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{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Short description|Indian poet, novelist and freedom fighter}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox writer
{{Infobox writer
| name         = Ramesh Chandra Jha<br>रमेशचन्द्र झा
| name       = Ramesh Chandra Jha
| image         = R.C.Jha.jpg
| image       = Freedom Fighter & Poet - Ramesh Chandra Jha.jpg
| birth_date   = {{Birth date|df=yes|1928|5|08}}
| imagesize  =
| birth_place   = [[Motihari]], [[Bihar and Orissa Province]], [[British India]]
| nationality  = {{flagicon|india}} [[Indian people|Indian]]
| death_date   = {{death date|df=yes|1994|04|07}} <br>(aged 65)
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1928|5|08}}
| death_place   = [[Motihari]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| birth_place = [[Motihari]], [[Bihar and Orissa Province]], [[British India]]<br /> (now in [[Motihari]], [[Bihar]], India)
| occupation   = Poet, novelist, journalist, freedom fighter
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1994|04|07|1928|5|08}}
| language     = [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]], [[Bhojpuri]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]], [[Sanskrit]]
| death_place = [[Motihari, Bihar]], India
| nationality  = [[India]]n
| occupation = Poet, novelist, journalist, freedom fighter
| period       = 1950s-1970s
| language   = [[Hindi]], [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]], [[Sanskrit]]
| genre        =
| period     = 1950s–1970s
| subject       =
| notableworks= यह देश है वीर जवानों का, स्वागतिका, वत्सराज, मुरलिका, प्रियंवदा
| spouse       = Suryamukhi Devi
| subject     =  
| children     = Vinayak Jha, Reeta Jha
| spouse     = Suryamukhi Devi  
| relatives   = [[Sanjeev K Jha]] (grandson)
| parents      = Laxminarayan Jha [Freedom Fighter]
| signature    =
| children   = Vinayak Jha, Rita Devi
| relatives   = [[Sanjeev K Jha]] (mat. grandson) [[Anuranjan Jha]] (Brother's grandson)
}}
}}
           


'''Ramesh Chandra Jha''' (8 May 1928 – 7 April 1994) was an Indian  [[poet]], [[novelist]] and [[freedom fighter]]. Son of a senior gandhian Lakshmi Narayan Jha, who was offered to become the first chief minister of bihar but refused as he called himself a freedom fighter then a politician. Ramesh Chandra Jha's poems, [[ghazal]]s and stories evoke patriotism and human values. Romanticism and struggle of life are also important aspects of his writing. His poetry expresses concerns of people's life struggle, their dreams and hopes.
'''Ramesh Chandra Jha'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/bihar-jharkhand/web-stories/independence-day-2023-indian-freedom-fighter-and-poet-ramesh-chandra-jha-in-hindi/1824038/|title= Indian Freedom fighter and poet Ramesh Chandra Jha|work= Zee News|date= 14 August 2023|accessdate=16 December 2024}}</ref>(8 May 1928 – 7 April 1994) was an Indian  [[poet]], [[novelist]] and [[freedom fighter]]. Son of a senior [[Gandhians|Gandhian]] and freedom fighter Lakshmi Narayan Jha,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/unsung-heroes-of-freedom-movement-from-a-man-who-saved-gandhi-life-to-elderly-woman-who-died-hoisting-tricolour-news-219093?utm_source=chatgpt.com|title= An Unsung Hero From Bihar Who Saved Gandhi's Life During Freedom Struggle|work= Outlook India|date= 18 January 2024|accessdate=21 August 2025}}</ref> who also contributed in [[Indian independence movement|Indian Freedom Struggle]] from [[Bihar]]. His maternal grandson [[Sanjeev K Jha]] is a well-known [[screenwriter]] who is working in [[Cinema of India|Indian film industry]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/jabariya-jodi-writer-sanjeev-k-jha-5840483/|title= Jabariya Jodi writer Sanjeev K Jha|website=The Indian Express|date= 29 July 2019|accessdate=29 July 2022}}</ref> Ramesh Chandra Jha's poems, [[ghazal]]s and stories often evoke [[patriotism]] and human values.{{Example needed|date=January 2025}} Romanticism and struggle of life are also important aspects of his writing. His poetry expresses concerns of people's life struggle, their dreams and hopes.<ref>[https://www.ijamsr.com/issues/6_Volume%208_Issue%201/20250218_070921_8011.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com/ IJAMSR (International Journal for Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research)]</ref>


His research published as ''Apne Aur Sapne : A Literary Journey Of Champaran'' in the 1960s traced the rich literary heritage of [[Champaran]] in [[Bihar]] and noted the upcoming young poets such as Dinesh Bhramar and Pandey Ashutosh.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/ApneAurSapneALitereryJourneyOfChamparanByRameshChandraJha/ Apne Aur Sapne : Online PDF book at Archive.org]</ref>
His research based books including ''Champaran Ki Sahitya Sadhana'' (चम्पारन की साहित्य साधना) (1958), ''Champaran: Literature & Literary Writers'' (चम्पारन: साहित्य और साहित्यकार) (1967) and ''Apne Aur Sapne: A Literary Journey Of Champaran'' (अपने और सपने: चम्पारन की साहित्य यात्रा) (1988) meticulously document the rich literary heritage and history of [[Champaran]], [[Bihar]]. These seminal books continue to serve as foundational reference points for researchers, scholars, Ph.D. students, and journalists alike. Jha's exploration and preservation of Champaran's historical and literary legacy have solidified his place as a cornerstone in the field of literary research.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/ApneAurSapneALitereryJourneyOfChamparanByRameshChandraJha/ Apne Aur Sapne : Online PDF book at Archive.org]</ref>


==Life history==
==Life history==
Ramesh Chandra Jha was born on 8 May 1928 in Fulwariya village of [[Sugauli]] in [[East Champaran district]], known as [[Motihari]], [[Bihar]]. His father, Laxmi Narayan Jha, was a well-known patriot and freedom fighter who fought against [[British Raj|British rule]] and was arrested many times, including on 15 April 1917 when [[Mahatma Gandhi]] visited Champaran for his [[Satyagrah]] movement. That incident inspired the son to become rebellious and he was convicted of robbery at the age of 14. Even Ramesh Jha created various chaos inside of the jail and become problematic for British officers.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}
Ramesh Chandra Jha was born on 8 May 1928 in Fulwariya village of [[Sugauli]] in [[East Champaran district]], known as [[Motihari]], [[Bihar]]. His father, Laxmi Narayan Jha, was a patriot and freedom fighter who fought against [[British Raj|British rule]] and was arrested many times, including on 15 April 1917 when [[Mahatma Gandhi]] visited Champaran for his [[Satyagrah]] movement. Influenced by these events, Ramesh Chandra Jha became active in nationalist activities from an early age. At the age of 14, he was convicted of robbery in connection with the movement. While imprisoned, he frequently caused disturbances and became a source of difficulty for the British officers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/jharkhand/ranchi/azadi-ka-amrit-mahotsav-champaran-satyagraha-and-revolution-confluence-srn|title= चंपारण सत्याग्रह और क्रांति का संगम|website=Prabhat Khabar|date= 2 July 2022|accessdate=12 July 2022}}</ref>


Jha was not just a patriotic poet but went to jail many times during British rule because of his involvement in the [[Quit India Movement]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=gCnRzJwcqSQC&redir_esc=y/ Bihar Through the Ages : Ritu Chaturvedi, S.R.Bakshi 2007]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mf4p-Ll5w6sC/ Champaran to Quit India Movement : Mittal Publication 2002]</ref> He was student of Hazarimal High School, [[Raxaul]] that time and was entrapped into several cases of the robbery at police stations during freedom struggle. In his school days he led student protest and was later thrown out from the school.
==Life as Freedom Fighter==
 
[[File:Tamra Patra honoured by Smt. Indira Gandhi.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Tamra Patra honoured by Smt. Indira Gandhi]]
Ramesh Chandra Jha went to jail many times during British rule because of his involvement in the [[Quit India Movement]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=gCnRzJwcqSQC Bihar Through the Ages : Ritu Chaturvedi, S.R.Bakshi 2007]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mf4p-Ll5w6sC Champaran to Quit India Movement : Mittal Publication 2002]</ref> At that time, he was a student of Hazarimal High School, [[Raxaul]]. He was entrapped into several cases of the robbery at police stations during freedom struggle. In his school days he led student protest and was later thrown out from the school.


S. R. Bakshi and Ritu Chaturvedi in his research based book have said that {{blockquote|At his phulwariya village in great hardship, Gokul Thakur ordered Ramesh Chandra and Rama Kant Jha to go to Sugaon and to take account of the articles were removed and also the condition of imposed collective fines. Since both these persons view of prematured age, there was not much possibility of their being arrested. But both of them were arrested happily and imprisoned for two years under the Section 38(v) of the Indian safety act...<ref>Bihar Through The Ages</ref>}}
S. R. Bakshi and Ritu Chaturvedi in his research based book have said that {{blockquote|At his phulwariya village in great hardship, Gokul Thakur ordered Ramesh Chandra and Rama Kant Jha to go to Sugaon and to take account of the articles were removed and also the condition of imposed collective fines. Since both these persons view of prematured age, there was not much possibility of their being arrested. But both of them were arrested happily and imprisoned for two years under the Section 38(v) of the Indian safety act...<ref>Bihar Through The Ages</ref>}}


While in jail, Jha studied [[Indian literature]] and after the [[independence of India]], like his father, rather than joining politics, he became a poet and novelist. In a Muktak (poem), Jha had expressed his feelings in a poetry- "जंगल झाड़ भरे खंडहर में सोया पाँव पसार, दलित ग़ुलाम देश का मारा हारा थका फ़रार..."{{clarify|reason=so what? this needs a translation|date=July 2016}}
Renowned [[Intellectual|litterateur]] [[Kanhiyalal Prabhakar Mishra]] writes about Ramesh Chandra Jha in the preface to a book, "The history of Ramesh Chandra Jha and his family is like laughing aloud in the face of ruin during the freedom struggle. He is among those who themselves put handcuffs to break the shackles of slavery. He also enjoyed the life of a dreaded absconder and is among those who did not get freedom but earned it."<ref>{{cite web |title=An Unsung Hero From Bihar|date=26 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/unsung-heroes-of-freedom-movement-from-a-man-who-saved-gandhi-life-to-elderly-woman-who-died-hoisting-tricolour-news-219093 |access-date=27 October 2022}}</ref>
 
While serving his jail term, he was drawn to reading Indian and world literature. After coming out of prison, he became a poet and author instead of joining any political party.
 
==Works and literature==
 
[[File:Acharya Shivpujan Sahay's letter to Ramesh Chandra Jha.png|thumb|250px|left|Acharya Shivpujan Sahay's letter to R.C.Jha]]
 
Ramesh Chandra Jha worked across various literary genres and forms. While his body of work is diverse, it predominantly reflects themes of patriotism, Chhayavad (Romanticism or Shadowism), and historical or period narratives.
 
The eminent poet and freedom fighter [[Rambriksh Benipuri]], who were very close the Ramesh Jha once wrote:<ref name="Outlook">{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Arunesh |title=Ramesh Chandra Jha in the eyes of hindi poets |url=https://outlookhindi.com/country/general/ramesh-chandra-jha-in-the-eyes-of-hindi-poets-75907/ |work=Outlook}}</ref>
 
{{blockquote|"With Dinkar, a new wave of poets emerged in Bihar, but its fate turned out to be quite peculiar. One searches for the new sprouts that were expected to follow. Occasionally, a few fresh buds seem to peek through the dense layers of the earth. Ramesh is one such bud, and he belongs to my home—he is one of us. Affection and favoritism, I hear, often go hand in hand, yet even so, affection cannot be forsaken, nor can the bonds of love be broken! Favoritism it may be, but without hesitation, I will say that I have always deeply appreciated Ramesh’s works."}}


==Honours and awards==
==Honours and awards==


* 15 August 1972, on the 25th anniversary of Indian independence, [[Indira Gandhi]] awarded him with Tamra Patra for his participation in the Indian freedom struggle.
* 15 August 1972, on the 25th anniversary of [[Indian independence movement|Indian independence]], [[Indira Gandhi]] awarded him with Tamra Patra for his participation in the Indian freedom struggle.
* Awarded by Dr Uday Narayan Tiwari Award on 2 October 1993 at the National Bhojpuri Language Summit in [[Raniganj]], [[West Bengal]].
* Awarded by Dr Uday Narayan Tiwari Award on 2 October 1993 at the National Bhojpuri Language Summit in [[Raniganj]], [[West Bengal]].
* Ramesh Chandra Jha’s Bhojpuri poem has been included in the textbook of Bhojpuri by the Bihar government.<ref name="Beyond Headlines">{{cite news |last1=Ranjan |first1=Shashi |title=Ramesh Chandra Jha: A Poet of People and Patriot of Champaran |url=https://beyondheadlines.in/2023/05/ramesh-chandra-jha/ |work=Beyondheadlines.in}}</ref>


==Ramesh Chandra Jha Memorial Award==
==Ramesh Chandra Jha Memorial Award==
[[File:2nd Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman to Laxmi Shankar Bajpai.jpg|thumb| 2nd Ramesh Chandra Jha Smiriti Samman 2017 is given by Senior Journalist Arvind Mohan to [[Laxmi Shankar Bajpai]] at Phulwaria ]]
On 04-5 March 2016 on the occasion of completing 200 years of [[Treaty of Sugauli]] BHOR Organization had conducted '''Sugauli Sandhi Samaroh''' 2016. In this festival an important historical book about Sugauli and its past, ''Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli'', had been launched and the ''Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman'' for writer and journalist had been awarded.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20241208004716/https://www.jagran.com/bihar/east-champaran-13565351.html Dainik Jagran, 10 February 2016]</ref>
 
On 04-5 March 2016 on the occasion of completing 200 years of [[Treaty of Sugauli]] BHOR Organization had conducted '''Sugauli Sandhi Samaroh''' 2016. In this festival an important historical book about Sugauli and its past, ''Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli'', had been launched and the ''Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman'' for writer and journalist had been awarded.<ref>[http://www.jagran.com/bihar/east-champaran-13565351.html/ Dainik Jagran, 10 February 2016]{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


On 4 March 2016 the journalist Arvind Mohan, ex-DGP ([[Uttar Pradesh]]) and the former Vice-Chancellor of [[Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya]], [[Vibhuti Narain Rai]], along with many other special guests, launched Ramesh Chandra Jha's historical book titled ''Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli''.<ref>[http://www.outlookhindi.com/art-and-culture/diary/bhor-literature-festival-6993/ Outlook Hindi, MAR 12 , 2016]</ref>
On 4 March 2016 the journalist Arvind Mohan, ex-DGP ([[Uttar Pradesh]]) and the former Vice-Chancellor of [[Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya]], [[Vibhuti Narain Rai]], along with many other special guests, launched Ramesh Chandra Jha's historical book titled ''Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli''.<ref>[http://www.outlookhindi.com/art-and-culture/diary/bhor-literature-festival-6993/ Outlook Hindi, March 12, 2016]</ref>


Bhor Charitable Trust conducted 2nd Bhor Literature Festival 2017 on the occasion of 100 Years of famous Gandhi's Champaran Satyagrah. This event was held at historical Phulwaria village (Birth Place of Ramesh Chandra Jha) of Champaran on 15–16 April 2017, during the festival '''2nd Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman''' was given to [[Laxmi Shankar Bajpai]]. Bhor has Started ''Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha'' Bhor Rural olympiad. BRO for rural school children. In the year 2017 it has given to 12 students of Champaran region. ''Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha'' was the renowned teacher and younger brother of Ramesh Chandra Jha.
Bhor Charitable Trust conducted 2nd Bhor Literature Festival 2017 on the occasion of 100 Years of famous Gandhi's Champaran Satyagrah. This event was held at historical Phulwaria village (Birth Place of Ramesh Chandra Jha) of Champaran on 15–16 April 2017, during the festival '''2nd Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman''' was given to [[Laxmi Shankar Bajpai]]. Bhor has Started ''Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha'' Bhor Rural olympiad. BRO for rural school children. In the year 2017 it has given to 12 students of Champaran region. ''Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha'' was the renowned teacher and younger brother of Ramesh Chandra Jha.
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*Durg Ka Ghera (दुर्ग का घेरा) [प्र० व०- 1958,सुभाष पुस्तक मंडल, बनारस]
*Durg Ka Ghera (दुर्ग का घेरा) [प्र० व०- 1958,सुभाष पुस्तक मंडल, बनारस]
*Majaar Ka Diya,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=249396 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-01-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130801135643/http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=249396 |archivedate=1 August 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> (मजार का दीया) [प्र० व०- 1962, चौधरी एंड संस, बनारस]
*Majaar Ka Diya,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=249396 |title=Item Details |accessdate=15 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130801135643/http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=249396 |archivedate=1 August 2013 }}</ref> (मजार का दीया) [प्र० व०- 1962, चौधरी एंड संस, बनारस]
*Mitti Bol Uthi (मिट्टी बोल उठी) [प्र० व०- 1962, चौधरी एंड संस, बनारस]
*Mitti Bol Uthi (मिट्टी बोल उठी) [प्र० व०- 1962, चौधरी एंड संस, बनारस]
*Rao-Hammir, (राव हम्मीर) [प्र० व०- 1963, सुभाष पुस्तक मंडल, बनारस]
*Rao-Hammir, (राव हम्मीर) [प्र० व०- 1963, सुभाष पुस्तक मंडल, बनारस]
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'''Patriotic Work''' '''(राष्ट्रीय साहित्य)'''
'''Patriotic Work''' '''(राष्ट्रीय साहित्य)'''


*Yah Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka (Poetry Collection)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=261143 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-01-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130801135740/http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=261143 |archivedate=1 August 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> (यह देश है वीर जवानों का)
*Yah Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka (Poetry Collection)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=261143 |title=Item Details |accessdate=15 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130801135740/http://webopac.puchd.ac.in/w21OneItem.aspx?xC=261143 |archivedate=1 August 2013 }}</ref> (यह देश है वीर जवानों का)
*Swadheenta Samar Mein:Sugauli (Prose) (स्वाधीनता समर में:सुगौली)
*Swadheenta Samar Mein:Sugauli (Prose) (स्वाधीनता समर में:सुगौली)


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==External links==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160710191456/http://kavitakosh.org/kk/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%9D%E0%A4%BE Ramesh Chandra Jha Bhojpuri Ghazal on Kavita Kosh]
* [https://outlookhindi.com/country/general/ramesh-chandra-jha-in-the-eyes-of-hindi-poets-75907/ आउटलुक : हिंदी कवियों की नजर में रमेश चंद्र झा]
* [http://www.sugaulisandhi.com/event/ Ramesh Chandra Jha Memorial Award]
* [https://outlookhindi.com/country/general/ramesh-chandra-jha-birth-anniversary-special-article-75905/ आउटलुक : चंपारण के इतिहास में रमेशचंद्र झा का हिस्सा]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160211143146/http://eastchamparan.bih.nic.in/freedomfighters.htm Freedom Fighters of Champaran]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjgQCevmEoY&t=2s/ ALL INDIA RADIO OFFICIAL]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH4Djn8sDC8/ उन्नीस सौ बयालीस का बाग़ी : Short Documentary]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160710191456/http://kavitakosh.org/kk/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%9D%E0%A4%BE Ramesh Chandra Jha Bhojpuri Ghazal on Kavita Kosh]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB70wBaOW44/ Ministry of Information & Broadcasting : 'Saga Of Freedom Struggle: Remembering Freedom Fighter Ramesh Chandra Jha']
* [https://archive.org/details/ Apne Aur Sapne : A Literery Journey Of Champaran]
* [https://archive.org/details/ Apne Aur Sapne : A Literery Journey Of Champaran]
* [http://www.poemhunter.com/ramesh-chandra-jha/biography/ PoemHunter.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180303225430/http://www.veethi.com/india-people/ramesh_chandra_jha-profile-6394-25.htm Veethi : Face of India]
* [http://hamarabihar.in/?p=348/ HumaraBihar]


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[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Poets from Bihar]]
[[Category:Poets from Bihar]]
[[Category:Writers from Bihar]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:Bhojpuri-language writers]]
[[Category:Bhojpuri-language writers]]
[[Category:Hindi-language writers]]
[[Category:Hindi-language Indian writers]]
[[Category:Hindi-language poets]]
[[Category:Hindi-language poets]]
[[Category:Indian independence activists from Bihar]]
[[Category:Indian independence activists from Bihar]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian novelists]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian novelists]]
[[Category:Hindi novelists]]
[[Category:Hindi-language novelists]]
[[Category:Novelists from Bihar]]
[[Category:Novelists from Bihar]]
[[Category:People from East Champaran district]]
[[Category:People from East Champaran district]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male writers]]

Latest revision as of 11:06, 18 February 2026


Ramesh Chandra Jha
Born(1928-05-08)8 May 1928
Motihari, Bihar and Orissa Province, British India
(now in Motihari, Bihar, India)
Died7 April 1994(1994-04-07) (aged 65)
Motihari, Bihar, India
OccupationPoet, novelist, journalist, freedom fighter
LanguageHindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Sanskrit
NationalityIndia Indian
Period1950s–1970s
Notable worksयह देश है वीर जवानों का, स्वागतिका, वत्सराज, मुरलिका, प्रियंवदा
SpouseSuryamukhi Devi
ChildrenVinayak Jha, Rita Devi
ParentsLaxminarayan Jha [Freedom Fighter]
RelativesSanjeev K Jha (mat. grandson) Anuranjan Jha (Brother's grandson)


Ramesh Chandra Jha[1](8 May 1928 – 7 April 1994) was an Indian poet, novelist and freedom fighter. Son of a senior Gandhian and freedom fighter Lakshmi Narayan Jha,[2] who also contributed in Indian Freedom Struggle from Bihar. His maternal grandson Sanjeev K Jha is a well-known screenwriter who is working in Indian film industry.[3] Ramesh Chandra Jha's poems, ghazals and stories often evoke patriotism and human values.[example needed] Romanticism and struggle of life are also important aspects of his writing. His poetry expresses concerns of people's life struggle, their dreams and hopes.[4]

His research based books including Champaran Ki Sahitya Sadhana (चम्पारन की साहित्य साधना) (1958), Champaran: Literature & Literary Writers (चम्पारन: साहित्य और साहित्यकार) (1967) and Apne Aur Sapne: A Literary Journey Of Champaran (अपने और सपने: चम्पारन की साहित्य यात्रा) (1988) meticulously document the rich literary heritage and history of Champaran, Bihar. These seminal books continue to serve as foundational reference points for researchers, scholars, Ph.D. students, and journalists alike. Jha's exploration and preservation of Champaran's historical and literary legacy have solidified his place as a cornerstone in the field of literary research.[5]

Life history[edit | edit source]

Ramesh Chandra Jha was born on 8 May 1928 in Fulwariya village of Sugauli in East Champaran district, known as Motihari, Bihar. His father, Laxmi Narayan Jha, was a patriot and freedom fighter who fought against British rule and was arrested many times, including on 15 April 1917 when Mahatma Gandhi visited Champaran for his Satyagrah movement. Influenced by these events, Ramesh Chandra Jha became active in nationalist activities from an early age. At the age of 14, he was convicted of robbery in connection with the movement. While imprisoned, he frequently caused disturbances and became a source of difficulty for the British officers.[6]

Life as Freedom Fighter[edit | edit source]

Tamra Patra honoured by Smt. Indira Gandhi

Ramesh Chandra Jha went to jail many times during British rule because of his involvement in the Quit India Movement.[7][8] At that time, he was a student of Hazarimal High School, Raxaul. He was entrapped into several cases of the robbery at police stations during freedom struggle. In his school days he led student protest and was later thrown out from the school.

S. R. Bakshi and Ritu Chaturvedi in his research based book have said that

At his phulwariya village in great hardship, Gokul Thakur ordered Ramesh Chandra and Rama Kant Jha to go to Sugaon and to take account of the articles were removed and also the condition of imposed collective fines. Since both these persons view of prematured age, there was not much possibility of their being arrested. But both of them were arrested happily and imprisoned for two years under the Section 38(v) of the Indian safety act...[9]

Renowned litterateur Kanhiyalal Prabhakar Mishra writes about Ramesh Chandra Jha in the preface to a book, "The history of Ramesh Chandra Jha and his family is like laughing aloud in the face of ruin during the freedom struggle. He is among those who themselves put handcuffs to break the shackles of slavery. He also enjoyed the life of a dreaded absconder and is among those who did not get freedom but earned it."[10]

While serving his jail term, he was drawn to reading Indian and world literature. After coming out of prison, he became a poet and author instead of joining any political party.

Works and literature[edit | edit source]

Acharya Shivpujan Sahay's letter to R.C.Jha

Ramesh Chandra Jha worked across various literary genres and forms. While his body of work is diverse, it predominantly reflects themes of patriotism, Chhayavad (Romanticism or Shadowism), and historical or period narratives.

The eminent poet and freedom fighter Rambriksh Benipuri, who were very close the Ramesh Jha once wrote:[11]

"With Dinkar, a new wave of poets emerged in Bihar, but its fate turned out to be quite peculiar. One searches for the new sprouts that were expected to follow. Occasionally, a few fresh buds seem to peek through the dense layers of the earth. Ramesh is one such bud, and he belongs to my home—he is one of us. Affection and favoritism, I hear, often go hand in hand, yet even so, affection cannot be forsaken, nor can the bonds of love be broken! Favoritism it may be, but without hesitation, I will say that I have always deeply appreciated Ramesh’s works."

Honours and awards[edit | edit source]

  • 15 August 1972, on the 25th anniversary of Indian independence, Indira Gandhi awarded him with Tamra Patra for his participation in the Indian freedom struggle.
  • Awarded by Dr Uday Narayan Tiwari Award on 2 October 1993 at the National Bhojpuri Language Summit in Raniganj, West Bengal.
  • Ramesh Chandra Jha’s Bhojpuri poem has been included in the textbook of Bhojpuri by the Bihar government.[12]

Ramesh Chandra Jha Memorial Award[edit | edit source]

On 04-5 March 2016 on the occasion of completing 200 years of Treaty of Sugauli BHOR Organization had conducted Sugauli Sandhi Samaroh 2016. In this festival an important historical book about Sugauli and its past, Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli, had been launched and the Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman for writer and journalist had been awarded.[13]

On 4 March 2016 the journalist Arvind Mohan, ex-DGP (Uttar Pradesh) and the former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Vibhuti Narain Rai, along with many other special guests, launched Ramesh Chandra Jha's historical book titled Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli.[14]

Bhor Charitable Trust conducted 2nd Bhor Literature Festival 2017 on the occasion of 100 Years of famous Gandhi's Champaran Satyagrah. This event was held at historical Phulwaria village (Birth Place of Ramesh Chandra Jha) of Champaran on 15–16 April 2017, during the festival 2nd Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman was given to Laxmi Shankar Bajpai. Bhor has Started Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha Bhor Rural olympiad. BRO for rural school children. In the year 2017 it has given to 12 students of Champaran region. Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha was the renowned teacher and younger brother of Ramesh Chandra Jha.

Major literary works[edit | edit source]

Poetry Collection (काव्य-संग्रह)

  • Murlika, (मुरलिका)
  • Priyamvada (प्रियंवदा-खण्ड काव्य),
  • Swagatika, (स्वगातिका)
  • Megh-geet, (मेघ-गीत)
  • Aag-phool, (आग-फूल)
  • Bharat Desh Humara, (भारत देश हमारा)
  • Jawaan Jagte Raho, (जवान जागते रहो)
  • Marichika, (मरीचिका)
  • Jai Bharat Jai Gandhi, (जय भारत जय गांधी)
  • Jai Bolo Hindustan Ki, (जय बोलो हिन्दुस्तान की)
  • Priyadarshni (प्रियदर्शनी-श्रद्धा काव्य)
  • Deep Jalta Raha, (दीप चलता रहा)
  • Challo-Dilli, (चलो-दिल्ली)
  • Neel Ke Daag (नील के दाग)

Historical Novel (ऐतिहासिक उपन्यास)

  • Durg Ka Ghera (दुर्ग का घेरा) [प्र० व०- 1958,सुभाष पुस्तक मंडल, बनारस]
  • Majaar Ka Diya,[15] (मजार का दीया) [प्र० व०- 1962, चौधरी एंड संस, बनारस]
  • Mitti Bol Uthi (मिट्टी बोल उठी) [प्र० व०- 1962, चौधरी एंड संस, बनारस]
  • Rao-Hammir, (राव हम्मीर) [प्र० व०- 1963, सुभाष पुस्तक मंडल, बनारस]
  • Vatsraj,[16]
  • Kunvar Singh, (कुंवर सिंह)
  • Kaling Ka Lahu (कलिंग का लहू)

Patriotic Work (राष्ट्रीय साहित्य)

  • Yah Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka (Poetry Collection)[17] (यह देश है वीर जवानों का)
  • Swadheenta Samar Mein:Sugauli (Prose) (स्वाधीनता समर में:सुगौली)

Social-Political Novel (सामाजिक-राजनीतिक उपन्यास)

  • Dharti Ki Dhool (धरती की धुल)
  • Jeevan-Daan (जीवन-दान) [प्र० व०- 1955, चौधरी एंड संस, कलकत्ता]
  • Roop Ki Rakh (रूप की राख)
  • Paas Ki Duri (पास की दूरी)
  • Meera Nachi Re (मीरा नाची रे)
  • Kaante Aur Kaliyan (काँटे और कलियाँ) [सुभाष पुस्तक मंडल, बनारस]

Children's Literature (बाल साहित्य)

  • Sone Ka Kangan (सोने का कंगन)
  • Chanda Ka Doot (चंदा का दूत)
  • Bandar Lala (बन्दर लाला)
  • Kehte Chalo Sunte Chalo (कहते चलो सुनते चलो)
  • Inse Sikho Inse Jano (इनसे सीखो इनसे जानो)
  • Kavita Bhari Kahaani (कविता भरी कहानी)
  • Naya Desh Nai Kahani (नया देश नई कहानी)
  • Gata Chal Bajata Chal (गाता चल बजाता चल)
  • Kaisi Rahi Kahaani (कैसी रही कहानी)
  • Aao Suno Kahaani (आओ सुनो कहानी)
  • Ek Samay Ki Baat(Novel) (एक समय की बात)
  • Aage Kadam Badhao (आगे कदम बढाओ)
  • Bachho Suno Kahaani (बच्चो सुनो कहानी)
  • Aao Padhte Jao (आओ पढ़ते जाओ)

Autobiographical Novel (आत्मकथात्मक उपन्यास)

  • Vidyapati (विद्यापति)
  • Bharat Putri (भारत-पुत्री)

Research Work (शोध कार्य)

  • Champaran Ki Sahitya Sadhana (चम्पारन की साहित्य साधना) (1958)
  • Apne Aur Sapne:A Literary Journey Of Champaran (अपने और सपने: चम्पारन की साहित्य यात्रा) (1988)
  • Champaran:Literature & Literary Writers (चम्पारन: साहित्य और साहित्यकार) (1967)

Bhojpuri Novel (भोजपुरी उपन्यास)

  • Surma Sagun Bichare Na (भोजपुरी का पहला धारावाहिक उपन्यास)

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Indian Freedom fighter and poet Ramesh Chandra Jha". Zee News. 14 August 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  2. "An Unsung Hero From Bihar Who Saved Gandhi's Life During Freedom Struggle". Outlook India. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  3. "Jabariya Jodi writer Sanjeev K Jha". The Indian Express. 29 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  4. IJAMSR (International Journal for Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research)
  5. Apne Aur Sapne : Online PDF book at Archive.org
  6. "चंपारण सत्याग्रह और क्रांति का संगम". Prabhat Khabar. 2 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
  7. Bihar Through the Ages : Ritu Chaturvedi, S.R.Bakshi 2007
  8. Champaran to Quit India Movement : Mittal Publication 2002
  9. Bihar Through The Ages
  10. "An Unsung Hero From Bihar". 26 August 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  11. Kumar, Arunesh. "Ramesh Chandra Jha in the eyes of hindi poets". Outlook.
  12. Ranjan, Shashi. "Ramesh Chandra Jha: A Poet of People and Patriot of Champaran". Beyondheadlines.in.
  13. Dainik Jagran, 10 February 2016
  14. Outlook Hindi, March 12, 2016
  15. "Item Details". Retrieved 15 January 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. https://hindidada.com/ | Hindi Dada
  17. "Item Details". Retrieved 15 January 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

External links[edit | edit source]