The Weaver of Words
An exploration of the 16th-century poet Kashiram Das, whose translation of the Mahabharata brought the epic to the heart of Bengal, examining his life, work, and enduring legacy.
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Introducing Kashiram Das
A Pivotal Figure in Bengali Literature
Kashiram Das stands as a significant poet within the rich tapestry of medieval Bengali literature. His enduring contribution is the Bengali rendition of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, known as Kashidasi Mahabharat. This version became immensely popular and influential, serving as a primary conduit through which the epic narrative reached the populace of Bengal. While the work is attributed to him, scholarly consensus suggests he completed the initial four books (parvas), with the remainder being finished by his relatives, maintaining his stylistic continuity.
Origins and Identity
Born in the 16th century, Kashiram Das hailed from a Bengali Kayastha Vaishnava family. His native village was Singi, situated near Katwa in the Bardhaman district of Bengal. It is noteworthy that the name "Das" is not a surname but a title signifying 'servant,' common within the Vaishnava tradition. While Singi is commonly cited, historical accounts suggest a potential birthplace in Orissa, indicating a possible migration of his family during his early life.
Scholarly Pursuits and Patronage
Possessing a strong foundation in Sanskrit and Vaishnava philosophy, Kashiram Das was not merely a poet but also an accomplished scholar. He received patronage from a prominent zamindar family in Midnapore, where he also managed a local school, known as a pathshala. This environment fostered his literary and scholarly endeavors, enabling him to undertake the monumental task of translating the Mahabharata.
Life and Family Context
Family Heritage
Kashiram Das was part of a family with a literary inclination. His father was Kamalakanta Das. Two of his brothers, Ghanashyam Das and Gadadhar, were also recognized poets within the Vaishnava Padavali tradition. Ghanashyam Das authored Srikrishnavilas, and Gadadhar composed Jagannathamangal. This familial background likely provided a nurturing environment for Kashiram's own poetic development, even though his primary work focused on the Mahabharata rather than the more common Krishna legends.
Geographical Roots
The precise birthplace of Kashiram Das is subject to some scholarly debate. While the village of Singi, adjacent to Katwa in the Bardhaman district, is frequently mentioned, evidence suggests his father, Kamalakanta, may have relocated from the Bardhaman area (then known as Indrani Pargana) to Orissa. This raises the possibility that Kashiram was born in Orissa and later returned to Bengal, possibly settling in the Midnapore region.
Scholarly Life and Patronage
As a scholar proficient in Sanskrit and steeped in Vaishnava traditions, Kashiram Das found support from a zamindar family in Midnapore. This patronage was instrumental in his ability to dedicate himself to his literary pursuits. He managed a pathshala (a small educational institution) in Midnapore. Beyond his magnum opus, historical records suggest he composed other works, including Satyanarayaner Punthi, Svapna-Parba, and Nalopakhyan, though these are now considered lost.
The Kashidasi Mahabharat
Genesis of the Translation
The impetus for Kashiram Das's monumental translation is said to have arisen from a recitation of the Sanskrit Mahabharata at his patron's residence. Guided perhaps by his teacher, Abhiram Mukhuti of Haraharpur, he embarked on rendering the epic into Bengali. This endeavor aimed to make the profound narrative accessible to a wider audience through the popular pancali song tradition, which emphasized storytelling to maintain listener engagement.
Composition and Collaboration
Scholarly analysis indicates that Kashiram Das himself composed the first four books: Adi, Sabha, Vana, and Virata Parva. The Virata Parva contains a colophon indicating its completion in the Shaka year 1526 (1604 CE). It is believed that he may have passed away shortly after beginning the Vana Parva. The subsequent books were completed by his son-in-law, nephew, and other relatives, who meticulously followed his style and even retained his name in the concluding verses of chapters, ensuring a cohesive, albeit collaborative, final work completed around 1610 AD.
Narrative Style and Adaptation
Kashiram Das titled his work Bharata-Pancali, reflecting the narrative song tradition prevalent in Bengal. In adapting the epic, he consciously omitted lengthy philosophical discourses, such as the entire Bhagavad Gita, to keep the narrative flowing and engaging for his audience. Conversely, he expanded upon certain episodes, like the story of Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu, which was only briefly mentioned in the original Sanskrit text. This approach highlights his skill in tailoring the epic to the cultural and literary sensibilities of his time, employing the characteristic payar chhanda (a common Bengali poetic meter).
Enduring Impact and Phrases
Staple of Bengali Recitation
Despite earlier Bengali translations, the Kashidasi Mahabharata rapidly became the definitive and most widely recited version in Bengal. Its composition within the mangalkavya tradition, characterized by devotional themes and narrative richness, resonated deeply with the local readership. The inclusion of a recurring vanity refrain, such as:
Proverbs and Folklore
Beyond the epic narrative itself, Kashiram Das's work has contributed memorable phrases to the Bengali lexicon. One such aphorism, reflecting on the destructive nature of anger, is:
Early Printing and Dissemination
The significance of Kashiram Das's work extended into the era of print. In the 19th century, parts of the Kashidasi Mahabharat were among the earliest Bengali literary texts to be published by the Serampore Mission Press. Eventually, a complete edition, meticulously edited by Jayagopal Tarkalankar, was published by the same press in 1936, ensuring its continued accessibility and study for generations of scholars and readers.
References
Source Materials
The information presented on this page is derived from scholarly and encyclopedic sources. The primary references include detailed entries from Banglapedia and analyses of Bengali literary history.
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References
References
- Kashiramdas, article by Sukhamay Mukherjee in the Encyclopedia of Indian Literature, Sahitya Akademi, v.III p. 2003
- Kalipada Chaudhuri, Bangla Sahityer Itihas (Bengali: বাà¦à¦²à¦¾ সাহিতà§à¦¯à§à¦° à¦à¦¤à¦¿à¦¹à¦¾à¦¸), Bani Samsad, p.121â122
- Pradip Bhattacharya, Amrita â The Apple of Eris
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is based on a synthesis of available data from sources such as Wikipedia and related encyclopedic entries, and may not represent the most current or exhaustive understanding of the subject matter.
This is not a definitive historical or literary analysis. The information provided should be used as a starting point for further academic inquiry. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, users are encouraged to consult primary and secondary scholarly sources for in-depth research and verification. The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information presented herein.