Narsinh Mehta

Narsinh Mehta (1414–1488), also known as Narsinh Bhagat, was a 15th-century poet-saint of Gujarat, India, honored as the first poet, or Adi Kavi, of the Gujarati language. Narsinh became a devotee of Krishna, and dedicated his life to composing poetic works expressing his bhakti (devotional love) towards Krishna. His bhajans have remained popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan for over five centuries. Most notably, his composition "Vaishnava Jana To" was Mahatma Gandhi's favorite and became popular with freedom fighters across India.

Biography

Much of what is known about Narsinh Mehta is derived from his own compositions and poetic works, due to the lack of formal historical documentation during this period.

Though there is no consensus among scholars on exact dates, it is believed Narsinh was born in 1414 and lived until the age of 79. While there is no specific date mentioned in Narsinh's autobiographical compositions or in works from later poets, the incidents depicted establish Narsinh's presence in the 15th century, notably during the reign of Mandalika III.

Based on the language, style, and emotion of Narsinh's poetic works, it is believed he studied in his Nagar family tradition and had knowledge of literary tradition and creativity. However, his poetry focuses exclusively on religious devotion and is attributed to becoming a devotee of Krishna.

Vastrapur Lake in Ahmedabad has been officially renamed in his honor.

Poetic works

Narsinh's poetic work is typically viewed as bhajans towards Krishna but also Hindu bhakti. As a pioneer poet of Gujarat, his bhajans have been sung in Gujarat and Rajasthan for over five centuries.

Narsinh's work has expanded beyond his Hindu bhakti into secular contexts such as school events and cultural programs. The bilingual film Narsi Mehta in Hindi and Narsi Bhagat in Gujarati (1940), directed by Vijay Bhatt, paralleled Mehta with Mahatma Gandhi. Narsi Bhagat, an Indian Hindi-language biographical film by Devendra Goel, released in 1957. The soundtrack from the film, with music by Ravi Shankar Sharma and lyrics by Gopal Singh Nepali, became popular, especially the song "Darshan Do Ghanshyam" (which was misattributed to the poet Surdas in the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire). This was followed by Bhagat Narsinh Mehta, an Indian Gujarati-language film directed by Vijay B. Chauhan, which released in 1984.

Narsaiyo (1991) was a Gujarati television series telecast by the Ahmedabad centre of Doordarshan, starring Darshan Jariwala in the lead role. This 27-episode successful series was produced by Nandubhai Shah and directed by Mulraj Rajda.

Sanskrit sources and Narasinha's songs Narasinha Mehta's devotional songs blend elements from Sanskrit scriptural traditions with the cultural expressions of Gujarat. His work draws upon two primary Sanskrit sources: the Bhagavata Purana and Jayadeva's Gitagovinda. Several episodes of Krishna's life in his repertoire such as the theft of butter, the complaints of the gopis, and the subduing of the serpent Kaliya are adapted from the narrative framework of the Bhagavata. His lyrics also reflect the metaphysical vision of the Bhagavata, particularly its monistic interpretation of Krishna's lila as a manifestation of the all-pervasive Ultimate Reality. Narasinha further incorporates the influence of the Gitagovinda by quoting its Sanskrit verses directly in his Gujarati songs to describe the mutual love between Radha and Krishna. At the same time, his work is distinguished by its use of colloquial Gujarati, local folk rhythms known as deshis, and depictions of a "Gujaratized" Braj where Krishna is portrayed enjoying regional foods such as karamalo. His prabhatiya (morning hymns) have become a lasting part of the religious traditions of Gujarat.