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Poems from the Satsai

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Poems from the Satsai by Biharilal is a revered collection of couplets that delves into the essence of love, devotion, and the complexities of human emotions. This classical Indian work weaves together vivid imagery and poignant reflections, capturing the spirit of the Indian culture and showcasing the timeless beauty of poetic expression. The verses explore relationships, nature, and philosophy, offering insight into the heart's deepest sentiments without giving away any specific plot developments.
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Format: Hardback
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This collection of poems offers a unique glimpse into the eclectic art of Indian classical poetry, celebrated for its intricate language and evocative imagery. You might enjoy this book if you appreciate historical cultural texts that delve into the aesthetics of courtly life and traditional philosophical themes.

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In Poems from the Satsai, the seventeenth-century poet Biharilal blends amorous narratives about the god Krishna and the goddess Radha with archetypal hero and heroine motifs from older Sanskrit and Prakrit conventions. The Hindi text, composed in Braj Bhasha, is presented here in the Devanagari script with a new English verse translation.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In his Satsai, or Seven Hundred Poems, the seventeenth-century poet Biharilal draws on a rich vernacular tradition, blending amorous narratives about the god Krishna and the goddess Radha with archetypal hero and heroine motifs from older Sanskrit and Prakrit conventions.

While little is known of Biharilal's life beyond his role as court poet to King Jai Singh of Amber (1611–1667), his verses reflect deep knowledge of local north Indian culture and geography, especially the bucolic landscapes of Krishna's youth in the Braj region (in today's Uttar Pradesh).

With ingenuity and virtuosity, Biharilal weaves together worldly experience and divine immanence, and adapts the tropes of stylised courtly poetry, such as romantic rivalries, clandestine trysts, and the bittersweet sorrow of separated lovers.

Poems from the Satsai comprises a selection of four hundred couplets from this enduring work. The Hindi textβ€”composed in Braj Bhasha, the literary language of early-modern north Indiaβ€”is presented here in the Devanagari script and accompanies a new English verse translation.

Series: Murty Classical Library of India

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780674987074

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 05 January 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Harvard University Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Rupert Snell

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Rupert Snell is a renowned expert in Braj Basha, Awadhi, and Hindi poetry. He is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

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