Biographical Sketches of Dekkan Poets/Srinath
SRINATH.
A bramin, Lyric poet and historian and brother-in-law to the individual, whose biography, forms the preceding article. He possessed a quick genius, and was instructed by Potaraj. Srinath composed a history called " Marutarat Charitru," the substance of which is taken from the Kasikhanda. This poet was employed by Ana Vema Reddi, king of Konda-vede, as his chief court poet, and he was highly esteemed by that monarch. This poet had a very florid diction, especially in the description of females. He travelled through various countries to examine the qualities, virtues, vices, and propensities of women. When he was on his tour, he came near the town of Nellore about sun-set, and seeing a young boy driving some cows, he asked him how far it was to the town; "look at the sun, at me, and the cows," said the boy, and you will guess without my telling you. By this Srinath perceived that the town was close by, for the boy meant him to understand, that as it was sun-set, the cows returning home, and he but a young child the town could not be far off. Whilst he was travelling on, a woman asked our poet what his name was, he replied Srinath, which word signifies, the lord or husband of womankind. "Who then is your mother's husband?" asked the women. It is said, that Srinath was so abashed, that he would not enter the town of Nellore, but proceeded to some other country. Srinath during his life dedicated a great many works to kings and men of note, which drew down the reproaches of his brother-in-law, who accused him of servility, and sordidness in same very severe satires, that he penned for the purpose; this circumstance caused a coolness between the two poets which ended at last in enmity and hatred. Srinath enjoyed a considerable deal of reputation, and died in the fifty-fifth year of his age; his brother-in-law outlived him some years.