Vidyapati14TH CENTURY

Vidyapati, the eminent Maithili poet, stands as one of the most revered figures in Indian literature. Born around the year 1360 A.D. in Bisaphi, a village in Northern Bihar, he lived a long and illustrious life filled with literary achievements until his passing in 1448. Descended from a lineage of scholars, Vidyapati followed in the footsteps of his ancestors and served as a court poet to the Maithili Kings of his time, flourishing under their patronage.

While Vidyapati was proficient in Sanskrit, the language of scholars, his enduring legacy lies in his mastery and utilization of the vernacular Maithili as a medium of literary expression. His collection of songs and poems in Maithili, known as the ‘Padavali Poems,’ are celebrated for their unparalleled lyrical and artistic quality. Vidyapati’s works resonated deeply with both the masses and the elite, establishing him as a popular bard as well as a sophisticated poet of the courts. His distinctive style inaugurated a new literary tradition and left an indelible mark on the literatures of other languages such as Bengali and Assamese, influencing poets for generations to come. Even Rabindranath Tagore acknowledged his debt to Vidyapati’s compositions in Maithili.

Beyond his literary prowess, Vidyapati was known for his multifaceted personality. A connoisseur of beauty, he possessed a deep sensitivity to human emotions and the wonders of nature. Yet, he was also a man of wisdom grounded in his faith in religion and God. He authored numerous works in both Sanskrit and Maithili, including historical romances, dramas, and collections of stories. However, his greatest contribution lies in the realm of vernacular ballads or songs, where his unmatched brilliance in metaphor, expression, and imagination shines through.

Even today, Vidyapati’s popularity endures, with his name being a household one in Bihar and Bengal. His verses continue to resonate with people from all walks of life, with even the illiterate in the region often reciting his couplets on various occasions.

In honor of his remarkable contributions to literature, the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department will issue a special commemorative stamp on November 17, 1965. This stamp pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Vidyapati, whose literary genius continues to captivate hearts across generations.