Secular Love Poetry

The central theme of secular love poems belonging to the ancient Rajasthani literature were primarily emotions of love and separation, remorse, heroism, erotic feelings, pride and glory of brave women, prudence, historical facts and persons, popular sayings and objective descriptions are plentiful. They were allegorical and religious too.

Poems such as Barahmasa (twelve months), Sat Ritu (six seasons) and Phagu (pertaining to spring season) were composed under the realm of secular love poems in the ancient era. Folk tales relating to Vikramaditya, Bhoj, Hansraj-Bacchraj, Vidyavilas, Sadayvatsa, Ambad etc. were composed by a host of poets.

"Bisaldev Ras" occupies a prominent place as secular love poem or laukik in the state of Rajasthan. The poem is an amorous narrative poem meant to be sung. The expression of the pangs of separation made through a `Barahmasa` starting from the month of Kartik (October-November) is revealing. The work has an unforgettable character in Raj-mati. She is sharp-tongued and independent by nature. She does not support false pride and boasting. But, at the same time, she has the womanly weakness of love. Her tender feelings have been described in the poem in a number of ways.

"Vasant Vilas Phagu" at the same time is popular secular love poetry of ancient Rajasthani literature. The poem has a specific form of composition, each couplet having an `Antaryamak` to give speed and effect to music. The spring season and its amorous sports, the absolute command and influence of Cupid, the god of love, the agony of separation, the delightful re-union of the spouses and women`s physical charms are described with intensity. The spring season and its amorous enjoyments are the ruling emotions of this poem. These have been described in a sonorous and effortless phrasing.

Sringar Sat, an erotic poem starts with an account of `Samanya Nayika` and then gives a vivid description of six seasons beginning with the spring. The suffering and agony of separation and amorous enjoyment, with the changing moods and characteristics of nature during the six seasons of the year, are expressed in a lucid language. The main topic is more or less akin to that of Vasant Vilas Phagu. The poet had also used varying syllabic metres in the poem.

Many of the love poems of this age are significant for its motifs, language, antiquity and portrayal of the contemporary society.

Sadayvatsa Vir Prabandh, a narrative poem was composed by Bhim around 1409. The legend of Sadayvatsa-Savlinga had been prevalent in Rajasthan, Gujarat and neighbouring parts. They are mainly in two forms: verse and prose mixed with verse. Later Rajasthani versions are mostly in the mixed form and the heroine Savlinga is depicted as a beloved and not a wife as in the present poem. They are also more erotic than heroic. This Prabandh is the earliest poem on this legend.

In conclusion it can be said that laukik or secular love poems in Rajasthan mainly talks about the physical beauty of the women and how closely an individual feels for his or her lover has also been expressed wonderfully.