Chandidas

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Chandidas (Bangla: চন্ডীদাস) (born 1408 CE) refers to (possibly more than one) medieval poet of Bengal. Verse written by at least four different Chandidas have been found, and it is not clear whether they refer to the same person or not. The name Chandidas is usually attributed to Baru Chandidas, who has been more or less indetified as a historical figure born in the 14th century. He was born in Birbhum district of what is now West Bengal. Chandidas wrote the lyrical SrikrishnaKirtan (Songs in praise of Krishna).

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[edit] SrikrishnaKirtan

Srikrishnakirtan as it name suggests, narrates the story of Krishna and his companion Radha. The storyline is derived from Srimodbhagabat, the original book in Bhakti based Vaishnavism. However, Baru Chandidas managed to add substantial originality, making it a masterpiece of medieval Bangla literature. He gives the yearning of Radha a distinctly Bengali rendition, and in the process capturing much of the social conditions of the day. As such he is considered to be prominent Early Middle Bengal poet, however the date of his poem Srikrsnakirtana is still under question, while the text remains one of the most important evidences of early portrayal of the popular story of "Lord Krishna's love for the cowherd girl Radha." The 412 songs of Srikrsnakirtana are divided into thirteen sections that represent the core of the Radha-Krsna legendary cycle, with many variants providing excellent comparative material. The manuscript clearly suggests that the songs meant to be song, and implies particular ragas for the recitation. There is a considerable debate as to the authenticity of the text that has significant religious meaning.[1]

[edit] Humanism in Chandidas

Chandidas is perhaps most well known for his strikingly modern assertion Shobar upor manush shotto tahar upore nai (Above all is human, none else). Later literature has also often eulogized Chandidas' love for a Rojokini (a female cloth washer), whether this has any historical basis is not known.

[edit] References and Notes

  1. ^ Stewart, T.K. (1986). "Singing the Glory of Lord Krishna: The" Srikrsnakirtana". Asian Folklore Studies 45 (1): 152-154. 

[edit] See also