Biography of Rahim Das
Rahim Das's full name was Abdurrahim Khan 'Khankhana'. He was born in 1556 AD in Lahore (presently located in Pakistan). His father Bairam Khan was the patron of Mughal emperor Akbar. For some reason, Akbar was angry with Bairam Khan and he accused Bairam Khan of rebellion and sent him to Mecca for Hajj. On the way, his enemy Mubarak Khan killed him. After the assassination of Bairam Khan, Akbar called Rahim and his mother to himself and made proper arrangements for Rahim's education. Talented Rahim had acquired a good knowledge of languages like Hindi, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, etc. Seeing his ability, Akbar gave him a place among the Navaratnas of his court. Akbar gave him the title of 'Khan-Khana'. As per his name, he was very kind. Despite being a Muslim, he was a devotee of Shri Krishna. After Akbar's death, Jahangir put him under house arrest in Chitrakoot. He had good friendships with Keshavdas and Goswami Tulsidas. It is said that Tulsi got the inspiration to write 'Barvai Ramayana' from Rahim. His last days were surrounded by troubles and he died in 1626 AD.
Literary services of Rahim Das
Father Bairam Khan was a good policeman and scholar of his era, hence Rahim had developed a passion for literature since childhood. By being in contact with capable gurus, many poetic qualities developed in him. He translated many books and also wrote poems in Braj, Awadhi, and Khariboli. His 'couplets of policy' remain on the lips of the common people. His narration directly hits the heart through illustrations based on experiences of daily life. Apart from ethics, beautiful depictions of devotion and adornment are also visible in his writings. Thus, the main subjects of his poetry are policy, makeup, and devotion. He was also influenced by the Vaishnav Bhakti movement. His devotional works of Ganga and Vishnu are under the same influence.
He also translated many books. Creations
Rahim's creations are as follows -
Rahim Satsai, Shringaar Satsai, Madanashtak, Raas Panchadhyayi, Rahim Ratnavali and Barvai Nayika-Bheed-Varchan. 'Rahim Satsai' is a compilation of Niti's couplets. About 300 couplets have been found in it. In 'Madanashtak', the love affairs of Shri Krishna and Gopis are beautifully depicted. 'Ras Panchadhyayi' is a book written based on Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, which is inaccessible. In 'Barvai Nayika Bheda', the heroine's distinction has been described in Barvai Chhand. 'Nagar Shobha' is in couplet verse. This is a cosmetic creation.
Language style of Rahim Das
Rahim is famous among the general public for his couplets, but he has also composed successful poetry in Kavitta, Savaiya, Soratha, and Barvai verses. He composed his poetry in Braj language. The form of his Braj is simple, practical, clear, and flowing. He was knowledgeable in many languages, hence the use of words from different languages can also be seen in his poetic language. Braj language words are found in Awadhi, but he has also used the rural words of Awadhi openly. He created poetry in Muktak style. His style is very interesting, simple, and understandable.
Rahim's couplets are our guides. They provide an infallible criterion for identifying right, good, and others. Those couplets show that one should not lose patience and character in life's ups and downs, happiness and sorrow, or victory and defeat. The couplets compiled in the text are of different expressions. The subjects of personal analysis, maintenance of relationships, compassion for others, sociality, etc. are expressed in these couplets. In Rahim's couplets, moral lessons have been given in the language of common people. Rahim has said meaningful things in his couplets. Rahim is very famous for his policy-related couplets.