Correct Option
Raskhan (Syed Ibrahim Khan, c. 1558–1628 CE) was a significant poet-saint of the Bhakti movement. Despite his Muslim background, he was a fervent devotee of Lord Krishna, expressing his profound devotion through poetry composed in Braj Bhasha.
His notable work, Prem Vatika, is a collection of poems that beautifully describe the divine love between Radha and Krishna. It captures the spiritual essence of Krishna's pastimes in Vrindavan, focusing on themes of love, devotion, and surrender. Raskhan's compositions exemplify the inclusive nature of the Bhakti movement, which transcended religious and social distinctions, and align with the Sagun Bhakti tradition of worshipping a personal deity.
Incorrect Options
- Bihari: He was a renowned poet of the Ritikal period, best known for his work 'Bihari Satsai'. His poetry primarily focused on secular themes, including courtly love, ethics, and moral aphorisms, rather than direct Krishna devotion.
- Surdas: A celebrated poet of the Krishna Bhakti tradition, Surdas is known for his magnum opus 'Sur Sagar', which extensively details Lord Krishna's childhood exploits and devotion, particularly in Braj Bhumi. However, 'Prem Vatika' is not attributed to him.
- Kabir: A prominent saint of the Nirguna Bhakti tradition, Kabir's verses (Dohas) emphasized the worship of a formless God and critiqued ritualism, caste distinctions, and religious dogmatism. His works are not specifically focused on Lord Krishna.