC-101 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope and Syllabus Overview for BHDC-101:

BHDC-101: is a core course under IGNOU’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Hindi (BAHDH) curriculum, designed to offer a rigorous academic exploration of the Rashtrakuta to early Mughal period (12th–17th century) in Hindi literary history. This course meticulously examines the stylistic evolution, thematic depth, and socio-cultural contexts of Riti Kala, a phase marked by refined aesthetic traditions, courtly patronage, and the flourishing of dohas, sakhis, and kavitas. Students engage with primary texts from canonical poets like Keshavdas, Bihari, and Chand Bardai, while analyzing critical theories of alankar (figures of speech), bhava (emotion), and rasa (aesthetic experience). The structured syllabus ensures students develop critical reading skills, comparative analysis, and scholarly writing proficiency—essential for understanding Hindi literature’s foundational principles.

Key Syllabus Units and Topics

• -1: : This unit defines the Riti Kala as a distinct literary epoch, distinguishing its courtly patronage, lexical precision, and emotional complexity from preceding Bhakti and Adi Kala traditions. It explores the role of Prabandha Kavyas (narrative poetry) and Doha-Sakhis in establishing a standardized poetic language.
• -2: : A focused study of Keshavdas’ magnum opus Rasikpriya and Vikram-Chandraprabha, analyzing his use of alankars (metaphors, similes), emotional nuance, and devotion to Krishna. The unit also compares his work with Bihari’s Bihari Ratnavali, highlighting contrasts in rhetorical complexity and thematic focus.
• -3: : Examination of Bhavabhuti’s Uttararamacharita and its influence on Riti Kala dramaturgy, including characterization, dialogue craft, and moral dilemmas. This unit contrasts medieval theatrical traditions with the courtly elegance of later Riti playwrights like Jagannath.
• -4: : Critical engagement with Dandi’s Dandikeertan, Bhatta Lal’s Sahityadarpan, and Abhinavgupta’s theories as applied to Riti poetry. Students analyze how rhetorical devices (e.g., vyatireka, arthapatti) shaped poetic expression and aesthetic judgment.
• -5: : Contextual study of how Mughal courtly culture, regional linguistic influences, and devotional syncretism (e.g., Bhakti-Riti fusion) defined Riti Kala’s literary landscape. Case studies include Chand Bardai’s Prabandh-Chintamani and its portrayal of Rajput heroism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for BHDC-101’s internal assessment, and how much weight does the handwritten assignment carry?
A: The internal assessment for BHDC-101 comprises 30% of the total marks, with the handwritten assignment contributing 15 marks (50% of the internal weight). The remaining 15% is allocated to tutorial participation and term-end exam preparation guidance provided by Study Centres.

Q: Are there any specific guidelines for referencing primary texts (e.g., Keshavdas’ Rasikpriya) in the handwritten assignment?
A: Yes—students must cite primary sources using the IGNOU-recommended format (e.g., "Keshavdas, Rasikpriya, Khanda 1, Shloka 5") and include page numbers from the prescribed textbook ( , IGNOU Publication). Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and manually underlined for clarity.