The Hindi Padavali of Namdev

by Winand M. Collewaert and Mukund Lath

Namdev, who lived in the 14th century, was one of the greatest saint-poets of Maharashtra. Besides numerous songs in Marathi, tradition ascribes to him songs in Hindi too. According to his 16th century 'biographer' Anantdas, Namdev was the first among the nirgun greats and stood at the threshold of the remarkable religious and poetic movement which later produced men like Kabir, Raidas, Nanak and Dadu.The authors duo have edited and translated of a select number of Namdev's songs, those that are considered as belonging to the oldest strata. An authentic biography of Namdev is also presented.

About the Author:

DR. WINAND M. CALLEWAERT is a professor of Indian studies at the Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium. Besides numerous research articles he has published important works of Rajab, Dadu and on the Bhagavad Gita.DR. MUKUND LATH teaches history at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. His A Study of Dattilam, is an in-depth exploration of one of the ancient most Indian texts on music and is considered a landmark in musicology.