Bhagyawati

"Bhagyawati" is an 1888 novel by Shardha Ram Phillauri. The book has recently been acknowledged as the first novel in Hindi. [Previously, Lala Sri Niwas was credited with this achievement; his "Priksha Guru" was written in 1902.]

"Bhagyawati" is believed to have been written mainly in Amritsar and was first published in 1888.

According to "The Tribune" (India), the novel was written specifically to "bring [] an awakening" among women. The book's main character was a woman, and it offered a progressive perspective on women's rights and status. At a time when widows were considered unholy and impure, child marriage was common, and newborn girls were often killed, the novel advocated widow marriage, condemned child marriage, and affirmed the equality of male and female children. The book was often given to daughters at marriage as a part of the dowry.

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* http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050317/aplus.htm#1