("poems in a
sequence") The poet-saint Tulsidas (1532–1623?)'s last poetry composition.
Tulsidas presents a simplified version of the epic Ramayana
as well as poetry in which he clearly speaks in his own voice in the
Kavitavali.
It was finished after 1615, according to evidence in the
text.
The poems are composed in the savaiya and kavitt meters,
which are lengthier, more difficult, and less accessible than Tulsidas' earlier
works' meters.
The Kavitavali is structured into seven divisions, which
correspond to the Ramayana's internal structure, however the Kavitavali's
verses are concentrated in the final two sections.
The "Lankakhand," for example, portrays the
ultimate battle symbolizing the conflict between good and evil; the kavitt
meter is utilized to convey spectacular war scenes in this portion.
The last volume is "Uttarakhand," which accounts
for more than half of the total work.
Tulsidas has written some autobiographical verses in this
last section, and he repeats themes that can be found throughout much of his
work: the degeneracy of the present age (Kali Yuga), a focus on devotion as the
only means of salvation, and the power inherent in God's name, which can
overcome any obstacles.
Parts of this last portion seem pessimistic, maybe reflecting the challenges of old age, yet there's a thread of optimism running through it all, implying that the author's faith in God's redemptive power will not be in vain.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
