GREAT INDIAN COURT JESTERS

A court jester in India is called a Vidusaka. From the stories and tales; both historic and fictional. I try to portray an Ancient Indian court jester.

Vidusakas of India

The trinity of Tenali Rama, Gopal and Birbal dominates the Indian court jester scene. These Vidusakas of Indian history were not jokers, nor were they only entertainers who lightened the ritualistic atmosphere of Ancient India courts. Their sharp wit and pity remarks were invariably backed by wisdom which was often used by Kings to good effect.

Weakness turned into strength

Officially a Vidusaka held no authority in court, normally perceived as a drawback, but it was precisely this absence of rank that allowed the jesters to be free with their opinions, since their words could be considered jokes. However, they needed to be careful not to overstep boundaries and suffer the wrath of their Kings. These jesters were trained musicians, actors or artists, some of them became trusted and valued confidants in courts, and some jesters like Birbal even fought in wars for their King. These skilled entertainers often used clever gibes at the enemies of their King’s and also directed their King’s attention to the problems of the society.        

A jester at work

The following story best illustrates how Vidusaka goes out about their daily works. A visiting King is very pleased by the entertainment provided by the court jester. The visiting King asks the jester to say something new and if pleased, then the King would reward the jester with some gold coins. At first the jester declined the offer, citing fewer gold coins as the reason. But the jester finally agreed to take up the offer only when the visiting King raised the stakes; parting with the bag of gold coins. At this moment jester declined to take the bag of gold reasoning that the King has pleased the jester with the act of big heartedness. Then the jester started to bad mouth his King as miser and stingy. This resulted in the whole court breaking into laughter. The visiting King laughed because of jester’s flattery, the host King laughed because the jester has conveyed the truth, but in a humorous way, and the court laughed because both Kings were happy. In the end the jester was handsomely rewarded.  

Some of the gems

The famous Indian court jesters are: Tenali Ramkrishna, Gopal Bhar, Birbal, and Gonu Jha. Pundit Gonu Jha of Bharona village is thought to be one of the earliest court jesters in North India. Tenali Ramkrishna, 16th century, the South Indian jester of King of Vijayanagar is said to be a Shivaite; worshipper of Shiv by birth, but converted to Vaishnavite; worshipper of Vishnu. Birbal was initially called Mahesh Das, 1528-1586, before becoming one of the nine navaratnan of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Gopal Bhar or Gopal Bhand was the court jester of the court of King Krishna Chandra Roy of Nadia, 1710-1783. It is believed that Gopal is a legendary personality. But a reference has been found. There was a body guard of the King of Nadia, who was given special status by the King. Gopal Bhar’s statues can still be seen in the palace of Krishna Chandra and in Ghurni, Krishnagar town. 

Concluding thought

Great Indian jesters were always on the side of common people in fighting oppression against the rich and powerful, with their unique weapons: wit and humour.