The year was 1290 . A crowd had gathered around a clearing, where broken down pillars marked the presence of an ancient temple, now long gone. A young boy, just 14 years old, leaned against one of those pillars, deep in thought. Then, he began speaking, and the crowd fell silent, listening to his every word. He spoke without any notes, translating the Bhagavat Gita, from Sanskrit, which only the pundits knew, to the language everyone in the village knew and spoke – a variety of Prakrit which developed into the Marathi language. Even as he spoke, one of the men in the audience realized how momentous this event was, and how important this composition would be. He began writing down the words the young boy spoke, and this composition was named by its author and composer, the Bhavartha Deepika – the enlightening meaning (of the Bhagavat Gita). Now, the ancient, holy text, was no longer restricted to the pundits, but accessible to all, understood easily by them, composed as it was, in their...
The name Vasudev reminds us of Vasudeva - the father of Krishna. But Krishna himself was known as Vaasudeva - the son of Vasudeva. And that is what this man is known as too...
The Vasudev are people of a nomadic tribe, seen mostly in Maharashtra. They go from temple to temple, and even along streets, enacting the stories of Krishna through song and dance. They wear on their head, a cap, made with peacock feathers, and usually wear the traditional dhotis with an uttariya. We sometimes see them on the roads of Mumbai too, and some come singing on the roads of our colony, but we saw this one at the Aundha Nagnath Temple near Nanded.
Never knew about this. There are so many folk or tribal arts dying today. Don't know if these artists will exist after 20 years!!! Thanks for sharing Anu!
ReplyDeleteI wonder about that too... and really hope they manage to survive the test of time!
DeleteI have very little knowledge but can narrate my experiences. Firstly, I remember seeing vaasudev in Matunga in late 50s and early 60/70s. They used to sing devotional songs in a particular style while dancing, not necessarily in an elaborate way. Later, i notoced them on the border of Boriavli West and Dahisar West , their style after so many years was still the same
DeleteAh yes, I remember having seen them in and around our area sometimes singing devotional songs. Didn't know they were known as Vaasudev or the place from where they came from. Thanks for sharing, Anu!
ReplyDeleteI had seen them too, Arti, but didnt know much about them till I read someones blog :D glad to share !
DeleteNever knew about a tribe like that. Interesting. Thanks for sharing this info Anu.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2012/11/fort-chapora.html
Video, Video...wish I could see their performance:(((
ReplyDeleteThanks so much...a traditional storyteller. i would have loved to see him perform
Unfortunately, he wasnt singing... maybe because we were the only ones there then... the temple was surprisingly empty.. next time i see one, will be sure to record a video, Sowmya!
DeleteI have never seen this before!! Thanks for sharing.. they r not seen in south Karnataka and Kerala .. and I have never been to Maharashtra:-(
ReplyDeleteThanks anu for informing us about unknown things:-) ... Dr.A
I guess Karnataka and Kerala have their own versions of these guys... the concept of the wandering minstrel is a common thread across the country... but i dont know if they have some typical headgear or dress or something... Its a pleasure to share something new with you!
DeleteThis is my first introduction to them, via your blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mridula! glad I have introduced you to something new :D the next time you are in Maharashtra, you will surely notice them!
DeleteVery nice blog you are heading with...all the best!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mr. Murthy!
DeleteNicely put together :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Aarti. nice to see u here after so long!
DeleteThe Vasudevs are Pardhis, a denotified tribe from Maharashtra, and were listed as a criminal tribe by the British. Though the GoI cancelled the notification, the stigma still remains.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture, Anu.
Came across 2 vaasudevas while on a walk in Mumbai on 12 dec 23. Recognized them from an essay in my school Marathi textbook. One spoke to me , from a distance of about 8 ft. Told him I had no money. He said, doesn't matter, just want to tell you something. Among other things, he told me, those who have left this world are gone. Don't dwell on them, look to the future. Your problems are because you keep thinking of them. Sounded true. I haven't been well since mom's death in 2020. He told my aunt she lost her husband at an young age (true), but shouldn't mourn for him, because he left for a good, higher purpose. They were very decent people. Wished I could give them something. Aunt found she had ₹50 hidden in her mobile case and gave it. Later, I got them rice, sugar and til from home. Was an unusual experience.
ReplyDeleteHeyy Anuradha being a Vasudev or more over Vasudev vanshaj... I really felt nice after reading this blog you can contact me if you want more information...
Deleteand haan earlier Vasudevs were mostly found in West or North western Maharashtra but now we all are shifted majorly in Eastern side specially in Nanded