Ramprasad Sen

Ramprasad Sen
Bornc. 1723[1] or c. 1718[2]
Died1781(1781-00-00) (aged 62–63)[2]
Other namesSadhak Ramprasad
Occupation(s)Saint, poet
Known forRamprasadi

Rāmprasād Sen (c. 1723 or c. 1718 – c. 1775) was a Hindu Shakta poet and saint of 18th-century Bengal.[3][4] His bhakti poems, known as Ramprasadi, are still popular in Bengal—they are usually addressed to the Hindu goddess Kali and written in Bengali.[5] Stories of Ramprasad's life typically include legends and myths mixed with biographical details.[6]

It is said that, Ramprasad was born into a Bengali Baidya Brahmin family, and showed an inclination towards poetry from an early age. He was highly influenced by Krishnananda Agamavagisha, a Tantric scholar and yogi. Ramprasad became well known for his devotional songs. His life has been the subject of many stories depicting his devotion to, and relationship with, Kali. Ramprasad's literary works include Vidyasundar, Kali-kirtana, Krishna-kirtana and Shaktigiti.

Ramprasad is credited with creating a new compositional form that combined the Bengali folk style of Baul music with classical melodies and kirtan. The new style took root in Bengali culture with many poet-composers combining folk and raga-based melodies, mixing every common style of music from classical to semi-classical and folk.[7] His songs are sung today, with a popular collection—Ramprasadi Sangit ("Songs of Ramprasad")—sold at Shakta temples and pithas in Bengal.[5]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference harding_215 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference heehs_346 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Martin 2003, p. 191
  4. ^ Ayyappapanicker 1997, p. 64
  5. ^ a b McDaniel 2004, p. 162
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hixon was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Arnold was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

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