Who was Devidas and what was his role in Shirdi before Sai Baba's prominence, as described in Chapter 5?

Chapter 5 of the Sai Satcharitra introduces Devidas as a significant figure who had already come and settled in Shirdi twelve years before Sai Baba's return with the wedding party. He was a very wise man who was regarded as a Guru by prominent villagers like Tatyaba and Kashinath. The chapter notes that he conducted regular lessons, teaching individuals like Appa Bhill on a slate and making them recite the Venkatesh Stotra. His established spiritual authority is highlighted by the incident where a Fakir was brought before him for a scriptural debate, which Devidas won. This account in Chapter 5 provides important context about the spiritual environment of Shirdi prior to Baba's full manifestation.