Candidates are selected from literary works published in the previous ten years by a panel that included scholars and former award winners. The inaugural award was given to Harivanshrai 'Bachchan' for his four volume autobiography,  Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon, Needa Ka Nirman Phir, Basere Se Door and Dashdwar se Sopan Tak.
Candidates are selected from literary works published in the last ten years by a panel that includes scholars and former award winners. The inaugural prize was awarded to Harivanshrai 'Bachchan' for his four-volume autobiography, titled "Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon," "Needa Ka Nirman Phir," "Basere Se Door," and "Dashdwar se Sopan Tak."