Satasai

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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. ^[1] it contained Dohas or couplets, on Bhakti (devotion), Neeti (Moral policies) and Shringara (love) ^[2].

An important work in Ritikavya Kaal or Ritikaal ^[3] of Hindi literature ^[2], the Satsai is today as celebrated into paintings in various Indian miniature style especially in Kangra style ^[4], as Jayadeva's Gita Govinda.

[edit] Origin

The Poet Bihārī Offers Homage to 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 madhu nahin vikasa yahi kal ali kali hi saun bandhyau again 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 happen when 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. ^[5]