Braj
From Free net encyclopedia
Current revision
Braj, though never a clearly defined political region in India, is considered to be the land of Krishna and is derived from the Sanskrit word vraja. Thus, Brajbhasa is the language of Braj (often considered a dialect of Hindi), and it was the language of choice of the Bhakti movement, or the neo-Vaishnavite religions, the central deity of which was Krishna. Therefore, most of the literature in this language pertains to Krishna composed in medieval times.
The region lies within the Taj Trapezium zone, in three states - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. In the recent years, the historic Braj region which holds India's 5000 year old heritage has been suffering to toll of unchecked development and official neglect. There have been complaints of sacred hill are being blasted out, groves being unlawfully cut down, and historic water reservoirs are in degraded conditions.
Efforts are being made by Braj Rakshak Dal, a voluntary oraganisation towards the revival of the 5000 year old holy region of Braj.
Bibliography
- Rupert Snell, The Hindi Classical Tradition: A Braj Bhasa Reader. Includes grammar, readings and translations, and a good glossary.
- Braj Rakshak Dal - The organisation that has taken a pledge to restore Braj