“Inauguration of the Reprinted Edition of ‘Mahakavi Vidyapati’ by Pandit Shivanandan Thakur
Koilakh, Madhubani, December 8, 2023
The reprinted edition of Pandit Shiv Nandan Thakur’s book ‘Mahakavi Vidyapati,’ centered on the poet Kokil Vidyapati, was launched on December 6 at the Bhadrakali temple premises in Koilakh. Maithili’s distinguished poet, Arun Kumar Jha, presided over the book launch ceremony, with special guests Parmeshwar Thakur from Bhatsimar and Rajkumar Jha from Ghoghardiha in attendance.
On this occasion,Dr. Birbal Jha, a renowned linguistics scientist, author and Managing Director,Lingua Multiservices Pvt. Ltd. from Sijaul, shed light on the life of the great poet Vidyapati. Dr. Jha highlighted Vidyapati’s versatile talent, manifested in various literary genres, emphasizing the poet’s exceptional use of politics, religion, philosophy, beauty, and both native and Pranjal languages. Describing Vidyapati as an environmentalist, Dr. Jha referenced the poet’s apology for inadvertently contaminating the Ganga water with his feet.
Originally published in 1941 by Pandit Shivanandan Thakur, the manuscript was prepared before his demise in 1939. Pandit Jaidev Mishra, the elder brother of Pandit Harinath Mishra, played a pivotal role in making the publication possible. However, due to limited copies at the time, the book became scarce over the years.
Inspired by Shrikant Thakur Vidyalankar, editor of Aryavarta, along with Anand Mishra and Anand Mohan Bhardwaj, Chairman of the Maithili Department at Patna University, Vidyapati Thakur, the son of Pandit Shivanandan Thakur, translated it into Maithili. The Maithili Academy, Patna, has published this translation, which is now recognized as a valuable resource for BPSC examinees.
The genesis of this book, ‘Mahakavi Vidyapati,’ can be traced back to a statement made by Nagendranath Gupta, a renowned polyglot and professor of linguistics from Calcutta, in the Senate Hall, Patna. He credited Bengali scholars for the criticisms, research, and various versions of Vidyapati’s postulates. Gupta lamented the lack of respect and contribution to Vidyapati’s research from his birthplace, Mithila. Pandit Shivanandan Thakur, deeply moved by this statement, embarked on a five-year journey of research, resulting in this comprehensive book.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores Vidyapati’s biography and literary achievements, presenting evidence-based insights into his birth, lineage, and death. The second part provides a linguistic analysis of the Ukani language, while the third part includes 86 posts or phrases from Rambhadrapur, along with scholarly commentary by Pandit Shivanandan Thakur.
During the function, Dhirendra Thakur, Naveen Thakur, Ashutosh Thakur, Sunil Chaudhary, Devan Jha, Vipin Kumar, Sonu Jha, Shyamnath Mishra, and others shared their perspectives. The program, conducted by Pandit Thakur’s grandson Nalini Thakur, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by his other grandson, Rachani Kant.”
—Ashish Jha