Book Details

• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi

• Author: Suniti Kumar Chatterji

• Language: English

• Pages: 65

• Cover: Paperback

• Size: 21.5 cm × 14 cm

• Weight: 140 gm

• Edition: 2017

• ISBN: 9788126011828

Description

This scholarly monograph offers a critical and comprehensive study of Jayadeva, one of the most celebrated figures in Indian literary history and the author of the immortal Gita-govinda. Flourishing in the second half of the 12th century, Jayadeva stands at a unique crossroads in Indo-Aryan poetry—marking the culmination of Classical Sanskrit lyricism while simultaneously heralding the rise of the vernacular literary tradition.

Authored by Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatterji, former National Professor of Humanities and former President of the Sahitya Akademi, the book examines Jayadeva’s literary genius with exceptional depth and balance. It addresses the sharply divided critical opinions surrounding Jayadeva’s work—ranging from his recognition as one of India’s greatest poetic minds to debates over the erotic and devotional dimensions of the Gita-govinda.

The study explores competing claims regarding Jayadeva’s birthplace (Bengal, Orissa, and Mithila), analyzes lesser-known verses attributed to him from Sadukti-karnamrita and the Sikh Adi Granth, and evaluates his role both as a secular poet of love and as a saint-mystic devoted to Radha and Krishna. Blending historical research with literary criticism, this work remains an authoritative reference on Jayadeva’s life, writings, influence, and legacy.

An essential resource for scholars, students, and readers of Indian literature, Indology, and medieval cultural history, this Sahitya Akademi publication is a concise yet profound contribution to the study of classical and early modern Indo-Aryan poetry.

Contents

• Jayadeva: The Last of the Ancient and the First of the Modern Indo-Aryan Literature

• Jayadeva: Life and Legends

• Claims of Bengal, Orissa, and Mithila

• Jayadeva’s Works Beyond the Gita-govinda

• Jayadeva as Secular Poet and Mystic Saint

• The Sadukti-karnamrita Verses and Jayadeva Corpus

• Jayadeva’s Poetic Influence in India and Abroad

• Linguistic and Literary Study of the Gita-govinda

• Hymns Attributed to Jayadeva in the Sikh Adi Granth

• Sacred and Profane Love in the Gita-govinda

• Jayadeva in Medieval Art, Music, and Iconography

• Selected Songs with English Translation