Chhatrapathi Shivaji

[Bharatvarsh]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Prior to Shivaji's ascent to the throne, during the Yadav period, there was a mention of 'Bhativ Kavane' in Dnyaneshwari (17.294.97). Bhativ Kavane is supposed to be a form of powade. There are 2-3 more references in Dnyaneshwari (3.5.163 and 2.0.10). Powada during Dnyaneshwari period was in the form of a song in praise of gods – 'nivrutti muktabai changvev gadha| haricha pavada zeltati'. Originally, shahirs performed at open places or grounds in front of local temples. The seeds of the classical form of powade that flourished during Shivaji were sown during this time.

Shahiri literature began during the reign of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680 A.D.) The literature developed further during the Peshwa period, but declined with their downfall. After the decline it took rebirth in the form of modern Marathi poetry. The classical Marathi ballad continues to contribute significantly to Marathi culture.

The oldest powada still available is "Afazal Khanacha Vadh" (The Killing of Afzal Khan) by Shahir Agindas alias Adnyandas. Judging by the well-knit of composition and style of the ballad, we can safely assume that the art of 'Shahiri' had developed considerably at the time it was written.

From the 1st period only 3-4 powade are available.

Afzal Khan Vadh by Addnyandas [PDF]
Tanaji Malusara by Tulsidas [PDF]
Vaijapurcha poawada - only a line – author unknown, and
Baji Pasalkar by Yamaji.

http://www.powade.com/essays/overview.html<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The powada is available in Devnagari lipi here:

http://www.powade.com/lyrics/agindas/agindas.pdf