CHAPTER IV.
Kasiram Das and his Mahabharata.
Fifteenth century.
In the last Chapter we have spoken of the lyric poetry of the fourteenth century. It was probably in the fifteenth century that Kasiram Das undertook and performed the mighty task of translating the Sanscrit epic Mahabharata into Bengali verse. Kasiram's work is the first great and national literary work in the Bengali language, it is a foundation of rock on which the national literature of Bengal has been subsequently built up. Chandidas is the Father of Bengali song; Kasiram Das is the Father of Bengali literature, properly so called.
Unfortunately we know little of the life of this great poet. He was born in Singi, near Katwa in the District of Burdwan; and the supposed site of his house is still pointed out as Keser Bhita. He was a Kayastha by caste, and his bold endeavour to popularise the great epic of ancient India among his countrymen in simple Bengali verse was regarded with suspicion and distrust. A Brahman poet Krittibas followed his example, and translated the other great epic Ramayana into Bengali verse, and his laudable work too was viewed with jealousy and displeasure. And a popular verse is often repeated:—
কাশীদেসে, কৃত্তিবেসে,আর বামুন ঘেঁসে,
এই তিন সর্ব্বনেশে।
