Satyapir-Satyanarayan

Author: Krishna Haridas (Medieval period) Copyist: Tahir Mamud Collector: Shahjahan Ali Fakir Decipherment: Akbar Ali Mondal Research and Re-arrangement: Md. Jakir Hossain Digital analysis: Md. Rabin Sarker Location: Phulpukuria, Gobindaganj, Gaibandha

"Satyapir-er Puthi" has long root in Bangladeshi traditional musicology, also has a deep connections with many North Indian folklore. This folk literature has been found in many recitals and gatherings of local Sufis, recited and cherished many stories of middle aged traditional folk. Shahjahan Ali Fakir, a resident of Dogharia in Gobindaganj, is a veteran Puthi reciter, and dohar. He is the second-to-last surviving practitioner of this traditional form of recitation of his age. The tale of Satyapir remains largely unknown, yet the effects are shown in reflections. To this generation, the Puthi narrates the tale of King Mayadanab of Paharpur-Malanchanagar, and many karamat was composed by Fakir Garibullah Shah (1680–1770) in the 17th century. Poets and laurates of other faith also joined the venture Subsequently, numerous scholars and patrones produced the stories in every direction with handwritten copies of the ttales; one of those copies was displayed at the 'Pradarshani Gayen Aranya-2025' exhibition at Drik Gallery, Dhanmondi.

Though the King is virtuous in every way, a dark fate awaits the Fakir; He looks with arrogance upon this humble servant of God. Should the Fakir venture into the royal garden, The King has him cast into the river, weighted down by seven layers of earth.

The wicked one binds the Fakir’s hands and feet, And imprisons him behind the dungeon gates; At dawn, the executioner sharpens his blade by royal command, For the King intends to bathe in the blood of the sacrifice.

Bound in chains, he weeps and calls upon Allah: "I chant Your name, O Lord, with supreme joy; You sent me into this world, O Allah, And driven by hunger, I wander from door to door among Your people. Now, as the night fades, my life ebbs away— Deliver me, O Merciful One."

Shahjahan Fakir collected the Puthi (narrative poem of Satyapir) from his guru Wahed Ali Panchayat—affectionately known as 'Pir Saheb' from whom he and others in the village learned the art of puthi path. He also participated corus in other puthi, including tales as Dildar Kumar, Hatem Tai, Chandrabali and Behula-Lakhindar. Together with his friend Akbar Ali Mondal, he accompanied the Bishahari Puthi, the man can perform the Puthi from memories.

Cherished by both Hindu and Muslim alike, He receives homage from followers of both faiths. Allah speaks: "Gabriel, my servant, hear my words— My beloved servant weeps in the king's dungeon."

Gabriel replies: "Allah, Lord and Sustainer, I shall execute Your command instantly, as I shall become a gainer." Allah says: "I am the Protector; I shall not turn him off, Nor destroy with My own hands the life I bestowed."