Jaishankar Prasad is one of the famous four poets of the Chhayavadi Yuga. He was pioneer in using Khari Boli in Hindi poetry. Chitradhar is his first volume of poems. His epic work, Kamayani is considered one of the greatest literary works in modern times in Hindi literature. His other poetic works include Aansu, Lahar, Jharna, Kanan Kusum, Prem Pathik, Maharana ka Mahatva and Ayodhya ka Uddhar.
In addition to poetry, Prasad also wrote more than 72 short stories, 13 dramas and 3 novels – Kankaal, Titli and Iravati. Kankaal is a realist novel. It depicts the false religious pride and the degradation of human values in the modern urban society. Titli depicts an idealist rural life and his historical novel, Iravati remained incomplete.
Most of his plays are based on the historical events and Hindu mythology. These dramas can be seen as attempt to awaken masses in the background of the political uprising against the British rule in India. His historical dramas include Ajatashatru, Chandragupta, Skandagupta, Dhurvaswamini, Rajyashree, Aganimitra, Prayashchita, and Vishakha. Janamejaya ka Nagayajna, Karunalaya and Sajjan are based on Hindu mythology.
Some of Prasad’s famous stories are Mamta, Chota Jadugar, Puraskar, Taansen, Ghulam, Gram and Bedi.