My mother-in-law says / I destroyed the family honor./ I have ceased to care / For people's opinions. — Mira Bai (image via Wikimedia Commons) Mira grew up a princess in a castle, beloved for her beauty, intelligence and piety. But as soon as she got married within the 16th-century Rajput ruling family, she declared her radical intent: to throw off the trappings of the patriarchy and live her life as an independent poet. This, she said, was inspired by her deep devotion to Krishna, who she could only truly honor by eschewing the life of a Rajput princess. Her behavior disgusted her husband's family, who begged her to consummate the marriage and later, after her husband's death, to do her duty and hide from society as a quiet, lonely widow.
A Woman to Know: Mira Bai
A Woman to Know: Mira Bai
A Woman to Know: Mira Bai
My mother-in-law says / I destroyed the family honor./ I have ceased to care / For people's opinions. — Mira Bai (image via Wikimedia Commons) Mira grew up a princess in a castle, beloved for her beauty, intelligence and piety. But as soon as she got married within the 16th-century Rajput ruling family, she declared her radical intent: to throw off the trappings of the patriarchy and live her life as an independent poet. This, she said, was inspired by her deep devotion to Krishna, who she could only truly honor by eschewing the life of a Rajput princess. Her behavior disgusted her husband's family, who begged her to consummate the marriage and later, after her husband's death, to do her duty and hide from society as a quiet, lonely widow.