344 M. M. Chakravarti — Language and literature of Orissa. [No. 4, 
The Bhagabata was also translated in Oriya by Krsna Simha, the 
Raja of Dharakota in Gan jam District, and this translation is believed 
to be more accurate. Bat like the revised version of the Bible it has 
failed to be popular. Hunter’s list also mentions an Oriya version of 
the Bhagabata by one Krsna Dasa. The influence of Jagannatha 
Dasa’s Bhagabata is traceable in many of the later works. It moulded 
three large works, viz., Dinakrsna Dasa’s Rasakallola, Bhaktacarana 
Dasa’s Mathura Mapgala, and the Premapancamrta of Bhupati Pandita. 
Modified by Radha-cultism, it had its effect on the works of Sadananda 
Kavisfiryabrahma and Abhimanyu Samantasimghara. It suffused 
whether with or without Radha-worship, the numerous songs of the 
Oriyas (Cautisas and Pois). As already pointed out it gave rise to a 
separate tune and class of versification. Even now various Jatras 
based upon and borrowed from the Bhagabata are played to large 
audiences in the mofussil, and are watched with much interest. The 
importance of this work in the past and even present life of the mofussil 
Oriyas it would be difficult to exaggerate. 
Next in importance is the Oriya Ramayana (or as commonly 
pronounced Rabana) of Bajarama Dasa. Little is known about the 
author. He must be earlier than sana 1164 or 1757 A.D. in which 
year one of the manuscripts I have seen was copied. He apparently 
preceded the poet Upendra Bhanja, as the latter refers to him res¬ 
pectfully as @qT qqfiil, ( i.e .), one who uttered his verses 
inspired by the grace of God. 1 This veneration presupposes a pretty 
long time back and agrees with the general tradition according to which 
Balarama Dasa was a disciple of Caitanya. In Jagannathacaritamrta 
that I have already referred to, Jagannatha Dasa is said to have been 
initiated as a disciple of Caitanya by iT?f (the enthusiast 
Balarama Dasa). 2 If he be identifiable with the author, then the Oriya 
1 Baidehlsabilasa, 1st Chanda, 4th Stanza, printed ed., p. 4. Upendra Bhanja 
does not name him, but this has been explained by his commentator. 
2 Jag. caritamrta MS., Folio 10. 
stefe *TtT I *TiTW 1 | 
(«r) tftsiir I ^nq^r ^q^r i ^ i 
i wn 'Ctt i i 
“ That enthusiast Balarama. the best among the Vaisnavas, he does not, while 
sitting, sleeping, eating, walking, lying, dreaming, know day or night; but is 
phrenzied in his devotion (to God).” 
Balarama Dasa has been again mentioned in Fol. 36, as a chief disciple of 
Caitanya Deva. 
qfasrl I W'U TOTO W<T II 
