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

Chapter 5 of the Sai Satcharitra introduces Devidas as a wise individual who had already settled in Shirdi twelve years before Sai Baba arrived with the wedding party. He lived a simple life at the Maruti temple, wearing only a loincloth. Devidas was a respected teacher; the text mentions he taught Appa Bhill using a slate and made him and others recite the Venkatesh Stotra. His wisdom was such that prominent locals like Tatyaba took him as their Guru, and other disciples fell at his feet. His spiritual authority is highlighted when a Fakir challenges him to a scriptural debate, which Devidas wins through his detachment, causing the Fakir to flee Shirdi.