What Should We Do With Chand Kazi?

Caitanyacaritāmṛta and Vaiṣṇava-Muslim Dialogue

Abstract

This article examines the portrayal of Chand Kazi in Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja's Caitanyacaritāmṛta, a foundational biography of Śrī Caitanya. It critically analyzes the historical and theological implications of the encounter between Caitanya and the Muslim magistrate, particularly regarding the debate on vegetarianism and cow protection. The author proposes a bifurcated hermeneutical model for contemporary Vaiṣṇava-Muslim dialogue, suggesting that while core theological statements within the text should be affirmed, the depiction of Chand Kazi's arguments may reflect either Kṛṣṇadāsa's limited understanding of Islam or a deliberate didactic choice for a Vaiṣṇava audience, rather than an accurate representation of Islamic scholarship. The article advocates for a nuanced approach that allows for mutual critique and fosters genuine interreligious understanding in the 21st century.