Hāla: The Satavahana King Behind Saptasataka

Hāla, a ruler from the Satavahana dynasty, is celebrated for his significant contribution to Indian literature. He is traditionally credited with authoring the Saptasataka, also known as Gathasaptashati, a remarkable collection of 700 poetic verses composed in the Prakrit language. These verses, written in the Arya metre, encapsulate the essence of beauty, love, and nature in short, impactful stanzas.

Out of the seven hundred poems in Saptasataka, Hāla himself is said to have written forty-four, showcasing his literary prowess alongside his royal duties. According to the Matsya Purana, Hāla was the 17th ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, reigning in the Deccan region during the 1st century AD.

Apart from his literary achievements, Hāla’s life is also entwined with romance, as depicted in the Lilavati Parinayam, a Maharashtri Prakrit work. This tale narrates his love story with Lilavati, a princess from Simhaladvipa, often identified with modern-day Sri Lanka. The Lilavati Parinayam was authored by Kuthuhala Koūhala, further enriching the legacy of King Hāla.

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