Who was Devidas, and what was his role in the community of Shirdi as described in Chapter 5?

According to the details in Chapter 5, Devidas was a wise individual who had established himself in Shirdi twelve years before Sai Baba's notable return. He lived a simple life, wearing only a loincloth and staying at the Maruti temple. He was a respected teacher who taught locals like Appa Bhill using a slate and made them memorize the Venkatesh Stotra. His wisdom was so regarded that Tatyaba took him as his Guru, and other leading disciples, including Kashinath, revered him. He was the established spiritual authority figure before whom the young Fakir, Sai Baba, was brought for a scriptural debate.