This poetry has been in vogue for over more than a thousand years in the regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Malwa and Sindh. In the states falling in these regions there used to exist- a separate post, known as that of Baaratth, a person who was supposed to be discharging duties outside the palace. He was supposed to be the most reliable and responsible person guarding and guiding the king in matters of policy and protocol and customs and throughout the king’s life. He would not budge an inch from his duties and the decisions taken. Obviously he was a very important person in the scheme of things a centre of power and authority. He was also called a Gadhvi- an upholder of the dignity of the Gaddh or the Fort of the King. The title was given to the people of Charan community in the princely states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Malwa and Sindh. The senior most of such charans was called Poet Barhat.
The charan community curiously enough is a combination of a literary personality, advisor a consultant, a repository of traditions, a forceful religious devotee- all these components are symbolized in the Goddess Jagdamba. Power, incarnation, tradition- these are the foundation stones of the charan tradition. They are lovers of poetry and literature. They always stand for the truth opposing injustice. Satyagraha has been the principle of this community. It is unique in character. The charan could create both the types of poetry – i) narrative or descriptive ii) Reformative. This poetry describes things/events, it also attempts at reform in case of excesses by a ruler, by pointing out his lapses/faults.
There is a long drawn tradition of historical poetry written by the charans. Their literature also includes aspects of nature, love, devotion, fame, religion and philosophy. In the medieval times, this type of periodical poetry assumed the form of information- dissemination. The charan literature contains songs and Duhas and other such metrical compositions which have a historical importance as they are in the nature of quotes of a poet on some historical theme. And wonder of wonders- a poet with pen in one hand and a sword in another, would invariably accompany the army in the battle field. This poet would record the true and correct account of the battle which being impartial was given due recognition by both the sides.
That particular literature today has become history. This literature has not only variety but is amazing for its metrical richness also. There are 120 distinct types of these metres the account of which goes to form a complete work on the subject known as Ritigranths. One of such Ritigranths is entitled Mahabharat Roopak the theme whereof is the Mahabharat story. Thus there exists a long tradition of the Ritigranthas. The figure of speech known as Vaina Sagaai puts all poetic faults on the faults of prosody to an end.