Chand Bardai

Lived in the second half of the 12th century. Indian poet and storyteller.

Chand Bardai wrote in a Rajasthani dialect. He is the author of the heroic epic poem Prithiraj Raso, which recounts the life of the Delhi prince Prithwiraj III. According to legend, Chand Bardai lived at Prithwiraj’s court. The poem, which long existed only in oral form, glorifies the military victories and romantic exploits of the feudal lords. The modern version, with later additions, dates no earlier than the 17th century. Approximately 50 known manuscript versions exist, the earliest of which dates from 1610.