The Literary Treasure of Maharashtra: Gaha Sattasai
Aniket Marathe
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Maharashtra has a rich cultural heritage that has been shaped by various historical events and influences. One of the most important contributors to this heritage is the ancient Maharashtri Prakrit literature, which has played a significant role in shaping the present Marathi language. Among the most prominent works in this genre is the Gaha Sattasai, a collection of seven hundred poems, composed by various poets over several centuries. My main motive behind writing this article is to explore the significance of Gaha Sattasai and its patronage by the Satavahans, along with a brief introduction to some of the most noteworthy poems in Maharashtri Prakrit.
The Satavahans, who ruled over a vast kingdom in Western India from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, were great patrons of the arts, including literature. They were particularly interested in promoting the Maharashtri Prakrit, which was the language of the common people in the region. Under their patronage, several great works of literature were composed, including the Gaha Sattasai. The Satavahan rulers were not only patrons of literature but also contributed to its development by standardizing the language and promoting its use.
The Gaha Sattasai is a remarkable collection of poems that depicts the diverse aspects of life in ancient Maharashtra. The poems cover a wide range of themes, including love, nature, spirituality, and social issues. The poets who contributed to this collection came from various backgrounds, including the royal court, the clergy, and the common people. They wrote in a simple, straightforward language that was easy to understand by everyone. The Gaha Sattasai has thus served as a means of preserving the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra and has contributed to the development of Marathi as a language.
Here are a few examples of some of the most well-known poems from the Gaha Sattasai:
1.
????? ?? ?????? ????? - (Fortune smiled upon me)
This poem describes the joy of a lover who has finally found his beloved. The poet celebrates the joys of love and the pleasures of being with one's beloved.
2.
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????????? ?????? ????? ???????? - (I saw Shyama at Vata-vairāgī)
This poem describes the beauty of nature and the joy of being in the company of a loved one amidst the natural surroundings.
3.
?? ???? ??? ???? - (The dead comes alive)
This poem describes the pain and sorrow of a lover who has been separated from his beloved. The poet compares the pain of separation to death and expresses the hope that they will be reunited someday.
The Gaha Sattasai is an important literary treasure of Maharashtra that has contributed to the development of Marathi literature. It is a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra and the diverse aspects of life in ancient times. Marathi speakers should be proud of this great work and take steps to preserve and promote it for future generations to appreciate.