Re-imagining Tulsidas: Legacy and Transformation
Summary
The paper examines the evolving legacy of Tulsidas, a 16th-17th century poet-saint, through historical and modern narratives. It explores how Tulsidas, initially recognized as a scholar-poet, was later mythologized as an avatar of Valmiki in early hagiographies, particularly the 17th-century *Bhaktamal* by Nabhadas, which portrayed him as a divine figure sent to alleviate suffering in the Kali Yuga. The 18th and 19th centuries saw a shift in his portrayal, with the Rasik Vaishnav community redefining him as a lover (*Rasik*) of Lord Rama, emphasizing the *Madhurya bhav* (erotic devotion) in his *Ramcaritmanas*. This period also witnessed royal patronage of the text by regional Hindu rulers seeking to revive cultural traditions. During the nationalist era, Tulsidas was reimagined as a symbol of national awakening, with poets like Suryakant Tripathi Nirala depicting him as a unifying figure. Post-independence novels, such as Rangeya Raghav’s *Ratna ki Baat* and Amritlal Nagar’s *Manas ka Hans*, further humanized him, portraying his struggles and challenges. The study highlights how Tulsidas’s identity has been continuously reshaped across pre-modern and modern genres—from a divine saint to a *Rasik* and a nationalist icon—reflecting the dynamic interplay of memory, identity, and cultural historiography in India.
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Conclusion
The paper examines the dynamic reimagining of Tulsidas’s legacy across historical and modern narratives, highlighting shifts from divine reverence to nationalist symbolism and realistic portrayals. Early hagiographies, like the *Bhaktamal*, mythologized him as an avatar of Valmiki, while the 18th-century Rasik Ramanandi Sampradaya redefined him as a *Rasik* figure, emphasizing his emotional devotion. Colonial-era nationalism transformed him into a cultural icon, with writers like Suryakant Tripathi Nirala depicting him as a unifying force. Post-independence literature further humanized Tulsidas, as seen in novels like *Ratna ki Baat* and *Manas ka Hans*, which portrayed him as a relatable individual amid societal challenges. These evolving narratives reflect broader cultural shifts—from religious reverence to nationalist mobilization and finally to a more nuanced, human-centered perspective—underscoring the fluidity