Gopaldev

Gopaldev was an Indian poet, dramatist and chief preacher of the Vaishnava sect in eastern Assam. He was belonged from Bhabanipur, Assam so people called him as Bhabanipuria Gopal Ata. He is also a disciple of Mahapurush Shrimanta Sankardev.

Brief life

Gopaldev was born in 1540 at Nazira in Sivasagar district of Assam to father Kameswar and mother Bajrangi. Their family later shifted to Bhabanipur in Kamrup. He did his early education there under a Brahmin scholar. Gopaldev had a son Kamaleswardev and daughter Padmapriya. Padmapriya was said to be the first female Assamese poet belonging to the 16th century.

Works

As a Vaishnavite guru of Ekasarana Dharma, Gopaldev founded the Kaljhar sattra, about 7 km from Pathsala in Bajali district and used it as his working place.

Literary works

Gopaldev composed some plays like Janmajatra, Nandutsav and Uddhabjan or Gopi-Uddhab Sambad and Sitar Patal Proves written in Early Assamese language.

Tithi

The birth anniversary of Gopaldev is celebrated in Namghars and Sattras of Assam as Tithi of Gopaldev. The Government of Assam declares this day as holiday in every year on this occasion.