Gita Govinda, a 12th century work composed by Jayadeva is a story that describes the story of Krishna and the gopis, and notably ‘Radha’. This epic work consists of twelve chapters. Each of these 12 chapters are sub-divided into 24 parts called Prabandhas. Prabandhas contain couplets grouped into eights, called Ashtapadis. One of the notable features from the work is the concept of ‘Ashta Nayika’, the eight moods of Heroine – which over the years has inspired many compositions and choreographic works in Indian classical dances. Sir William Jones translated this work in English for the first time in 1792.
