The Astchap and the Definition of Religious Poetry in Brajbhasa

Authors

  • R. Stuart McGregor

Keywords:

Brajbhasa, Astachap, Krsna Bhakti, Religious Poetry, Vallabhan community, Nanddas, Parmananddas, Padas, Prabandha Kavya, Bhagavata Purana, Surdas, Lila, Cult Poetry, Indian Literature

Abstract

R. Stuart McGregor’s essay examines the Astachap poets and their role in shaping religious poetry in Brajbhasa, particularly within the Vallabhan Krsna Bhakti tradition. It highlights Brajbhasa’s literary prestige and the poets' contributions through padas and prabandha works rooted in the Bhagavata Purana. Focusing on Nanddas, the paper shows how his works set poetic standards and influenced later devotional literature beyond sectarian lines. Despite declining familiarity with the Astachap in later centuries, their legacy endures in modern North Indian devotional traditions.

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Published

1994-10-20

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (1994): Conference (Winter)

Section

Articles