Medieval Bengali Literature

Biographies of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Key Authors

Brindavan Das wrote Chaitanyamangal, Krishnadas Kaviraj wrote Chaitanyacharitamrita, and Mukundaram authored Chandimangal.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List I (Author)
A. Brindavan Das
B. Krishnadas Kaviraj
C. Mukundaram Chakravarti
D. Rameshwar Bhattacharya List II (Poetical work)
1. Shivasankirttan
2. Chandimangal
3. Chaitanyacharitamrita
4. Chaitanyamangal

[CDS 2021(I)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Gaudiya Vaishnavism in Bengal spurred a movement of biographical and hagiographical writing, creating some of the finest works of early modern Bengali literature.

Authentic Source Evidence


  • Brindavan Das: Authored Chaitanyamangal (later renamed Chaitanya Bhagavata), the first major biography.

  • Krishnadas Kaviraj: Authored Chaitanyacharitamrita, the most philosophically deep biography.

  • Mukundaram: Authored Chandimangal, a 'Mangal-Kavya' dedicated to Goddess Chandi.

  • Rameshwar: Authored Shivasankirttan, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Analytical Breakdown


  • A-4: Brindavan Das is the 'Vyasa' of Chaitanya's pastimes.

  • B-3: Krishnadas’s work is the theological foundation of the movement.

  • C-2: Mangal-Kavyas were popular regional epics celebrating local deities.

  • D-1: Shivasankirttan reflects the syncretic and diverse religious landscape of medieval Bengal.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Which biography of Chaitanya is considered the most comprehensive and theological?"

    Chaitanyacharitamrita by Krishnadas Kaviraj.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "These biographies transformed Chaitanya from a historical reformer into a living deity in the consciousness of the Bengali people."

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