Upholding the Common Life The Community of Mirabai

by Mukta, Parita

• ISBN13: 9780195643732
• ISBN10: 0195643739
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-05-14
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Mirabai, the legendary poet-saint-princess of Rajasthan, is profiled herein via the bhajans sung in her honor by fieldworkers. She is seen as a solitary figure, fighting the might and authority of the Rajput princes by refusing to accept the king as her husband and by not conforming to queenly behavioral patterns. This book is an original contribution employing devotional songs as both historical documents and records of popular culture; it will greatly interest scholars of women's studies and/or Asian culture.

Table of Contents

Mirabai
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Note on Translation
Prologue	p. 1
Introduction: On Community and the Common Life	p. 19
Opposing Loyalties: Mira's Bhakti and Rajput Dharma	p. 49
A Community Forged: The Birth of a Song	p. 69
A Dream Validated	p. 115
Ordeals of Community: The Song Imperilled	p. 150
Privation in Community	p. 155
Incorporation	p. 173
A Nation Cleaved: The Song Betrayed	p. 182
Amplification	p. 201
The Rainbird Thirsts	p. 211
Epilogue: Earthly Life and its Completion	p. 225
Appendix: Mira's 'Janam Patri': An Epic Poem on the 'Birth and Life of Mira'	p. 233
Footnotes	p. 235
Krishna by Other Names	p. 240
Glossary	p. 241
Bibliography	p. 251
Index	p. 261
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