In a thought-provoking event, the Center for Inter-Cultural Studies and the Malaviya Centre for Value Inquiry organized a special lecture on the subject of “Political Satire in 17th Century Braj Poetry.” The event featured Professor Pyotr Borek from Poland’s Yagellonian University as the keynote speaker.
Professor Pyotr Borek highlighted the use of political alliances, strategies, and the downfall of adversaries through humor and satire in the literary work of Kavi Bhushan, particularly in his creation “Shivaraj Bhushan.” He emphasized that the poets of that era used their craft to convey political messages, and literature was seen as a means to propagate their policies.
Furthermore, he mentioned how the kings of that time also used poets and poetry to enhance their popularity among the masses. “Shivaraj Bhushan” by Kavi Bhushan is a rare example of heroic poetry with nearly 400 verses, encompassing the lineage of Shivaji, descriptions of the capital, his valor, and his bold response to Aurangzeb.
Shivaji’s patronage of poetry in Braj language had a far-reaching vision, contributing to the expansion and progressive growth of the Maratha Empire. Professor Borek elucidated that the use of satire in Indian tradition was not limited to humor alone; it also aimed to combat religious hypocrisy, arrogance, and traditionalism.
This enlightening lecture at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) shed light on the fascinating intersection of politics and poetry during the 17th century, offering valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of that era.