Magadh is widely regarded as one of the most important works of modern Indian poetry. A chorus of narrators - commoners, statesmen, nameless wanderers - pieces together the histories of ancient cities and kingdoms on the Indian subcontinent, their rise and fall. In spare, haunting, incantatory language appears timeless, Magadh tells of transience.

Shrikant Verma (1931-1986) was a central figure in the Nai Kavita literary movement. He was also a member of the Congress party and served as spokesman of the party through the late 1970s to the early 80s. He published books of fiction, a travelogue, essays and five collections of poetry.