Satyawati -21 Poem by Unnikrishnan Sivasankara Menon
Satyawati -21
21. The Princesses of Kaashi
Varaanasi, also known as Kaashi
The capital of the empire of Kaashi
And abode of Lord Kaashi Viswanath
Was the centre of culture and religion.
It was the economic capital of Bharat
Exported silk, gold, precious stones
And fragrant rice to the entire world
Even to China, Persia and Roma.
The emperor was friends with
The rulers all over the world
He presided over Kaashi Vidyapeeth
That had students from across the oceans.
He had never acknowledged
The existence of Hastinapura
Even after Prince Devabrata had
Extended our borders up to his.
He had three beautiful daughters
All renowned scholars as well
Studied in the Kaashi Vidyapeeth
And adored by their loving father.
When Devabrata spoke of Kaashi,
I thought they were attacking us
But he spoke of the declaration
Of Swayamvaram of the princesses.
As immediate neighbor, strong
And powerful and growing in stature
We expected our crown prince
A definite invitee and assured candidate.
Marriages were also seen as a political tool to build alliances in those days of power-struggle.
Thank you so much for adding these informative notes to your epic- -they are my guide through your world. This is such a rich epic- I never know where it is taking me next and I love that quality in it!
Hi Susie, I just try to show off my knowledge of Sanskrit and that is why I use Sanskrit words in the English poem. HeHe! But, get me a one-word in English for Swayamvaram... I am swelled by your comments.
Hi Unni, I am picking up from where i left few days ago and following the story. Varanasi or Kaashi is an important destination and the abode of Kaashi Vishwanath. A full vote for this poem
As you would understand, what I have written about Kashi is my own. There are hints that the princesses were well educated, learned. So I had to invoke Kashi Vidyaapith.
Unnikrishnan you have written well about empire kaashi in this poem.. Looking forward to read about swayamvara in the next poem
Thank you Rini. Whatever I have written here about Kaashi is history in part and epic in part. It is a fact that the silk of Banaaras was coveted by ladies all over the world, including Rome, about 5000 years back. And Swayamvaram, -please see the twists and turns in the ensuing parts..
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/4/2024 12:26:24 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Ever so enlightening and moving to read! .. With such depth and description to invision, feel and see! .. Thank you ever so much for sharing this! .. Ever so many 10S! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! +++++
Thank you, Becca.