This article focuses on novels written in the Bhojpuri language, which is a regional language spoken in Eastern parts of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and adjoining districts of Bihar state. Until recently there was little written in the language other than poetry and songs.
Lorikayan, or the story of Veer Lorik, is a famous Bhojpuri folklore of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The first Bhojpuri novel Bindiã was written in 1956 by Ram Nath Pandey. It was published by Bhojpuri Sansad, Jagatganj, Varanasi.
Notable Bhojpuri novelists are Ram Nath Pandey, Viveki Rai, Pandey Kapil , Ramesh Chandra Jha and Pradhyapak Achal who has written the famous bhojpuri novel sundar kaka
Periods
Initial period (1947 to 1961): First Bhojpuri short story Jehali ke Sanad was published in this period. The first Bhojpuri novel Bindiã by Ram Nath Pandey also published in 1956.
Between 1961 and 1975:- Nearly ten novels were published. Notable are Tharuhat ke babua aur bahuriya (1965), Jeevan Saah (1964), Semar ke phool (1966), Rahanidaar beti (1966), Ego subah ego saanjh (1967), Sunnar kaka (1976). Most of these are social drama while the first one is called a regional novel which elaborates life of Tharu tribal people.
Modern Period ( After 1975): More than 30 novels have been written. Some notable of these are - Phulsunghi (1977), Bhor musukaail (1978), Ghar-tola-gaon (1979), Jinigi ke raah (1982), Darad ke dahar (1983), Achhoot (1986), mahendar Misisr (1994), Imiritiya Kaki (1997), Amangal hari (1998), Awa lavati chalin ja (2000), Adhe aadh (2000) etc. of which Phulsunghi by Pandey kapil is one of the best novels written in Bhojpuri. Amangal hari (1998) was written by Viveki Rai, a critic himself. Surma Sagun Bichare Na is a notable novel written by Ramesh Chandra Jha.
Purvi Ke Dhah, written by Jauhar Safiavadi, is the first Bhojpuri novel to be published by National Book Trust. It was launched by prominent Hindi critic Namabar Singh at Chhapra.