Analysing a Vernacular Literature- Padmavati: History or Fiction

Abstract

Vernacular literature has a lot of potential in historical reconstruction of past. Padmavati, written by sufi saint Malik Muhammad Jayasi, is one relevant source in this regard. It has element of both masnavi (romantic poem) and epic. Cultural assimilation and intermingled ideologies across two dominant religion of the time can be seen. Medieval ages in India was a site of constant changes, proliferation and culture flowing through recitation of texts.The paper deals with the potential a Vernacular source can have in understanding past.