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

According to Chapter 5 of the Sai Satcharitra, Devidas was a learned individual who had settled in Shirdi twelve years before Sai Baba arrived with the wedding party. He was known for his wisdom and lived a simple life, wearing only a loincloth and staying at the Maruti temple. Devidas acted as a teacher, instructing locals like Appa Bhill on a slate and making them recite the Venkatesh Stotra. His influence was significant enough that prominent villagers like Tatyaba took him as their Guru. The chapter also recounts how Devidas engaged in a scriptural debate with a Fakir and defeated him, solidifying his respected position in the community at that time.