Devkinandan Khatri (1861–1913), widely regarded as the pioneer of Hindi fantasy fiction, revolutionized Hindi literature by crafting tales that captivated the imagination of countless readers across India. Born on June 29, 1861, Khatri was the author of legendary works such as Chandrakanta, Chandrakanta Santati, Kajer Ki Kothri, Narendra-Mohini, Kusum Kumari, Veerendra Veer, Gupt Gonda, Katora Bhar, and Bhootnath—the last of which was completed posthumously by his son, Durga Prasad Khatri.
At a time when Hindi readership was scarce and Urdu dominated literary spaces—even among Hindus—Khatri’s storytelling ignited a love for Hindi so profound that non-Hindi speakers began learning the language just to immerse themselves in his novels. His novel Chandrakanta became a cultural phenomenon, credited with giving the language its most loyal reader base.
The Writer Who Brought ‘Tilism’ and ‘Aiyyari’ Into Everyday Lexicon
Khatri popularized terms like tilism (magical labyrinth), aiyyar, and aiyyari (spy and trickery) through his thrilling plots and suspenseful twists. His writing not only entertained but also expanded the Hindi vocabulary, drawing readers deep into enchanted worlds filled with secret chambers, spies, codes, and clever disguises.
Born in Bihar to a family originally from Punjab, Khatri's early education was in Urdu and Persian. He later mastered Hindi, Sanskrit, and English. His father, Lala Ishwardas, had moved to Kashi (now Varanasi) from Lahore during the rule of Maharaja Sher Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Khatri married in Muzaffarpur and later found employment with the Tikari Estate in Gaya district.
Forests, Forts, and the Genesis of Chandrakanta
Much of Khatri's youth was spent in the dense forests of Chakia and Naugarh after he took up a forest leasing contract from the Maharaja of Banaras. A born wanderer, he spent days exploring ancient ruins, hills, and dense wilderness. These vivid experiences later became the atmospheric backdrop of his iconic work Chandrakanta.
After his contract ended, Khatri turned to publishing and founded the Lahari Press in Varanasi. In 1883, he launched the Hindi monthly journal Sudarshan. His exposure to untamed forests, crumbling forts, and forgotten palaces provided a canvas upon which he wove imaginative stories filled with illusion and espionage.
A Legacy Etched in Imagination
Khatri's characters and plots were wholly original and drew heavily from Indian themes and aesthetics. It’s said that millions read his books with great enthusiasm, and thousands learned Hindi just to enjoy his works. In fact, noted novelist Vrindavanlal Verma once called him the “Shiraji of Hindi literature.”
Interestingly, many names of spies and characters in his novels were borrowed from his circle of friends—immortalizing them through his pen.
Despite his remarkable success, Khatri's life was relatively short. He passed away at the age of 52 on August 1, 1913, in Varanasi. Yet, his contribution to Hindi literature remains unparalleled. He not only pioneered the Hindi novel genre but also elevated it to spectacular heights—becoming one of the most luminous literary figures after Bharatendu Harishchandra.