Gita Govinda and the Scribal Fashioning of the Ideal Listener

Abstract

This article explores the scribal tradition of Dharanidhara's Odia translation of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, emphasizing its role in shaping devotional practices and cultural reception in Odisha from the 17^th to the early 20^th century. Through a close reading of selective manuscripts, the study reveals how scribes transcended mere transcription, embedding interpretations and redefining the archetypal listener as sujana, a spiritually attuned individual. The paper situates Gita Govinda in Odisha’s religio-cultural landscape, tracing its integration into Jagannath Temple rituals and its contested status amidst evolving devotional discourses. By analyzing scribal interventions, the research highlights their role in safeguarding the text’s devotional and aesthetic sanctity, balancing its erotic and spiritual dimensions. The findings underscore the collaborative dynamics in textual transmission, presenting Gita Govinda as a living tradition evolving through local commentaries and performances. This study addresses gaps in scholarship on India's pre-modern manuscript culture and its impact on regional devotional sensibilities.