Chanda Jha

Kavishwar Chanda Jha
Native name	चन्दा झा
Born	Chandra Nath Jha 20 January 1831 Pindaruckh village,Darbhanga district,Mithila region
Pen name	Kavivar
Occupation	Poet,Author,Researcher
Language	Maithili
Nationality	Indian
Alma mater	Darbhanga Raj
Genre	Author of Maithili Ramayana
Notable works	Maithili Bhasha Ramayana

Chanda Jha(Maithili:चंदा झा) also known asKavi Chandrawas the first poet who wroteRamayanain Maithili language. The version of Ramayana written by him is known asMaithili Bhasha Ramayana.

Early life

He was born atPindaruckhvillage ofDarbhanga districtin theMithila regionof Bihar, India on 20 January 1831 AD. In his childhood he went to his maternal villageBaragamaat maternal grandfatherPandit Girivera Narayan Jha.There he studied in traditional manner and become well versed in grammar and literature. Similarly in his earlier time, he became poetic genius. After that he went toGandhavarivillage at the home ofVasudeva Singha step brother ofMaheshwar SinghofDarbhanga Raj.There he studied for nearly five years under the patron of Vasudeva Singh.

Influence

He was a great scholar ofSanskrit,MaithiliandHindi.His compilation, revision and encouragement remains relevant in many ways. He became popular for his textMaithili Bhasha Ramayana.Six years ago the speakers at a memorial day celebration organised byKavivar Chanda Jha Vichar Sah Seva Sansthan,expressed the idea of naming streets, buildings, institutes, hospitals, libraries, railway stations, roads with his name along with his statue.Similarly every year onMaghiSaptami,Chanda Jha memorial function is held by theChanda Jha Memorial Conservation CommitteeatChanda Jha Smarak SthalinAndhrathadhi.The function starts with wreath laying ceremony on the statue of the poet Chanda Jha. In the function, the works and personality of the poet is discussed among audience there. It is said that after the poetVidyapati,Chanda Jha has been the brightest star in the sky ofMaithili literature.He immortalizedMithila,MaithiliandMaithili literaturein the world with his outstanding work.

Works

He wrote many texts for the preservation and promotion of Maithili. He published 19 books. His major works are Maithili Bhasha Ramayana, Ahilya Charitra, Ras Kaumudi, Vidyapati Pad Sankalan, Chhandograntha, Rajavali, Geet Saptashati, Maheshvani and Geet Sudha, etc.He did many researches and creative works in areas of literature. He was appointed as the head of literature department at Darbhanga Raj.