A History of the Mahrattas v1.c5.s4.35

v1.c5.s4.35

Another notable figure of this epoch was Sivājī’s guru or spiritual guide, Rāmdās Swāmī (1608–81), who is credited with the authorship of a considerable body of Marāthī verse. Less fluent, less pathetic than Tukārām, Rāmdās is remarkable for the analytical power and practical wisdom displayed in his poetry. His poems, composed in both the shlok and ovi metres, are important by reason of the political or philosophical lessons which they may be held to embody; and his stray verses, entitled, ‘Admonitions to the Mind,’ written for the benefit of Sivājī, are almost worthy to rank with Solomon’s Proverbs.² His name is perpetuated in the small sect of Rāmdāsis, whose headquarters are at Parli (Sajjangarh) in Sātāra District. The sect uses a secret mantra of its own, and contains many Sādhus or professional ascetics. Rāmdās was the centre of a group of poets, of whom the most notable were Rangnāth Swāmī of Paithan, Rangnāth of Nigadi and Vāman Pandit of Kolhāpur.