The Date of Vidyapati

Summary

The article addresses the uncertainty around the birth and death of the medieval Maithili poet Vidyapati. Dr. Md. Shahidullah examines evidence from Vidyapati's own works (Kirtilata, Bhogaparikrama, Purusapariksa etc.), epigraphic sources like copper‑plate grants, genealogies and references to kings, and earlier scholarly estimates. The article discusses sure dates such as the poet’s handwritten copy of Bhagavata from 1428 A.D., the commentary on Kavyaprakasa dated 1410 A.D., and events like the death of King Deva Simha of Mithila. By correlating the era systems (Laksmana Sena era, Saka era, San era) and correcting misreadings in previous interpretations, the author assesses the chronology of Vidyapati’s patrons Ganesara, Kirti Simha, Deva Simha and Siva Simha, noting that the poet was associated with courtly circles during the early 15th century. After weighing contradictory views by other scholars about the 14th–15th century timeframe, the article concludes that Vidyapati likely flourished between 1375 and 1448, placing his birth around 1370 and his death after 1448. It also emphasises that the poet remained active into old age, dedicating works to successive kings and witnessing regional political changes. The article demonstrates how careful scrutiny of literary and epigraphic evidence can resolve chronological debates and underscores the importance of Vidyapati as a bridge between Sanskrit and vernacular literature.