Jayasi's Padmavat: Canto 1

A modernized translation

In 1540, Malik Muhammad Jayasi composed a masterpiece of medieval Indian literature: the Padmavat. Drawing on the turbulent backdrop of 14th-century conflicts—most notably Sultan Alauddin Khalji's siege of Chittorgarh—the poem transforms the tale of the heroic Rajput king Ratan Sen and the ethereal Queen Padmavati into an allegory of divine love and noble sacrifice. Infused with rich imagery and lyrical finesse, the Padmavat exemplifies the artistic innovation of early Awadhi poetry while reflecting a syncretic cultural ethos that merges indigenous valor with spiritual allegory. Revered for both its literary brilliance and its pivotal role in shaping India's vernacular literary tradition, Jayasi's masterpiece continues to inspire discussions in India today.

Despite its enduring significance, the text has long been difficult to access in English outside of India. The last complete translation dates from 1944, incorporating portions of an earlier 1896 translation. While this version remains in print in India and has recently entered the public domain, it's largely inaccessible to international readers. Over the coming year, I plan to offer an updated version based on these earlier translations, making this important piece of world literature once again accessible to English-language readers.

This is a modernized translation of the 1896 translation by Grierson and Dvivedi of Malik Muhammad Jayasi's poem Padmavat. I claim no credit for this translation, as I have relied entirely on AI to do it. As such, there may be slight errors or inconsistencies. If you notice any, please notify me so I can update the translation.

Canto I. The Preface

1. I remember the one supreme Creator who gave life and shaped the world. First, He revealed light; then, for the sake of that light, He formed the mighty mountain Kailasa. From fire, air, water, and earth, He crafted forms of every color. He created Earth, Heaven, and Hell, and took on many incarnations. He fashioned the humble egg with its seven continents and designed a universe of fourteen realms. He set the sun to rule the day and the moon to guard the night; He arranged the constellations and star systems. He made cool breezes, warm sunshine, and refreshing shade; He formed clouds and the lightning within them.

All things are fashioned by Him, incomparable in greatness. I begin my tale by invoking His name and reflecting deeply on His works.

2. He created the seven boundless oceans and raised the mountains of Meru and Kukhanda. He brought forth rivers, streams, and springs; He produced countless kinds of crocodiles and fish. He fashioned the oyster’s shell along with the pearl within, and He formed innumerable flawless gems. He established forests and their roots, tall trees, palm trees, and date palms. He made the wild creatures of the forest and the birds that soar freely. He created the spectrum of colors—black and white—and even sleep, hunger, and rest.

He produced betel leaves, flowers, and the delights of taste, along with both healing remedies and afflictions—all in the blink of an eye. He suspended the Heavens in space without any pillar or support.

3. He created man and granted him dominion, providing grain for sustenance. He made a king to revel in his realm and fashioned elephants and horses to enhance his splendor. He offered manifold delights, appointing some as lords and others as servants. He gave wealth that often breeds pride and stirred desires that can never be completely sated. He fashioned life, which every soul longs for, and death, from which none may escape. He bestowed joy and countless pleasures, as well as sorrow, care, and doubt.

He made some rich and others poor, granted prosperity to some and deep adversity to others. He fashioned the weak and the strong alike—bringing all forth from ashes and returning them to ashes.

4. He produced fragrant agallochum, musk, and the aromatic khas grass; He created camphor in its many forms. He fashioned the snake whose mouth harbors poison, and He provided the antidote to its bite. He brought forth the Water of Life, granting eternal vitality to those who partake, and the poison that brings death to those who consume it. He made sugarcane brimming with sweet juice and the bitter creeper bearing many fruits. He created the honey stored by bees, as well as the humble bee itself, along with birds and all winged creatures. He fashioned the fox, the rat, and the ant, and many creatures that burrow in the earth.

He shaped demons, goblins, and ghosts; He brought forth ghouls, Devas, and Daityas—eighteen thousand diverse creations in all! For every creation, He provided just what was needed, nourishing all.

5. Truly, He is the master of all wealth, to whom the entire universe belongs; He gives abundantly to every creature without ever depleting His storehouse. From the mighty elephant to the smallest ant, every being receives its share of sustenance day and night under His watchful eye. Nothing escapes His care—no friend or foe, no bird or grasshopper, nothing seen or hidden is forgotten. He prepares exquisite food in many forms and feeds all, though He partakes of nothing Himself. His very sustenance is the nourishment and life He bestows upon all. In every breath, hope is found in Him, and He never abandons anyone to despair.

Throughout the ages, He gives without ever diminishing His bounty; indeed, everything in this world has been granted by Him.

6. Let me speak of Him—the great primordial King whose glorious reign stretches from the beginning to the end of all things. He rules with boundless generosity, granting authority to whomever He chooses. He bestows the crown of royalty on those destined for greatness and offers its shelter even to those without it; none can compare to Him. He can overturn mountains and raise even the lowliest ant to the stature of an elephant. He transforms the hardest substance into something as light as straw and, in turn, makes straw as valuable as diamond. For one, He creates food, joy, and happiness; for another, He inflicts poverty and hardship. No one can fully comprehend His works, for His actions transcend human thought.

All else is fleeting—only He remains constant, creating and destroying at will, and if He chooses, recreating anew.

7. Invisible, formless, and beyond description is the Creator—He is one with all, and all are one in Him. Whether apparent or hidden, He pervades everything, though only the righteous recognize Him while the sinful do not. He has no son, father, or mother; no family or kinship binds Him. He has begotten none, nor was He ever begotten by anyone; all beings come from Him, and everything that exists was made solely by Him. He was there at the beginning and remains now; He alone is eternal, while all else is transient, toiling briefly before perishing.

Whatever He wills, He accomplishes effortlessly, breathing life into all by His mere command.

8. Know Him and meditate upon Him, for the sacred text declares so. The Lord may have no life of His own, yet He lives; He has no hands, yet He creates all things; He has no tongue, yet He speaks every truth; He has no body, yet every tremor bears His mark. Though He has no ears, He hears everything; though He lacks a heart, the wise discern all through Him. Though He has no eyes, He sees all. How can anyone compare to Him? None possess a form like His, and none are as incomparable. He has no fixed dwelling, yet He is everywhere, for He is omnipresent. Without any form or sign, His purity is proclaimed in His name.

He is neither hidden nor overt, yet He fills the universe completely. To those who understand, He is near; to the foolish, He remains distant.

9. The simple-minded do not grasp the treasure of gifts He has bestowed. He has given us a tongue and the pleasure of taste, teeth that brighten our smiles, eyes to behold the world, and ears to receive sound. He provided us with throats to speak, fingers and strong arms, and graceful feet to walk. Only those who lack these blessings truly understand their value. The elderly know the secret of lost youth, for they feel the absence of their former days despite their longing. The affluent may never comprehend poverty, but those who endure it know its true nature.

Likewise, the sick understand the mysteries of the body while the healthy remain heedless. Yet all secrets are known to the Lord, who dwells within every living being.

10. The works of the Maker are immeasurable—beyond the reach of any teller. Even if all the writers of the universe used the seven heavens as paper, filled the seas with ink, and gathered every branch from every forest, along with every hair, feather, speck of dust, drop of cloud, and star in the sky, they still could not capture the vast ocean of His wondrous creations. His skill is so perfect that not one drop of that ocean has ever lessened. Reflect on this, and let humility fill your heart, for pride is the folly of the mad.

The Lord is supremely holy. Whatever He wills is granted instantly. So complete is His holiness that He can transform a man, enabling him to perform countless sacred deeds.

11. Thus, He created one flawless man named Muhammad, radiant as a full moon. His brilliance was the first light God produced, and out of love for him, the universe came into being. That light was kindled and shared with the world, revealing its true path. Without this luminous man, the dark road would have remained unseen. The divine Muhammad secured a honored place in the heavens for those who embrace his teachings, while those who never seek refuge in his name will find only a place of torment. God sent him as His messenger, ensuring that anyone who calls upon his name finds safe passage through both worlds.

12. Muhammad was accompanied by four close companions whose names shine brightly in both worlds. First was Abu Bakr Siddiq, the wise, who was the first to sincerely proclaim the faith. Then came Umar, who earned the title of Caliph and brought justice through the faith. Next was Usman, the knowledgeable one who carefully transcribed the Qur’an as he heard its verses. Lastly, there was Ali, the mighty lion, whose very charge shook both heaven and hell. United in purpose, word, and fellowship, they preached a single true message that has become the guiding authority in both worlds.

They recited the very Qur’an that God sent down—a sacred book that, when heard by those who have lost their way, reveals the path to righteousness.

13. Sher Shah, the Sultan of Delhi, warms the entire world like the sun. His kingdom and throne befit him perfectly—kings across the land have bowed before him. Born of noble lineage and armed with a heroic sword, he is wise and masterful. In every corner of the earth, heroes have submitted to his might, and all the continents have yielded to his rule. He claimed his realm through the strength of his sword, much as Alexander, the great conqueror, once did. Wearing Solomon’s ring, he showered the world with generous gifts. Majestic and mighty, he supports the earth like a pillar, holding the universe together.

Muhammad blessed him, saying, “Reign from age to age; you are the Emperor of the World. The entire world is a beggar at your door.”

14. I now recount the valor of this king—the Lord of the World—whose martial prowess is mightier than any earthly burden. When his cavalry advances, the mountains themselves crumble into dust, and clouds of dust blot out the sun so that both man and bird are forced to retire. The very land trembles and seems to rise into the heavens, while dust covers every continent. The Heavens shake, even Indra trembles in fear, and the serpent god Vasuki flees to the deepest parts of Hell. Mount Meru sinks, the oceans vanish, and the forests shatter into dust. When his army finally halts, only a few in the vanguard might find water and grass for their horses, while not even mud is spared for those at the rear.

Citadels that have never bowed to anyone are reduced to dust when Sher Shah—the Sun of the Universe—strikes.

15. I speak now of his justice—a fairness so complete that not even a crawling ant is allowed to suffer injustice under his rule. Even Naushirwan, once hailed as “The Just,” could not compare to the fairness of Sher Shah. He dispensed justice like Umar did, and his praise echoed throughout the world. No one dares snatch even a fallen piece of jewelry from the ground, nor seize gold carelessly scattered along the highways. The cow and the tiger share the same road and drink side by side at the same ford. In his court, he separates milk from water with precision. With true piety, impartial justice, and sincere devotion, he treats the weak and the mighty alike.

The whole earth blesses him, its inhabitants continuously praying, “May his reign endure as long as the waters of the Ganges and Yamuna flow.”

16. How can one describe his striking beauty? All the world longs to behold his radiant countenance—a beauty that outshines even the full moon crafted by God. Sin flees from those who gaze upon him in reverence, and the whole world bows and blesses his presence. As the blazing sun outshines all, so does everything seem to pale in his presence. Like the sun made pure and flawless, his beauty is immeasurably greater. Few dare look directly into his face, and those who do must lower their eyes in humility. Each day, his beauty grows—a divine grace bestowed by the Creator.

Adorned with a jeweled tiara upon his brow, his radiance causes the moon to wane even as he waxes; the earth, eager to see him, rises in humble praise.

17. God has endowed him with unmatched generosity—no one in the world can rival the gifts he bestows. While Bali and Vikramaditya were renowned for their largesse, and Hatim Tas and Karna celebrated for lavish giving, none compare with Sher Shah. His giving is as boundless as the ocean and as enduring as Mount Meru, never lessening no matter how much he shares. The resounding drumbeat of his generosity echoes throughout his court, its fame reaching even across the ocean. Anyone who comes into his presence finds that a single request frees them from hunger and want. Even the ancient king who performed ten horse-sacrifices could not match the sanctity of his gifts.

No one has ever been as generous as Sultan Sher Shah, nor ever will be.

18. Saiyad Ashraf (Jahangir) was a revered saint who illuminated my path. He ignited a lamp of love within my heart that burned away its darkness, purifying my soul. My journey, once shrouded in gloom and uncertainty, became bright and clear. Casting my sins away as if into a vast salt ocean, he embraced me as his disciple and guided me aboard the boat of virtue. With a firm grip on my rudder, he helped me reach the safe shore. When one has such a guide, no one is ever lost—he is a protector who reaches out his hand when the depths seem unfathomable.

Bearing the noble name Jahangir, pure as the moon, he was the Holy Master of the World, and I remain his devoted servant.

19. In his household shone a spotless jewel named Haji Shaikh, blessed with great fortune. Within his home burned two brilliant lights, created by God to guide the way: Shaikh Mubarak, radiant as a full moon, and Shaikh Kamal, whose purity was renowned. Steadfast and unmovable like the pole stars, they were exalted even above the lofty peaks of Meru and Kukhanda. God endowed them with both beauty and glory, establishing them as pillars of the world. Whoever saw them and touched their feet in reverence found their sins washed away and their soul purified.

O Muhammad, a secure path lies before you when accompanied by a saintly teacher. O my soul, when you have a guide and a steady hand at the helm, you will reach the other side with ease.

20. Muhiu-d-din was my preceptor and guide; I served him faithfully. He swiftly ferried all who trusted him across troubled waters. Before him came Shaikh Burhan, who illuminated the path with his knowledge, and then Alhadad—a light in the faith and a disciple of Saiyad Muhammad—whose guidance was perfect. Through Alhadad, Daniyal discovered the right path, a man honored by Hazrat Khwaja Khizr, who, in turn, introduced him to Saiyad Raji Hamid Shah. From Muhiu-d-din I received every virtue; my tongue was set free, and as a poet I learned to tell my tale.

He was my master, and I am forever his disciple, bowing as his humble servant. Through him, I caught a glimpse of the Creator.

21. Muhammad possessed remarkable insight, even with but one eye, and every poet who heard him was enchanted. Just as God created the moon—bright yet marked by a dark spot—so did this poet see the world with a single, brilliant eye. His vision shone like Venus among the stars. Until a mango bears its dark spots, it lacks its fragrant aroma. God made the ocean salty, yet immeasurably vast; Mount Meru was shattered by a trident and transformed into a golden summit that reached the heavens. Until the crucible is stained by dark fire, the ore remains unsmelted, and pure gold remains unformed.

Though the poet has but one eye, its brilliance is like that of a flawless mirror. And though he may appear unassuming, all that is beautiful is drawn to his presence, gazing longingly upon him.

22. The poet Muhammad had four trusted friends, and through their friendship he found his equal. Malik Yusuf, the wise and learned, first uncovered the hidden meanings of words. Next was Salar Khadim, the discreet one, whose arm was as skilled with a sword as it was generous in giving. The third, Miya Salone, stood out as a lion among heroes—a formidable warrior on the battlefield. The fourth was Shaikh Bade, renowned as a sage; even other sages felt honored to heed his commands. All four mastered the fourteen branches of knowledge, and God himself united them in fellowship. Just as a tree near a sandal grove absorbs the fragrance until it becomes sandalwood, so did their bond transform into a union of pure wisdom.

When Muhammad embraced these four friends, their souls became one—and such a bond can never be broken, in this world or the next.

23. The city of Jayas is hallowed ground: it was there that I, the poet, recited my tale. I patiently waited among Hindi scholars, inviting them to refine the meter and structure of my song. As a devoted follower of the poets, I stepped forward to share my story—drumming its proclamation with heartfelt rhythm. My heart is a treasure trove, filled with precious gems, and my tongue serves as the key that unlocks them. I spoke words like jewels and rubies, sweet and steeped in the wine of love, priceless in their splendor. To one wounded by the language of love, hunger, sleep, or shade becomes meaningless; he transforms into a hidden gem, precious though concealed in dust.

O Muhammad, a body infused with love transcends mere flesh and blood. One who sees such a face may laugh, yet when a true lover hears his laughter, tears fill his eyes.

24. It was the year 947 Hijri when I began to recite this tale in verse. I narrated the saga of Ceylon and Queen Padmavati—brought to Citaur castle by Ratna-séna; of ‘Alau-d-din, the Sultan of Delhi; and of how Raghava-caitanya spoke of her. I described how the Emperor, upon hearing the tale, besieged the castle, sparking a war between Hindus and Muslims. From beginning to end, I recounted the story in the language of the people, in verse. I, the poet and bard—a lotus brimming with nectar—remain as a bridge between what seems distant and what appears near. For what is near may be as far as a flower’s delicate thorn, and what is far as close as the sweetness that draws ants from afar.

Thus, the bee ventures from a distant forest to savor the fragrance of lotus nectar, while the frog in a nearby pond never perceives its scent.