The Department of Archaeology, Heritage, and Museums in Karnataka is readying itself for a field research endeavor at Araga in the Malnad region, aiming to put rest on long-standing conjectures concerning the birthplace of Purandara Dasa. This department falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and bears the responsibility for conducting archaeological explorations and safeguarding cultural monuments.
About the Birthplace Controversy
The most widely accepted belief holds that Purandara Dasa was born in Purandharagad, Maharashtra. However, numerous people from Malnad assert that his origins are traced back to their region. The literary evidence supports the claim that Purandara Dasa emerged from the vicinity of Araga. Concrete conclusions about his birthplace can only be drawn when substantial archaeological evidence is unearthed, such as inscriptions, coins, or remnants of structures linked to Srinivasa Nayaka or Purandara Dasa.
The Life of Purandara Dasa
Purandara Dasa was a distinct personality within the Vaishnava tradition during the reign of Vijayanagar. Before he embraced the Vaishnava tradition, his identity was Srinivasa Nayaka, a wealthy merchant. Supporters of the theory positing Malnad as Purandara Dasa’s birthplace draw attention to his former name, Srinivasa Nayaka. They argue that during the Vijayanagar rule, influential figures in society, including affluent traders in Malnad, often held the ‘Nayaka’ title.
Purandara Dasa’s Devotion and Artistry
He was a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, displaying his reverence and love through his poetry and music. Renowned as the father of Carnatic music, his contributions to this musical tradition have been monumental. Purandara Dasa devised a music system that was a unique fusion of differing South Indian traditions and the musical knowledge delineated in the Vedas.
His Contribution to Carnatic Music
Purandara Dasa acknowledged 84 ragas and developed a system to teach Carnatic music progressively, illustrating his profound understanding of this musical form. He penned songs in Kannada and Sanskrit under the pen name Purandara Vithala. His compositions intimately reflect his affection for Sri Krishna, with lyrics narrating various facets of Krishna’s life.