Vidyapati – The Cuckoo of Maithili Literature

 Vidyapati: Maithili Poet-Saint, Literary Pioneer & 1965 India Post Stamp Tribute

Vidyapati Thakur (c. 1352–1448), revered as Maithil Kavi Kokil (the Cuckoo of Maithili Poetry), was a medieval Indian poet, saint, and scholar whose lyrical brilliance shaped the cultural and literary identity of Mithila. Born in Bisfi village, Madhubani district, Bihar, Vidyapati was a polymath—fluent in Maithili, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha—and served as a court poet to the Oiniwar dynasty.

His devotional verses to Lord Shiva and romantic compositions on Radha-Krishna became foundational texts in Eastern Indian literary traditions. Vidyapati’s poetry was rich in bhakti rasa, blending spiritual devotion with human emotion, and laid the groundwork for later poets like Govindadas and Rabindranath Tagore.

Vidyapati’s most celebrated work, the Padavali, is a collection of love songs that express divine romance and longing. His style was marked by lyrical simplicity, emotional depth, and musical cadence. He was among the first to elevate Maithilias a literary language, making it accessible to common people and establishing it as a medium of high art.

His influence extended beyond Mithila to Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Nepal, where his verses are still sung in folk traditions and temple rituals.

Vidyapati’s legacy is honored in literature, music, and cultural festivals across Bihar and Nepal. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Vidyapati Jayanti, and his contributions are studied in academic institutions across India.

On 17 November 1965, India Post issued a ₹0.15 commemorative stamp honoring Vidyapati. Printed by the Security Printing Press, Nashik, the stamp features Vidyapati in a meditative pose with traditional Maithili headgear, symbolizing his poetic and spiritual stature. A total of 2,000,000 stamps were released in brown color, comb perforation format.

Trivia Points

• Born around 1352 CE in Bisfi, Madhubani, Bihar.
• Known as Maithil Kavi Kokil (Poet Cuckoo of Mithila).
• Fluent in Maithili, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha.
• Served as court poet to the Oiniwar kings.
• Composed devotional songs to Shiva and Krishna.
• His Padavali is a cornerstone of Maithili literature.
• Elevated Maithili as a literary language.
• Influenced poets like Govindadas and Tagore.
• His verses are sung in Nepal Terai and Mithila temples.
• Stamp issued in 1965,2016 by India Post.
• Stamp printed in brown, no watermark.
• Known for blending bhakti and shringara rasas.
• Died in 1448 CE in Vidyapati Nagar, Samastipur.
• His poetry is part of Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions.
• Celebrated annually as Vidyapati Jayanti in Bihar.

Which Vidyapati verse or theme resonates with you most—devotion, romance, or philosophy? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Subscribe to our newsletter for more stories on India’s literary legends and commemorative stamps.