Satasai

The "Satasaī" or Bihari Satsai (Seven Hundred Verses of Bihari) is a famous work of the early 17th century, by the Hindi poet Bihārī, in Brij Bhasha, the language of Braj. [ [http://publicationsdivision.nic.in/Hindi-Roman/Sub-Wise/HRA19.HTM Bihari Satsai] ] it contained Dohas or couplets, on Bhakti (devotion), Neeti (Moral policies) and Shringara (love) .

An important work in Ritikavya Kaal or Ritikaal [RitiKavya Kaal] of Hindi literature [http://www.google.com/notebook/public/03553967701179803178/BDQs4SwoQx5vXjbQh Google notebook] Hindi literature.] , the Satsai is today as celebrated into paintings in various Indian miniature style especially in Kangra style [ [http://www.goloka.com/docs/bihari/about_bihari.html Kangra Paintings of the Bihari Sat Sai] National Museum, New Delhi, 1966.] , as Jayadeva's Gita Govinda.

Origin

[
frame|Radha and Krishna"]

The story regarding the origin of 'Bihari Satsai', is rather intriguing, when Raja Jai Singh I (ruled. 1611-1667), of Amber, near Jaipur, heard Bihari at the court of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, he invited Bihari to Amber.

Later Raja Jai Singh Married a young wife, and was lost in her love and for over a year didn't step out his haren, and neglected state duties, his other wives. That was when his ministers and his senior wife, coaxed Bihari is sent a couplet hidden amidst the petals meant for the the Maharaja's bed.

"Nahin paraga nahin madhur madhunahin vikasa yahi kalali kali hi saun bandhyauagain kaun haval."

"There is no pollen; there is no sweet honey;nor yet has the blossom opened.If the bee is enamoured of the bud,who can tell what will happenwhen she is a full-blown flower."

Reading these lines in the morning, the Raja was immediately brought back to his senses. Later he asked Bihari to write a couplet for him everyday, and in turn he would be awarded with a gold coin each time. Seven hundred verses later, Raja asked his verses to be complied in a book form and hence the collection of Bihari Satsai was born, out of a need a poet to impress and that of state to have their king back, from quagmire of sensual pleasures. [ [http://www.goloka.com/docs/bihari/about_bihari.html Bihari Satsai origin] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/search?q=au%3A+Viha%CC%84ri%CC%84+La%CC%84la&qt=hot_author Various works based on Bihari Satsai]