Why were many early Hindi literary works written in verse?

Early Hindi literary works were written almost exclusively in verse because they were deeply rooted in oral traditions, religious devotion, and the influence of classical Sanskrit models.123

The prevalence of verse in early literature can be attributed to several key factors:

• Bhakti Movement: Much of the early literature was inspired by the bhakti (devotional) movement, which favored lyrical poetry and passionate songs as mediums for expressing love for the divine. These works were meant to be sung or recited, making verse the natural choice for religious expression.234
• Sanskrit Influence: Early regional literatures frequently borrowed forms and conventions from Sanskrit poetry. Since Sanskrit literature was predominantly poetic, these stylistic conventions—including specific imagery and rhetorical structures—were adapted into early Hindi works.23
• Oral Tradition: Many narratives, such as mythological tales from the epics and Puranas, were transmitted through bardic traditions at royal courts or by wandering poets. Verse served as a mnemonic device, making these stories easier to memorize and perform for audiences.243

Prose did not begin to emerge as a significant literary medium in regional languages until much later, with vernacular prose proliferating primarily from the 19th century onward under the influence of Western models.23