In Hindi literature, the use of the word "mahaajana"

In a recent article, Professor Arvind Sharma of McGill University, says that in Hindi the word "mahaajana"is used in the sense of "prominent worthies" as well as in the sense of "the great masses of people".

I am, however, not aware of the second usage at all. Has "mahaajana" really been used in the sense of "the majority" or "the masses"?

If so, I should be glad to have the quotations with authors, please. Sphere: Related Content