While looking for clues about Jayadeva in his magnum opus, Gita Govinda, scholars came across the names Umapathidhara, Charana, Govardhana, Shrutidhara and Dhoyi in the fourth stanza of the first canto. History tells us they were 12th-century poets who enjoyed the patronage of Laksmana Sena, the ruler of the Bengal region from 1178 to 1206. But who were these five contemporaries to Jayadeva? His rivals? Fellow-competitors? Was Jayadeva a court poet to Lakshmana Sena when he composed Gita Govinda? Scholars can’t seem to agree! Some believe that Gita Govinda was written earlier. Certain others think that the aforementioned stanza was not penned by Jayadeva but inserted by an admiring disciple to indicate the greatness of his guru. We may never have enough or absolute proof to substantiate or oppose these claims. But there is one thing we all can agree on – that Gita Govinda is one of the greatest Indian love songs of all times!
Like archaeologists sweeping through a promising site for hidden treasures and artifacts, scholars painstakingly went through works of literature with a metaphorical fine-toothed comb. When such dedicated academics scanned the Gita Govinda, they found certain vital clues. The fourth stanza of the first canto of this timeless love song contained a key, a poetic signature that revealed to them that Jayadeva lived in the 12th century!
Nearly eight centuries have gone by, and Jayadeva’s epic love song is still sung across the country and enjoyed...
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