Nabhadas (c. 1600) was the author of Bhaktamal ("Garland of Devotees") .
He presents brief (six line) narratives of the lives of
almost two hundred current bhakti (devotional) individuals in this
hagiographical work, some from firsthand experience.
Despite the fact that Nabhadas identifies as a Ramanandi—a devotee (bhakta) of the deity Rama—his art is inclusive of devotees of all sectarian persuasions.
The poem is notable for its lack of supernatural happenings,
and Nabhadas stresses the devotee's personal traits in order to serve as a role
model for others.
The Bhaktamal is an important source for northern Indian
literary and religious history since it provides the first accurate description
of these personalities in many instances.
Despite its significance, the manuscript is difficult to
date definitively, while internal evidence indicates it was finished in the
early seventeenth century.
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