Meerabai

Meerabai was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet and saint from the Bhakti Movement. She was born into a royal family in Rajasthan, India, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Indian Literature.

Meerabai’s poetry is characterized by its intense devotion to Krishna, the Hindu god of love. She often wrote about her longing for him and her desire to be united with him. Her poems are full of passion and emotion, and they have been translated into many languages.

Meerabai was a controversial figure in her own time. Her devotion to Krishna was seen as a threat to the established religious order, and she was often persecuted for her beliefs. However, she remained steadfast in her faith, and her poetry continues to inspire people around the world.

• Conflict with In-Laws
• Legacy as a Poet and Mystic
• Early Life
• Education
• Devotion to Krishna.Poetry.Persecution.Death
  

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  Conflict with In-Laws:

  Upon her marriage into the Mewar royal family, Meerabai’s unwavering devotion to Krishna continued. Her in-laws, disapproving of her unconventional practices and disregard for courtly rituals, viewed her mysticism with suspicion. They even attempted to poison her, but according to legends, her faith in Krishna protected her.

  Legacy as a Poet and Mystic:

  Despite challenges, Meerabai’s legacy as a poet and mystic endures. Her padas, composed in a simple and direct style, are infused with profound emotion and imagery. They transcended social barriers, resonating with people from all walks of life. Her compositions became part of the Bhakti movement, a devotional movement that emphasized personal connection with the divine.

Early Life

Meerabai was born in 1498 in Merta, Rajasthan, India. Her father, Raja Ratan Singh, was the ruler of Mewar, and her mother, Jodha Bai, was a Rajput princess. Meerabai had a happy childhood, and she was raised in a loving and supportive EnvironmentEnvironment.

Education

Meerabai was educated in the traditional arts and sciences. She was also taught to read and write, and she developed a love of poetry at a young age. Meerabai’s father was a patron of the arts, and he encouraged his daughter to pursue her interests.

Marriage

When Meerabai was 16 years old, she was married to Bhojraj, the son of the ruler of Amber. The marriage was arranged by Meerabai’s parents, and it was not a happy one. Meerabai did not love Bhojraj, and she found the marriage to be stifling.

Devotion to Krishna

Meerabai’s true love was Krishna, the Hindu god of love. She began to devote herself to Krishna at a young age, and she often prayed to him and sang his praises. Meerabai’s devotion to Krishna caused her to neglect her husband and her duties as a wife. This led to conflict between Meerabai and Bhojraj, and it eventually led to her separation from him.

Poetry

Meerabai began to write poetry at a young age, and she often used her poetry to express her devotion to Krishna. Her poems are full of passion and emotion, and they have been translated into many languages. Meerabai’s poetry is considered to be some of the finest examples of Bhakti literature.

Persecution

Meerabai’s devotion to Krishna was seen as a threat to the established religious order, and she was often persecuted for her beliefs. She was accused of being a heretic, and she was even threatened with death. However, Meerabai remained steadfast in her faith, and she continued to write poetry about her love for Krishna.

Death

Meerabai died in 1547 at the age of 49. She was buried in a temple in Vrindavan, India. Meerabai’s legacy is one of love, devotion, and courage. She is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Indian literature and religion.

FAQS

Who was Meerabai?

Meerabai was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet and saint from the Bhakti movement. She was born into a royal family in Rajasthan, India, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Indian literature.

What was Meerabai’s religion?

Meerabai was a Hindu. She was a devotee of Krishna, the Hindu god of love.

What was Meerabai’s poetry about?

Meerabai’s poetry was about her love for Krishna. She often wrote about her longing for him and her desire to be united with him. Her poems are full of passion and emotion.

Why was Meerabai persecuted?

Meerabai’s devotion to Krishna was seen as a threat to the established religious order. She was accused of being a heretic, and she was even threatened with death. However, Meerabai remained steadfast in her faith, and she continued to write poetry about her love for Krishna.

What is Meerabai’s legacy?

Meerabai’s legacy is one of love, devotion, and courage. She is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Indian literature and religion.

MCQS

Meerabai was born in:

• (a) 1498
• (b) 1547
• (CC) 1647
• (d) 1747

Meerabai, a renowned mystic and poet, was known for her unwavering devotion to which Hindu deity?

• a) Shiva
• b) Ganesha
• C) Krishna (Correct)
• d) Durga

What sets Meerabai’s devotional compositions apart?

• a) Their focus on elaborate rituals
• b) Their expression of love for Krishna as a divine companion (Correct)
• c) Their strict adherence to ancient scriptures
• d) Their use of complex philosophical language

Meerabai’s life story involves conflict with her in-laws. What was a primary reason for this tension?

• a) Her refusal to convert to another religion
• b) Her disregard for royal customs due to her devotion (Correct)
• c) Her involvement in political matters
• d) Her lack of interest in martial pursuits

What is the name given to Meerabai’s devotional poems known for their emotional depth?

• a) Mantras
• b) Shlokas
• c) Padas (Correct)
• d) Sutras

Beyond her religious significance, what is another aspect of Meerabai’s legacy?

• a) Her mastery of military strategy
• b) Her contributions to scientific advancements
• c) Her groundbreaking work in literature (Correct)
• d) Her leadership of a social reform movement