The Satsai (seven hundred verses) is a famous work of the early 17th century by poet Bihari. It contains couplets on devotion, morality and love. Considered an important work in Ritikaal of Hindi literature, it is today as celebrated as Jayadev’s Geetgovind.
The origin of Bihari Satsai is rather intriguing. Raja Jai Singh of Amber was lost in his young wife’s love neglecting State duties and his other wives. Some ministers and his senior wife coaxed Bihari to send a couplet hidden amidst the petals meant for the king’s bed. Reading these lines, the king regained his senses. He asked Bihari to write a couplet for him every day, and he would award him a gold coin each time.
Thus, the collection Bihari Satsai was born – out of the need of a poet to impress, and that of the State to have its king back from quagmire of sensual pleasures.
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