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CAMDALEHĀ
patrons of poets and philosophers. Every member of the royal family, prince and princess alike, took keen interest in Sanskrit learning; and some of them hold a high place in the history of Sanskrit literature in Kerala. Every year they convened a grand assembly of the learned, and extended patronage to scholars of outstanding talent and ability. Their generosity bestowed gifts not only on Brāhmaṇas but also on Vāriyars or Pāraśavas. In fact the hereditary tutor of the family was the Vāriyar of Deśamangalam. It is on account of his commentary on the Nārāyaniyam that Rudra became a special favourite of the Zamorin Mānaveda (A. D. 1655-58 ), the author of Krşņa-nāțaka. Mānaveda I showed great regard for Rudra by putting in his charge the education of his nephew and successor, Mānaveda II, known as Aśvati Tirunāļ from the asterism under which he was born. Mānaveda II came to the throne in A. D. 1658 and ruled for four years. He was a man of learning and a lover of the learned. In his court flourished the east coast poet generally called Cidambarakavi who extolled the glories of his patron in his play Lakşmi-Mānavedam. In all probability it is Mānaveda II who was the patron of our author Rudradāsa and who figures as the hero in the Candralekhã. Thus possibly Rudradāsa wrote the Candralekhā some time about 1660 A, D, No other work of his has come to light so far.
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