Introducing Another Sūrdās

Abstract

The article "Introducing Another Surdas" by Swapna Sharma introduces a less famous but significant poet, Surdas Madanmohan, distinguishing him from the more renowned Surdas in the history of Braj and early Hindi literature. The article synthesizes information from various Hindi literary histories and Chaitanyaite literature, including Nabhaji's Bhaktamal and Priyadas's Bhaktirasbodhini, to piece together the life and works of this poet. It discusses the suggested dates for Surdas Madanmohan's life and his discipleship under Sanatan Goswami, which led him to adopt the signature "Surdas Madanmohan" due to his devotion to the deity Madanmohan. The article shares anecdotal stories, such as his past as a revenue officer in Akbar's administration who famously spent royal funds on sadhus, showcasing his deep devotion and fearless nature. It also highlights his poetic versatility, noting his compositions on various themes found in several anthologies and his strong devotion to Sri Radha. The article concludes by emphasizing Surdas Madanmohan's continued presence in Braj's literary and artistic culture, especially in Raslila performances, and acknowledges the challenge of distinguishing his verses from those of the more famous Surdas.