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{{short description|15th century Indian poet and saint}}
{{short description|15th century Indian poet and saint}}
{{For|the 1932 Indian film|Narsinh Mehta (film)}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{For|the 1932 Indian film|Narsinh Mehta (1932 film)}}{{Multiple issues|
{{Infobox person
{{cleanup|reason=Italicize other titles in Gujarati language|date=March 2013}}
| name               = Narsinh Mehta
{{more citations needed|date=January 2018}}
| image             =  
}}{{Infobox person
| caption           =  
| name = Narsinh Mehta
| birth_date         = <!---c. 1409--->Early 15th century
| image =
| birth_place       = [[Talaja, Bhavnagar]], [[Gujarat under Delhi Sultanate]]
| caption =  
| death_date         = <!---c. 1488--->Late 15th century
| birth_date = <!---c. 1409--->Early 15th century
| death_place       = [[Mangrol State|Mangrol]], [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]], [[Gujarat Sultanate]]
| birth_place = [[Talaja, Bhavnagar]], [[Gujarat under Delhi Sultanate]]
| honors             = Gujarat's Adi Kavi (First Poet)
| death_date = <!---c. 1488--->Late 15th century
| footnotes         = No consensus on dates among scholars except living in 15th century
| death_place = [[Mangrol State|Mangrol]], [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]], [[Gujarat Sultanate]]
| honors =
| footnotes =No consensus on dates among scholars except living in 15th century
}}
}}
'''Narsinh Mehta''', also known as '''Narsi Mehta''' or '''Narsi Bhagat'''<!---(1414–1481)--->, was a 15th-century poet-[[Saint#Hinduism|saint]] of [[Gujarat]], [[India]], notable as a [[Bhakti|bhakta]], an exponent of [[Vaishnava]] poetry. He is especially revered in [[Gujarati literature]], where he is acclaimed as its ''Adi Kavi'' ([[Sanskrit]] for "first among poets"). His bhajan ''[[Vaishnav Jan To]]'' was [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s favourite and has become synonymous with him.<ref name="nm">{{cite book |last1=Ramanuj |first1=Jagruti |last2=Ramanuj |first2=Vi |year=2012 |title=Atmagnyani Bhaktakavi Narsinh Mehta (Biography of Narsinh Mehta)  |location=Ahmedabad |publisher=Navsarjan Publication |isbn=978-93-81443-58-3}}</ref>
'''Narsinh Mehta''', also known as '''Narsinh Bhagat'''<!---(1414–1481)--->, was a 15th-century poet-[[Saint#Hinduism|saint]] of [[Gujarat]], [[India]], honored as the first poet, or ''Adi Kavi,'' of the Gujarati language. Narsinh Mehta is member of Nagar Brahman community. Narsinh became a devotee of [[Krishna]], and dedicated his life to composing poetic works described as ''[[bhakti]],'' or devotion towards Krishna. His [[Bhajan|''bhajans'']] have remained popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan for over 5 centuries. Most notably, his composition ''[[Vaishnav Jan To]]'' was [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s favorite and became popular with freedom fighters across India.<ref name="nm">{{cite book |last1=Ramanuj |first1=Jagruti |last2=Ramanuj |first2=Vi |year=2012 |title=Atmagnyani Bhaktakavi Narsinh Mehta (Biography of Narsinh Mehta)  |location=Ahmedabad |publisher=Navsarjan Publication |isbn=978-93-81443-58-3}}</ref>


==Biography per traditional sources==
== Biography ==
[[File:Narsinh Mehta.jpg|thumb|Bust of Narsinh Mehta in [[Vadodara]]]]
[[File:Narsinh Mehta.jpg|thumb|Statue of Narsinh Mehta in [[Vadodara]]]]
Narsinh Mehta was born in a [[Nagar Brahmin]] family at [[Talaja, Bhavnagar|Talaja]] and later moved to [[Junagadh]] in [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]] peninsula of modern-day Gujarat. His father held an administrative post in a royal court. He lost his parents when he was five years old. He could not speak until the age of eight. He was raised by his grandmother Jaygauri.<ref name="iss">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZvJa5nTi3VsC&q=vallabhacharya&pg=PA189 | title=Indian Saints & Sages | publisher=Pustak Mahal | author=Prasoon, Shrikant | year=2009 | page=169 | isbn=9788122310627}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
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.<ref name=":1" /> Additional insights into Narsinh Mehta's biography are found in works from other poets of subsequent eras, as their poems describe in detail the personality of Narsinh Mehta and certain key events from his life.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Dholakiya|first=Darshana|title=Narsinh Mehta|publisher=Sardar Patel University|year=1994|location=Vallabh Vidyanagar|pages=8–20|language=gu|oclc=32204298}}</ref>


He married Manekbai probably in the year 1429. Mehta and his wife stayed at his brother Bansidhar's house in Junagadh. However, Bansidhar's wife (Sister-in-law or ''bhabhi'') did not welcome Narsinh very well. She was an ill-tempered woman, always taunting and insulting Narsinh Mehta for his devotion (Bhakti). One day, when Narasinh Mehta had enough of these taunts and insults, he left the house and went to a nearby forest in search of some peace, where he fasted and meditated for seven days by a secluded [[Shiva lingam]] until [[Shiva]] appeared before him in person. On the poet's request, the Lord took him to [[Vrindavan]] and showed him the eternal ''[[Rasa lila|raas leela]]'' of [[Krishna]] and the [[Gopis]]. A legend has it that the poet, transfixed by the spectacle, burnt his hand with the torch he was holding, but he was so engrossed in the ecstatic vision that he was oblivious to the pain. Mehta, as the popular account goes, at Krishna's command, decided to sing His praises and the nectarous experience of the ''rasa'' in this mortal world. He resolved to compose around 22,000 [[kirtan]]s or compositions.<ref name="nm"/>
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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Munshi|first=Kanaiyalal|title=Gujarata and its literature|year=1935}}</ref> 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|Mandallika III]].<ref name=":0" />


After this divine experience, the transformed Mehta returned to his village, touched his sister-in-law's feet as reverence, and thanked her for insulting him for had she not made him upset, the above episode would not have occurred.
=== Early life ===
Narsinh Mehta was born in the town of [[Talaja, Bhavnagar|''Talaja'']] (now located in the [[Bhavnagar district|''Bhavnagar'' district]], [[Gujarat]]). As a member of the ''[[Nagar Brahmin]]'' community, Narsinh's father held an administrative position in a royal court. Narsinh was mute until the age of eight. He began to speak only after meeting a holy man who had him utter the phrase "''Radhe Shyam"''. His older brother, Bansidhar, was 17 years his senior. Narsinh's parents died when he was five years old, and he was left dependent on his older brother and his sister-in-law.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="iss">{{cite book|author=Prasoon, Shrikant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZvJa5nTi3VsC&q=vallabhacharya&pg=PA189|title=Indian Saints & Sages|publisher=Pustak Mahal|year=2009|isbn=9788122310627|page=169}}</ref>


In [[Junagadh]], Mehta lived in poverty with his wife and two children, a son named Shamaldas, and a daughter for whom he had special affection, Kunwarbai. He revelled in devotion to his heart's content along with sadhus, saints, and all those people who were Lord Hari's subjects&nbsp;– Harijans&nbsp;– irrespective of their caste, class or sex. It also seems that he must have fallen into a somewhat ill repute amongst the Nagars following incidents like accepting invitation to sing glories of Lord Krishna in association of devotees belonging to lower social strata. The [[Nagar Brahmins|Nagars]] of Junagadh despised him and spared no opportunity to scorn and insult him {{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}. By this time, Mehta had already sung about the [[rasa lila|rasaleela]] of [[Radha]] and [[Krishna]]. The compositions are collected under the category of [[Sringara|Shringar]] compositions. They are full of intense lyricism, based upon pastimes of conjugal love between the Supreme Lord and His most intimate devotees - the Gopis and are not without allegorical dimensions.<ref name="nm"/>
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]].<ref name=":0" />


Soon after his daughter, Kunwarbai's marriage (around 1447) to Shrirang Mehta of [[Una, Gujarat|Una]]'s son, Kunwarbai conceived and it had been a custom for the girl's parents to give gifts and presents to all the in-laws during the seventh month of pregnancy. This custom, known as Mameru, was simply out of the reach of materialistically poor Narsinh who had hardly anything except intransient faith in his Lord. How Krishna helped his beloved devotee is a legend depicted in 'Mameru Na Pada'. This episode is preserved vividly in the memory of [[Gujarati people]] by compositions by later poets and films. Other famous legends include: '[[Hundi]] (Bond)' episode and 'Har Mala (Garland)' episode. The episode in which none other than Shamalsha Seth cleared a bond written by poverty-stricken beloved, is famous not only in Gujarat but in other parts of India as well. The Har Mala episode deals with the challenge given to Mehta by [[Mandalika III|Ra Mandalika]] (1451–1472), a [[Chudasama]] king, to prove his innocence in the charges of immoral behaviour by making the Lord Himself garland Narsinh. Mehta depicts this episode. How Sri Krishna, in the guise of a wealthy merchant, helped Mehta in getting his son married is sung by the poet in ''Putra Vivah Na Pada''. He went to [[Mangrol, Kathiawar|Mangrol]] where, at the age of 79, he is believed to have died. The crematorium at Mangrol is called 'Narsinh Nu Samshan' where one of the sons of Gujarat and more importantly a great Vaishnav was cremated. He will forever be remembered for his poetic works and devotion to Lord Krishna. He is known as the first poet of [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] Adi Kavi.<ref name="nm"/>
=== Becoming a devotee of Krishna ===
Narsinh and his wife Manekbai lived in his older brother Bansidhar's home, but were treated very poorly by Bansidhar's wife (Narsinh's sister-in-law or ''bhabhi).'' An ill-tempered woman, she taunted and insulted Narsinh repeatedly. One day, when Narsinh had enough of her taunts and insults, he left the house and went to a nearby forest in search of some peace, where he fasted and meditated by a secluded ''[[Shiva lingam]]''  at [[Gopnath Beach|Gopnath mahadev Mandir]] ''f''or seven days. Pleased by his devotion, ''Shiva'' manifested before Narsinh and took him to [[Vrindavan]] where he saw Krishna and the [[Gopi]]s dancing ''([[Raslila|ras leela]]).''<ref name=":2" /> There, he was given the service of holding the torch which lit the grounds for Krishna and the ''Gopis''. He was so engrossed in watching Krishna that he didn't realize the torch was burning his hand.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Krishna was pleased with Narsinh's devotion and granted him a wish. Narsinh asked to have never-ending devotion of Krishna and the ability to sing about his glory. Krishna granted him this, along with the constant vision of ''ras leela'' and the promise to always be at Narsinh's side.<ref name=":1" /> He resolved to compose around 22,000 [[kirtan]]s or compositions.<ref name="nm" />


== Study of biography ==
After this transformative experience, Narsinh returned to his village, touched his sister-in-law's feet as reverence, and thanked her for insulting him for had she not made him upset, the above episode would not have occurred.<ref name=":2" /> Thereafter Narsinh moved out of his brother's home and to a small house in ''[[Junagadh]]'', where he began a life of devotion dedicated to Krishna.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
Darshana Dholakiya had studied the development of biography of Narsinh Mehta. She has divided the development in three stages; biography from his poetry which is autobiographical in nature, biography emerging from poetry of poets born between Krishnadas and [[Premanand Bhatt|Premanand]], biography written by poets after Premanand. She considers second stage very important because an image of Narsinh Mehta's personality was established during this period.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Narsinh Mehta|last=Dholakiya|first=Darshana|publisher=Sardar Patel University|year=1994|location=Vallabh Vidyanagar|pages=8–20|language=gu|oclc=32204298}}</ref>
<!---
=== Biography===
Narsinh Mehta was native of [[Junagadh]]. He was Vadnagara Nagar by caste. He is also mentioned as Vadnagara [[Nagar Brahmin]]. He was householder Brahmin. His family was a [[Shaivism|follower of Shiva]] and he had adopted [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] tradition later after grace of Shiva.He had lost his parents when he was young and he was raised by his brother and sister-in-law. He had not gained knowledge as per his caste and had to left home due to his sister-in-law. It does not seem that he had adopted any profession after being involved in [[Bhakti]] (devotion). No other family members are mentioned and he may have lost contact with his brother and sister-in-law.<ref name=":0" />


Manekbai was Narsinh Mehta's wife. When Narsinh left home, he went to forest where he worshiped a [[Shivalinga]]. [[Shiva]] emerged and saw him the [[Rasa lila|rasaleela of Braj]] as he was granted boon to see the favorite thing of Shiva. Thus he was introduced to Vaishnava tradition. He returned home and decided to spent his life in devotion.<ref name=":0" />
=== Time in Junagadh ===
In ''[[Junagadh]]'', Mehta lived in poverty with his wife and two children, a son named Shamaldas, and a daughter for whom he had special affection, Kunwarbai. His popularity grew as a ''bhajan'' singer, as he sang and danced the praises of Krishna in the company of all, regardless of gender, class, and caste. The Nagar Brahmin community, which Narsinh belonged to, found it offensive that Narsinh associated with those deemed a lower caste. The Nagar Brahmins were considered "high ranking", and known for their elegant manners, musical skills, and court appointments. Many Nagar Brahmin's at the time worshipped Shiva, and some sources state this contributed to their opposition and torment of Narsinh, who was an ardent Krishna devotee.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />


He had a son, Shamal and a daughter, Kunvarbai. He had his children married. Shamal had married a daughter of Madan Mehta, a divan of [[Vadnagar]]. Shamal died soon after and his wife continued to stay at Narsinh's house and spent rest of her life in devotion too. After his son, Manekbai died too.<ref name=":0" />
Narsinh's autobiographical works as well as later compositions from other poets provide a glimpse of certain key incidents from his life, depicting Narsinh's ''bhakti'' towards Krishna.


Kunvarbai married and Narsinh Mehta was invited by his co-father-in-law when she conceived. It had been a custom, known as ''Mameru'', for the girl's parents to give gifts and presents to all the in-laws during the seventh month of pregnancy. Narsinh being poor, he went only with a Shankh, plate and few leaves of Tulsi. But the episode ends with the miraculous help of god [[Krishna]].<ref name=":0" />
==== The wedding of Shamaldas ====
The family priest of an influential individual named Madan Mehta, came to Junagadh in search of an appropriate partner for Madan Mehta's daughter. A local Nagar Brahmin suggested the priest meet Narsinh's son Shamaldas, hoping the priest would experience Narsinh's poverty and spread this news to other towns. However, the priest approved of Shamaldas and announced the engagement. Narsinh invited Krishna to the wedding, much to the ridicule of the other Brahmin's who mocked Narsinh's poverty and hopes that Krishna would help him. The wedding party of Shamaldas, full of people with meager means, departed Junagadh and arrived with much pomp and grandeur beyond everyone's expectations. It is believed that Krishna miraculously provided Narsinh's family with everything needed to celebrate the wedding of Shamaldas.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />


Once few pilgrims, going to [[Dwarka]], were directed to Narsinh by some Nagars to write bond. Narsinh wrote bond to them in name of Shamalsha Sheth in Dwarka. When pilgrims reached Dwarka, nobody accepted their bond and they were told that no person named Shamalsha lives in Dwarka. The confused pilgrims roamed in Dwarka and finally Krishna fulfilled their bond in disguise of Shamlasha Sheth.<ref name=":0" />
''Putrah Vivah'' or ''Shamaldas no Vivah'' is a composition that depicts this incident and portrays Krishna coming to the aid of his devotee.<ref name=":0" />


Few people told Mandalika, the Chudasama king of Junagadh, to test his faith. He was seated and locked in the assembly hall and was told to bring the garland in the neck of god in the temple to his neck. Narsinh prays whole night and the garland appears in his neck the next morning.<ref name=":0" />
==== Promissory note ====
Many in the community questioned the poverty of Narsinh and assumed he was deceiving everyone. The local Nagar Brahmin's once convinced a group of pilgrims to get a promissory note from Narsinh for ₹700, telling them that Narsinh was actually a rich man despite appearances. When approached by the pilgrims, Narsinh understood he was being tricked, but he accepted the money and wrote a promissory note to a merchant in ''Dwarka'', where the pilgrims were traveling to.<ref name=":1" />


This four events from his life are found in his compositions of older traditions. All these events are more about his faith in god instead of miracles.<ref name=":0" />
The merchant named in the note was Shamalsha Sheth. Upon arriving in ''Dwarka'', the pilgrims found no one had heard of an individual with this name, and assumed they had been scammed out of ₹700 by Narsinh. To their surprise, an individual named Shamalsha appeared looking for the pilgrims and paid the principal with substantial interest. It is believed the Krishna appeared as Shamalsha to fulfill the promissory note.<ref name=":1" />


Other events of later tradition include: the god appearing as a lady to quench thirst of Narsinh as well as fulfilling his hunger when he was meditating. Another event include a [[Śrāddha]] (tradition of venerating ancestors by feeding people) of his father. When he was denied leaving home to worship god, he was seen by others in his home even though he was out for worship. Another event mentions that the community meal being bad, when Narsinh was not invited.<ref name=":0" />
Narsinh's composition "''Hundi''", is famous not only in Gujarati but in other parts of India as well, and was written as a prayer to Krishna after he accepted this bond from the pilgrims (''"Mari Hundi swikaro Maharaj re Shamala Giridhari...", ''which translates to'' "Oh God, please accept my note of credit..."''<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
--->


===Time===
==== Ceremony for Kunwarbai's pregnancy ====
No year is mentioned in his compositions. So there is difference of opinions among scholars about his time.<ref name=":0" />
One noteworthy autobiographical composition is based on Narsinh's daughter, Kunwarbai, and the ceremony that occurred in honor of her pregnancy. The tradition at the time dictated that the parents of the mother-to-be would give gifts to their daughter's in-laws during the seventh month of pregnancy, a custom known as ''mameru.'' Given Narsinh's extreme poverty and his total immersion in devotion to Krishna, he arrived to his daughter's in-laws home empty handed. When he asked them for a list of customary gifts to provide, Kunwarbai's in-law's provided a list of expensive items that would be unattainable for Narsinh. Upon receiving the list, Narsinh prayed to Krishna and soon a merchant, assumed to be the form of Krishna, appeared with gifts in abundance.<ref name=":1" />


The mention of Junagadh king Mandalika is considered to establish his date. No independent poem of the event of garland is found in the biographical poems of the poets of second period like Krishnadas, Vishnudas, Govind, Vishwanath Jani or Premanand but the event of garland is mentioned in some poems.<ref name=":0" />
This episode has been captured in Narsinh's autobiographical composition - ''"Kunverbai nu Mameru"'' or ''"Mameru nu Pad".''  The legend of Krishna coming to Narsinh's aid is also preserved through compositions by later poets and films.


A poem on the event of garland is independently found in the autobiographical poems said to be composed by Narsinh. The oldest manuscript dated [[Samvat]] 1675 has seven poems (''pada'') which also mentions Mandalika. So it can be said that the contemporaneity of Mandalika and Narsinh was established by Samvat 1675. One poem on the event of garland even mentions Samvat 1512 as the date of event but the authenticity is not established. So it is known that the contemporaneity of Mandalika and Narsinh is popular in old as well as new traditions. One question emerge from that why did Mandalika tested him even though he was mentioned as a religious Vaishnava in other sources. This Mandalika must have been [[Mandalika III]] ({{reign|1451|1472 CE}} or Samvat 1506–1527) and was defeated by [[Mahmud Begada]]. His defeat is connected to the test of Narsinh. Other reasons for his defeat mentioned are the curse of [[Charan]] lady Nagbai and his relation with wife of his minister Vishal.<ref name=":0" />
==== Garland from Krishna ====
The Nagar Brahmin's continued to oppose Narsinh, and instigated the King of Junagadh, Ra Mandallika to test Narsinh. The King falsely accused Narsinh, and demanded that Narsinh ask Krishna to send him the garland from the murti in the temple of Damodar. This alone would provide Narsinh's innocence and spare his life. Narsinh prayed all night and pleaded with Krishna to make the King's demand come true, so that others would not fear pursuing a path of devotion. The next morning, Krishna placed the garland on Narsinh's neck and Narsinh received an apology from the King.<ref name=":1" />


===Clan and pedigree===
=== Later life and legacy ===
In older traditions, there is no mention of his clan. Names of his parents or brother is not mentioned either.<ref name=":0" />
Some works by later authors, such as ''Narsinh Mehta nu Akhyan'' (written in the 18th century) attempt to establish the clan, ancestry and pedigree of Narsinh Mehta.<ref name=":0" />


''Narsain Mehtanu Akhyan'' (written after Samvat 1705) mentions one Parvat Mehta but he was not related to Narsinh Mehta and he is just mentioned as a devotee.<ref name=":0" />
Many parallels are drawn between Narsinh's life events and those of other saint-poets such as [[Surdas]], [[Tulsidas]], [[Meera]], [[Kabir]], [[Namdev]] and Sundarar. Like many others of the era, Narsinh faced strong opposition from society but remained steadfast in his devotion. His acceptance and association with all people, regardless of caste, creed, and social status was unique to the Nagar Brahmins at the time and remained an important part of his adherence and commitment to the Vaishnav tradition.<ref name=":0" />


Vallabhdas' ''Shamaldasno Vivah'' gives information about his clan and ancestry. Purushottam is mentioned as his grandfather. His ''[[gotra]]'' is Kashyap. His Veda division and his family deities (''Kuladevta'' and ''Kuladevi'') is also mentioned. The following family tree is mentioned in it:<ref name=":0" />
In his later life, Narsinh went to [[Mangrol, Kathiawar|Mangrol]] where, at the age of 79, he is believed to have died.<ref name=":2" />
*Purushottam
**Parvatdas
***Narbat
***Haridas
***Ram
**Krishnadas
***Narsinh
***Jivan
***Narbheram


''Draupadi Pattavidhan'' composed by Rangildas, son of Trikamdas, mentions that Trikamdas was mentioned in Narsinh's clan. But it can be taken as the common Nagar clan.<ref name=":0" />
The crematorium at Mangrol is called '<nowiki/>''Narsinh Nu Samshan''' , and commemorates the first poet known as Gujarati Adi Kavi<ref name="nm" />


Several pedigrees are recorded later but they differ from each other. One pedigree even mentions Narsinh as an uncle of Parvatdas though Parvatdas is commonly mentioned as an uncle of Narsinh. So authenticity of these pedigrees are questionable. Vallabhdas' ''Shamaldas no Vivah'' has years of Narsinh arranged so it seems that he had tried to establish his biography.<ref name=":0" />
The [[Narsinh Mehta Award]] was established in his name to recognize excellence in Gujarati literature.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=TNN|date=Sep 27, 2008 |title=Chinu Modi gets Narsinh Mehta award {{!}} Ahmedabad News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/chinu-modi-gets-narsinh-mehta-award/articleshow/3533116.cms |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>


So Dholakiya opines that the authentic pedigree of Narsinh Mehta has not survived.<ref name=":0" />
[[Vastrapur Lake]] in [[Ahmedabad]] has been officially renamed in his honor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-25 |title=Vastrapur Lake to become Narsinh Mehta Sarovar |url=https://www.deshgujarat.com/2013/02/25/vastrapur-lake-to-become-narsinh-mehta-sarovar/ |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=DeshGujarat |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Place of worshiped Shivalinga===
==Poetic Works==
The exact location of the non-reverend Shivalinga worshiped by Narsinh is not mentioned in old as well as new traditions.<ref name=":0" />
{{wikisource|gu:નરસિંહ મહેતા|Narsinh Mehta}}
 
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 5 years centuries<ref name=":1" /> The compositions are philosophical or ethical, and often descriptive of the love of Radha and Krishna<ref name=":2" />
''Shamaldas No Vivah'', purportedly composed by Narsinh himself, mentions the place as Gopinath. Later work ''Narsain Mehtanu Akhyan'' mentions it as Gopeshwar. Some scholars mentions [[Gopnath]] near [[Talaja, Bhavnagar|Talaja]] as the place but it is dubious because Narsinh had worshiped it in forest while the Gopnath is on the seashore. It must have been near Junagadh because mention of forest.<ref name=":0" />


===Family tradition===
=== Notable Features ===
As he worshiped Shiva after leaving home, it can be said that his family tradition was [[Shaivism]]. He became [[Vaishnava]] due to Shiva. It is mentioned that other Nagars opposed him due to his Vaishnava tradition. Vishwanath Jani's ''Mosalacharitra'' mentions that a Nagar opposed him saying that he is not ''vipra'' (Brahmin) because he is Vaishnava. So Dholakiya opines that the event of Shiva may have originated to make his Vaishnava devotion acceptable.<ref name=":0" />
Narsinh's bhajans belong to the genre ''"deshi"'' in Gujarati, which is also known as ''"pad"'' as a close similar in North Indian languages. Both styles anchor in the traditional meters and popular tunes and rhythms. He is known for ragas common during the morning time, spring, and rainy season.<ref name=":1" />


[[Harivallabh Bhayani]] opines that the Vaishnava devotion was prevalent in Narshin's time and it is not unusual that he was devotee of Vaishnava. He also mentions the ''Vaishnava'' surname among Nagars.<ref name=":0" />
According to Champaklal Nayak, Narsinh is the first to compose ''bhajans'' about Krishna in the appropriate ragas. Narsinh composed items for his own singing, and it is impossible to confirm or reconstruct the melodies in which he sang them.<ref name=":1" />


===Education and profession===
One of the most important features of Mehta's works is that they are not available in the language in which Narsinh had composed them. They have been largely preserved orally. The oldest available manuscript of his work is dated around 1612, and was found by the noted scholar [[Keshavram Kashiram Shastri]] from [[Gujarat Vidhya Sabha]]. Because of the immense popularity of his works, their language has undergone modifications over time.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last=Pande|first=Rekha|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mYEnBwAAQBAJ&dq=sringar+songs+narsinh&pg=PA104|title=Divine Sounds from the Heart—Singing Unfettered in their Own Voices: The Bhakti Movement and its Women Saints (12th to 17th Century)|date=2010-09-13|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|isbn=978-1-4438-2525-2|language=en}}</ref>
No education or profession other than religious devotion is mentioned in his poetry. It is said that he became poet due to grace of god but Bhayani opines that, if we consider ''Chaturi'' as his full or partial composition, its language, style and emotion establishes Narsinh's knowledge of literary traditions and creativity. Narsinh must have known ''[[Geet Govind]]'', [[Vedant]] etc. It works seem influenced by Marathi poets like [[Namdev]]. So he must have studied according to his Nagar family tradition.<ref name=":0" />


===Society and Narsinh===
Narsinh's work has expanded beyond his Hindu ''bhakti'' into secular contexts such as school events and cultural programs<ref name=":1" />
Narsinh was opposed in his Nagar society but the opposition was not strong as much seen in other saint-poets like [[Meera]] and [[Kabir]] of that era.
The reasons behind opposition seem his acceptance of Vaishnava tradition even though his family tradition was Shaiva, his attitude towards society and poor and his friendly devotion to god in view of orthodox society. His life events matches events of several popular saint-poets like [[Surdas]], [[Tulsidas]], [[Meera]], [[Kabir]], [[Namdev]] and Sundarar. While several saint-poets are not involved in household, Narsinh was involved in household even after his commitment to devotion. He lived with his family and he did not had any followers.<ref name=":0" />


==Works==
=== Genres of Gujarati folk Music ===
{{wikisource|gu:નરસિંહ મહેતા|Narsinh Mehta}}
Narsinh's bhajans are frequently performed in the popular gujarati genres of garbi, dhol, and prabhatiya. While garbi and dhol are celebratory genres, whereas the prabhatiya genere is sung in the morning to evoke peacefulness and contentment.<ref name=":1" />
Mehta is a pioneer poet of [[Gujarati literature]]. He is known for his literary forms called "pada (verse)", "[[Akhyana]]" and "[[Prabhatiya]]" (morning devotional songs).
One of the most important features of Mehta's works is that they are not available in the language in which Narsinh had composed them. They have been largely preserved orally. The oldest available manuscript of his work is dated around 1612, and was found by the noted scholar [[Keshavram Kashiram Shastri]] from [[Gujarat Vidhya Sabha]]. Because of the immense popularity of his works, their language has undergone modifications with changing times. Mehta wrote many bhajans and Aartis for lord Krishna, and they are published in many books. The biography of Mehta is also available at [[Geeta Press]].


For the sake of convenience, the works of Mehta are divided into three categories:
=== Categories of Compositions ===
# Autobiographical compositions: ''Putra Vivah/Shamaldas no Vivah'', ''Mameru/Kunvarbai nu Mameru'', ''Hundi'', ''Har Mala'', ''Jhari Na Pada'', and compositions depicting acceptance of [[Harijan]]s. These works deal with the incidents from the poet’s life and reveal how he encountered the divine in various guises. They consist of 'miracles' showing how god helped his devotee Narsinh in the time of crises.<ref name=":0" />
Narsinh's works are typically organized into 4 broad categories that contain substantial overlap
# Miscellaneous Narratives: ''Chaturis'', ''Sudama Charit'', ''Dana Leela'', and episodes based on Srimad Bhagwatam. These are the earliest examples of akhyana or narrative type of compositions found in Gujarati. These include:
# Autobiographical compositions: ''Putra Vivah/Shamaldas no Vivah'', ''Mameru/Kunvarbai nu Mameru'', ''Hundi'', ''Har Mala'', ''Jhari Na Pada'', and compositions depicting acceptance of [[Harijan]]s.<ref name=":3" />
## ''Chaturis'', 52 compositions resembling Jaydeva’s masterpiece Geeta Govinda dealing with various erotic exploits of Radha and Krishna.
# Miscellaneous Narratives: ''Chaturis'', ''Sudama Charit'', ''Dana Leela'', and episodes based on Srimad Bhagwatam<ref name=":3" />
## ''Dana Leela'' poems dealing with the episodes of Krishna collecting his dues (dana is toll, tax or dues) from [[Gopi]]s who were going to sell buttermilk etc. to Mathura.
# ''Songs of Sringar''. love poems depicting Radha and Krishna<ref name=":3" />
## ''Sudama Charit'' is a narrative describing the well-known story of Krishna and [[Sudama]].
# Songs of devotion, philosophical poems and didatic works<ref name=":3" />
## ''Govinda Gamana'' or the "Departure of Govind" relates the episode of [[Akrura]] taking away Krishna from Gokul.
## ''Surata Sangrama'', The Battle of Love, depicts in terms of a battle the amorous play between Radha and her girl friends on the one side and Krishna and his friends on the other.
## Miscellaneous episodes from Bhagwatam like the birth of Krishna, his childhood pranks and adventures.
# ''Songs of Sringar''. These are hundreds of padas dealing with the erotic adventures and the amorous exploits of Radha and Krishna like Ras Leela. Various clusters of padas like Rasasahasrapadi and Sringar Mala fall under this head. Their dominant note is erotic (Sringar). They deal with stock erotic situations like the ossified Nayaka-Nayika Bheda of classical Sanskrit [[Kavya]] poetics.<ref name="nm"/>


=== Works used by Mahatma Gandhi ===
See: ''[[Vaishnav jan to]]'', his popular composition.
See: ''[[Vaishnav jan to]]'', his popular composition.
Mahatma Gandhi referenced Narsinh's work considerably in his speeches, writings, and public prayers. Gandhi's repeated reference to the ''bhajan Vaishnav Jana To'' shaped it as a global song of compassion, moral integrity, and duty to humankind. Gandhi elevated Narsinh's life and work beyond the religious context and into greater ethical and moral themes.<ref name=":1" />


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The first [[Gujarati cinema|Gujarati talkie film]], ''[[Narsinh Mehta (1932 film)|Narsinh Mehta]]'' (1932) directed by Nanubhai Vakil was based on Narsinh Mehta's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/comment-gujarati-cinema-a-battle-for-relevance-1777960|title=Gujarati cinema: A battle for relevance|date=16 December 2012}}</ref> It was devoid of any miracles due to Gandhian influence. The bilingual film ''Narsi Mehta'' in Hindi and ''[[Narsi Bhagat]]'' in Gujarati (1940) directed by Vijay Bhatt included miracles and had 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 [[Controversial issues surrounding Slumdog Millionaire#Gopal Singh Nepali|misattributed to the poet Surdas]] in the 2008 film ''[[Slumdog Millionaire]])''.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 August 2009|title=Slumdog makers in a spot over quiz answer – Mumbai – DNA|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_slumdog-makers-in-a-spot-over-quiz-answer_1283171|work=Daily News and Analysis|accessdate=5 February 2012}}</ref> This was followed by ''Bhagat Narsinh Mehta'', an Indian Gujarati-language film directed by Vijay B. Chauhan which released in 1984.<ref>{{Citation|last=Paramount Gujarati|title=Bhagat Narsih Mahta|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t__17FfomgE|language=en|access-date=2021-05-06}}</ref>
The first [[Gujarati cinema|Gujarati talkie film]], ''[[Narsinh Mehta (1932 film)|Narsinh Mehta]]'' (1932) directed by Nanubhai Vakil was based on Narsinh Mehta's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/comment-gujarati-cinema-a-battle-for-relevance-1777960|title=Gujarati cinema: A battle for relevance|date=16 December 2012}}</ref> The bilingual film ''Narsi Mehta'' in Hindi and ''[[Narsi Bhagat]]'' in Gujarati (1940) directed by Vijay Bhatt and had 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 [[Controversial issues surrounding Slumdog Millionaire#Gopal Singh Nepali|misattributed to the poet Surdas]] in the 2008 film ''[[Slumdog Millionaire]])''.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 August 2009|title=Slumdog makers in a spot over quiz answer – Mumbai – DNA|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_slumdog-makers-in-a-spot-over-quiz-answer_1283171|work=Daily News and Analysis|accessdate=5 February 2012}}</ref> This was followed by ''Bhagat Narsinh Mehta'', an Indian Gujarati-language film directed by Vijay B. Chauhan which released in 1984.<ref>{{Citation|last=Paramount Gujarati|title=Bhagat Narsih Mahta|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t__17FfomgE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/t__17FfomgE |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-05-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


''Narsaiyo'' (1991) was a Gujarati television series telecast by the [[Ahmedabad]] centre of [[Doordarshan]] starring [[Darshan Jariwala]] in lead role. This 27-episode successful series was produced by Nandubhai Shah and directed by [[Mulraj Rajda]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199976416.001.0001/acprof-9780199976416|title=Narasinha Mehta of Gujarat : A Legacy of Bhakti in Songs and Stories|last=Shukla-Bhatt|first=Neelima|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2014|isbn=9780199976416|location=New York|pages=105–109, 213, 220|oclc=872139390|via=Oxford Scholarship}}</ref>
''Narsaiyo'' (1991) was a Gujarati television series telecast by the [[Ahmedabad]] centre of [[Doordarshan]] starring [[Darshan Jariwala]] in lead role. This 27-episode successful series was produced by Nandubhai Shah and directed by [[Mulraj Rajda]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199976416.001.0001/acprof-9780199976416|title=Narasinha Mehta of Gujarat : A Legacy of Bhakti in Songs and Stories|last=Shukla-Bhatt|first=Neelima|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2014|isbn=9780199976416|location=New York|pages=105–109, 213, 220|oclc=872139390|via=Oxford Scholarship}}</ref>
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[[Category:Indian Hindu saints]]
[[Category:Indian Hindu saints]]
[[Category:People from Bhavnagar district]]
[[Category:People from Bhavnagar district]]
[[Category:Hinduism in Gujarat]]
[[Category:15th-century poets]]

Latest revision as of 23:36, 12 August 2023


For the 1932 Indian film, see Narsinh Mehta (film).

Narsinh Mehta
BornEarly 15th century
Talaja, Bhavnagar, Gujarat under Delhi Sultanate
DiedLate 15th century
Mangrol, Saurashtra, Gujarat Sultanate
HonorsGujarat's Adi Kavi (First Poet)
Notes
No consensus on dates among scholars except living in 15th century

Narsinh Mehta, 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 Mehta is member of Nagar Brahman community. Narsinh became a devotee of Krishna, and dedicated his life to composing poetic works described as bhakti, or devotion towards Krishna. His bhajans have remained popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan for over 5 centuries. Most notably, his composition Vaishnav Jan To was Mahatma Gandhi's favorite and became popular with freedom fighters across India.[1]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Statue of Narsinh Mehta in Vadodara

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.[2] Additional insights into Narsinh Mehta's biography are found in works from other poets of subsequent eras, as their poems describe in detail the personality of Narsinh Mehta and certain key events from his life.[3]

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.[4] 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 Mandallika III.[3]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Narsinh Mehta was born in the town of Talaja (now located in the Bhavnagar district, Gujarat). As a member of the Nagar Brahmin community, Narsinh's father held an administrative position in a royal court. Narsinh was mute until the age of eight. He began to speak only after meeting a holy man who had him utter the phrase "Radhe Shyam". His older brother, Bansidhar, was 17 years his senior. Narsinh's parents died when he was five years old, and he was left dependent on his older brother and his sister-in-law.[2][4][5]

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.[3]

Becoming a devotee of Krishna[edit | edit source]

Narsinh and his wife Manekbai lived in his older brother Bansidhar's home, but were treated very poorly by Bansidhar's wife (Narsinh's sister-in-law or bhabhi). An ill-tempered woman, she taunted and insulted Narsinh repeatedly. One day, when Narsinh had enough of her taunts and insults, he left the house and went to a nearby forest in search of some peace, where he fasted and meditated by a secluded Shiva lingam at Gopnath mahadev Mandir for seven days. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva manifested before Narsinh and took him to Vrindavan where he saw Krishna and the Gopis dancing (ras leela).[4] There, he was given the service of holding the torch which lit the grounds for Krishna and the Gopis. He was so engrossed in watching Krishna that he didn't realize the torch was burning his hand.[2][4] Krishna was pleased with Narsinh's devotion and granted him a wish. Narsinh asked to have never-ending devotion of Krishna and the ability to sing about his glory. Krishna granted him this, along with the constant vision of ras leela and the promise to always be at Narsinh's side.[2] He resolved to compose around 22,000 kirtans or compositions.[1]

After this transformative experience, Narsinh returned to his village, touched his sister-in-law's feet as reverence, and thanked her for insulting him for had she not made him upset, the above episode would not have occurred.[4] Thereafter Narsinh moved out of his brother's home and to a small house in Junagadh, where he began a life of devotion dedicated to Krishna.[2][4]

Time in Junagadh[edit | edit source]

In Junagadh, Mehta lived in poverty with his wife and two children, a son named Shamaldas, and a daughter for whom he had special affection, Kunwarbai. His popularity grew as a bhajan singer, as he sang and danced the praises of Krishna in the company of all, regardless of gender, class, and caste. The Nagar Brahmin community, which Narsinh belonged to, found it offensive that Narsinh associated with those deemed a lower caste. The Nagar Brahmins were considered "high ranking", and known for their elegant manners, musical skills, and court appointments. Many Nagar Brahmin's at the time worshipped Shiva, and some sources state this contributed to their opposition and torment of Narsinh, who was an ardent Krishna devotee.[2][3]

Narsinh's autobiographical works as well as later compositions from other poets provide a glimpse of certain key incidents from his life, depicting Narsinh's bhakti towards Krishna.

The wedding of Shamaldas[edit | edit source]

The family priest of an influential individual named Madan Mehta, came to Junagadh in search of an appropriate partner for Madan Mehta's daughter. A local Nagar Brahmin suggested the priest meet Narsinh's son Shamaldas, hoping the priest would experience Narsinh's poverty and spread this news to other towns. However, the priest approved of Shamaldas and announced the engagement. Narsinh invited Krishna to the wedding, much to the ridicule of the other Brahmin's who mocked Narsinh's poverty and hopes that Krishna would help him. The wedding party of Shamaldas, full of people with meager means, departed Junagadh and arrived with much pomp and grandeur beyond everyone's expectations. It is believed that Krishna miraculously provided Narsinh's family with everything needed to celebrate the wedding of Shamaldas.[2][4]

Putrah Vivah or Shamaldas no Vivah is a composition that depicts this incident and portrays Krishna coming to the aid of his devotee.[3]

Promissory note[edit | edit source]

Many in the community questioned the poverty of Narsinh and assumed he was deceiving everyone. The local Nagar Brahmin's once convinced a group of pilgrims to get a promissory note from Narsinh for ₹700, telling them that Narsinh was actually a rich man despite appearances. When approached by the pilgrims, Narsinh understood he was being tricked, but he accepted the money and wrote a promissory note to a merchant in Dwarka, where the pilgrims were traveling to.[2]

The merchant named in the note was Shamalsha Sheth. Upon arriving in Dwarka, the pilgrims found no one had heard of an individual with this name, and assumed they had been scammed out of ₹700 by Narsinh. To their surprise, an individual named Shamalsha appeared looking for the pilgrims and paid the principal with substantial interest. It is believed the Krishna appeared as Shamalsha to fulfill the promissory note.[2]

Narsinh's composition "Hundi", is famous not only in Gujarati but in other parts of India as well, and was written as a prayer to Krishna after he accepted this bond from the pilgrims ("Mari Hundi swikaro Maharaj re Shamala Giridhari...", which translates to "Oh God, please accept my note of credit..."[2][3]

Ceremony for Kunwarbai's pregnancy[edit | edit source]

One noteworthy autobiographical composition is based on Narsinh's daughter, Kunwarbai, and the ceremony that occurred in honor of her pregnancy. The tradition at the time dictated that the parents of the mother-to-be would give gifts to their daughter's in-laws during the seventh month of pregnancy, a custom known as mameru. Given Narsinh's extreme poverty and his total immersion in devotion to Krishna, he arrived to his daughter's in-laws home empty handed. When he asked them for a list of customary gifts to provide, Kunwarbai's in-law's provided a list of expensive items that would be unattainable for Narsinh. Upon receiving the list, Narsinh prayed to Krishna and soon a merchant, assumed to be the form of Krishna, appeared with gifts in abundance.[2]

This episode has been captured in Narsinh's autobiographical composition - "Kunverbai nu Mameru" or "Mameru nu Pad". The legend of Krishna coming to Narsinh's aid is also preserved through compositions by later poets and films.

Garland from Krishna[edit | edit source]

The Nagar Brahmin's continued to oppose Narsinh, and instigated the King of Junagadh, Ra Mandallika to test Narsinh. The King falsely accused Narsinh, and demanded that Narsinh ask Krishna to send him the garland from the murti in the temple of Damodar. This alone would provide Narsinh's innocence and spare his life. Narsinh prayed all night and pleaded with Krishna to make the King's demand come true, so that others would not fear pursuing a path of devotion. The next morning, Krishna placed the garland on Narsinh's neck and Narsinh received an apology from the King.[2]

Later life and legacy[edit | edit source]

Some works by later authors, such as Narsinh Mehta nu Akhyan (written in the 18th century) attempt to establish the clan, ancestry and pedigree of Narsinh Mehta.[3]

Many parallels are drawn between Narsinh's life events and those of other saint-poets such as Surdas, Tulsidas, Meera, Kabir, Namdev and Sundarar. Like many others of the era, Narsinh faced strong opposition from society but remained steadfast in his devotion. His acceptance and association with all people, regardless of caste, creed, and social status was unique to the Nagar Brahmins at the time and remained an important part of his adherence and commitment to the Vaishnav tradition.[3]

In his later life, Narsinh went to Mangrol where, at the age of 79, he is believed to have died.[4]

The crematorium at Mangrol is called 'Narsinh Nu Samshan' , and commemorates the first poet known as Gujarati Adi Kavi[1]

The Narsinh Mehta Award was established in his name to recognize excellence in Gujarati literature.[6]

Vastrapur Lake in Ahmedabad has been officially renamed in his honor.[7]

Poetic Works[edit | edit source]

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 5 years centuries[2] The compositions are philosophical or ethical, and often descriptive of the love of Radha and Krishna[4]

Notable Features[edit | edit source]

Narsinh's bhajans belong to the genre "deshi" in Gujarati, which is also known as "pad" as a close similar in North Indian languages. Both styles anchor in the traditional meters and popular tunes and rhythms. He is known for ragas common during the morning time, spring, and rainy season.[2]

According to Champaklal Nayak, Narsinh is the first to compose bhajans about Krishna in the appropriate ragas. Narsinh composed items for his own singing, and it is impossible to confirm or reconstruct the melodies in which he sang them.[2]

One of the most important features of Mehta's works is that they are not available in the language in which Narsinh had composed them. They have been largely preserved orally. The oldest available manuscript of his work is dated around 1612, and was found by the noted scholar Keshavram Kashiram Shastri from Gujarat Vidhya Sabha. Because of the immense popularity of his works, their language has undergone modifications over time.[8]

Narsinh's work has expanded beyond his Hindu bhakti into secular contexts such as school events and cultural programs[2]

Genres of Gujarati folk Music[edit | edit source]

Narsinh's bhajans are frequently performed in the popular gujarati genres of garbi, dhol, and prabhatiya. While garbi and dhol are celebratory genres, whereas the prabhatiya genere is sung in the morning to evoke peacefulness and contentment.[2]

Categories of Compositions[edit | edit source]

Narsinh's works are typically organized into 4 broad categories that contain substantial overlap

  1. Autobiographical compositions: Putra Vivah/Shamaldas no Vivah, Mameru/Kunvarbai nu Mameru, Hundi, Har Mala, Jhari Na Pada, and compositions depicting acceptance of Harijans.[8]
  2. Miscellaneous Narratives: Chaturis, Sudama Charit, Dana Leela, and episodes based on Srimad Bhagwatam[8]
  3. Songs of Sringar. love poems depicting Radha and Krishna[8]
  4. Songs of devotion, philosophical poems and didatic works[8]

Works used by Mahatma Gandhi[edit | edit source]

See: Vaishnav jan to, his popular composition.

Mahatma Gandhi referenced Narsinh's work considerably in his speeches, writings, and public prayers. Gandhi's repeated reference to the bhajan Vaishnav Jana To shaped it as a global song of compassion, moral integrity, and duty to humankind. Gandhi elevated Narsinh's life and work beyond the religious context and into greater ethical and moral themes.[2]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

The first Gujarati talkie film, Narsinh Mehta (1932) directed by Nanubhai Vakil was based on Narsinh Mehta's life.[9] The bilingual film Narsi Mehta in Hindi and Narsi Bhagat in Gujarati (1940) directed by Vijay Bhatt and had 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).[10] This was followed by Bhagat Narsinh Mehta, an Indian Gujarati-language film directed by Vijay B. Chauhan which released in 1984.[11]

Narsaiyo (1991) was a Gujarati television series telecast by the Ahmedabad centre of Doordarshan starring Darshan Jariwala in lead role. This 27-episode successful series was produced by Nandubhai Shah and directed by Mulraj Rajda.[2]

Further reading[edit | edit source]

Bust of Narsinh Mehta in Rajkot, Gujarat, India

Works of Narsinh Mehta[edit | edit source]

  • Narsinh Mehta. Narsinh Mehtani Kavyakrutiyo (ed.). Shivlal Jesalpura. Ahmedabad: Sahitya Sanshodhan Prakashan, 1989
  • Kothari, Jayant and Darshana Dholakia (ed.). Narsinh Padmala. Ahmedabad: Gurjar Granthratna Karyalaya, 1997
  • Rawal, Anantrai (ed.). Narsinh Mehta na Pado. Ahmedabad: Adarsh Prakashan
  • Chandrakant Mehta, ed. (2016). Vaishna Jan Narsinh Mehta (Hindi translation of Narsinh Mehta's poems) (in हिन्दी). Gandhinagara: Gujarat Sahitya Akademi.

Critical material in English[edit | edit source]

  • Neelima Shukla-Bhatt (2015). Narasinha Mehta of Gujarat: A Legacy of Bhakti in Songs and Stories. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-997641-6.
  • Munshi, K.M. Gujarata and Its Literature: A Survey from the Earliest Times. Bombay: Longman Green and Co. Ltd. 1935
  • Swami Mahadevananda (trans.) Devotional Songs of Narsi Mehta. Varanasi: Motilal Banarasidas, 1985.
  • Tripathi, Govardhanram. Poets of Gujarat and their Influence on Society and Morals. Mumbai: Forbes Gujarati Sabha, 1958.
  • Tripathi, Y.J. Kevaladvaita in Gujarati Poetry like akhil bhramand. Vadodara: Oriental Institute, 1958.
  • Zhaveri, K.M. Milestones in Gujarati Literature. Bombay: N.M Tripathi and Co., 1938
  • Zhaveri, Mansukhlal. History of Gujarati Literature. New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi, 1978.

Critical material in Gujarati[edit | edit source]

  • Chaudhri, Raghuvir (ed.). Narsinh Mehta: Aswad Ane Swadhyay. Mumbai, M.P. Shah Women's College, 1983
  • Dave, Ishwarlal (ed.). Adi Kavi Ni Aarsh Wani: Narsinh Mehta ni Tatvadarshi Kavita. Rajkot: Dr. Ishwarlal Dave, 1973
  • Dave, Makarand. Narsinhnan Padoman Sidha-ras. A Lecture in Gujarati on Siddha-ras in poems of Narsinh Mehta. Junagadh: Adyakavi Narsinh Mehta Sahityanidhi, 2000
  • Dave, R and A. Dave (eds.) Narsinh Mehta Adhyayn Granth. Junagadh: Bahuddin College Grahak Sahkari Bhandar Ltd., and Bahauddin College Sahitya Sabha, 1983
  • Joshi, Umashankar, Narsinh Mehta, Bhakti Aandolanna Pratinidhi Udgaata' in Umashankar Joshi et al. (eds.). Gujarati Sahitya No Ithihas. vol. II. Ahmedabad: Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, 1975
  • Munshi, K.M. Narsaiyyo Bhakta Harino. Ahmedabad: Gurjar Granthratna Karyalaya, 1952
  • Shastri, K.K., Narsinh Mehta, Ek Adhyayan. Ahmedabad: B.J. Vidyabhavan, 1971
  • Shastri, K.K., Narsinh Mehta. Rastriya Jeevan Charitramala. New Delhi: National Book Trust, 1972

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ramanuj, Jagruti; Ramanuj, Vi (2012). Atmagnyani Bhaktakavi Narsinh Mehta (Biography of Narsinh Mehta). Ahmedabad: Navsarjan Publication. ISBN 978-93-81443-58-3.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 Shukla-Bhatt, Neelima (2014). Narasinha Mehta of Gujarat : A Legacy of Bhakti in Songs and Stories. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 105–109, 213, 220. ISBN 9780199976416. OCLC 872139390 – via Oxford Scholarship.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Dholakiya, Darshana (1994). Narsinh Mehta (in ગુજરાતી). Vallabh Vidyanagar: Sardar Patel University. pp. 8–20. OCLC 32204298.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Munshi, Kanaiyalal (1935). Gujarata and its literature.
  5. ↑ Prasoon, Shrikant (2009). Indian Saints & Sages. Pustak Mahal. p. 169. ISBN 9788122310627.
  6. ↑ "Chinu Modi gets Narsinh Mehta award | Ahmedabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. TNN. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  7. ↑ "Vastrapur Lake to become Narsinh Mehta Sarovar". DeshGujarat. 25 February 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Pande, Rekha (13 September 2010). Divine Sounds from the Heart—Singing Unfettered in their Own Voices: The Bhakti Movement and its Women Saints (12th to 17th Century). Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4438-2525-2.
  9. ↑ "Gujarati cinema: A battle for relevance". 16 December 2012.
  10. ↑ "Slumdog makers in a spot over quiz answer – Mumbai – DNA". Daily News and Analysis. 18 August 2009. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  11. ↑ Paramount Gujarati, Bhagat Narsih Mahta, archived from the original on 13 December 2021, retrieved 6 May 2021

External links[edit | edit source]

External video
Speech on Narsinh Mehta by Jawahar Bakshi at YouTube
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