Reevaluating Meera’s Image: A Necessity

(mohsina bano)

Udaipur . The widely accepted image of Bhaktimati Meera needs reconsideration, and her compositions must be understood from a broader perspective.

This idea emerged during the two-day Meera Festival, jointly organized by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur.

Chief Guest and Akademi representative Prof. Vijay Bahadur Singh stated that Meera Bai’s life, though appearing ordinary, was filled with extraordinary struggles and challenges. Despite living in a royal palace, she chose the path of spiritual devotion and renunciation.

Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Prof. S. S. Sarangdevot, emphasized the need to dispel misconceptions about Meera through research, urging universities to play an active role in this endeavor.

Prof. Madhav Hada, a member of the Sahitya Akademi’s General Council, highlighted that Meera’s current image was shaped by James Tod, and society has unknowingly perpetuated it. He stressed the need for an in-depth study of Meera’s extensive body of work.

Chancellor Bhawarlal Gurjar, presiding over the event, called for continuous research to better understand Meera Bai’s personality from new perspectives.

Meera’s Bhajans Resonate in the Evening Session

During the festival’s evening session, Mumbai-based bhajan singer Niharika Sinha captivated the audience with soulful renditions of Meera’s compositions, including "Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo" and "Ae Ri Main To Prem Diwani."

Rajasthani folk singer Dr. Bhutte Khan Manganiyar and his troupe infused a local essence into the evening with performances of "Padharo Mhare Desh," "Nimbuda," and "Dama Dam Mast Kalandar," enthralling the audience.

Distinguished guests at the Bhajan Sandhya included B.N. Institution’s Minister Mahendra Singh Agariya and Managing Director Mohabbat Singh Rupakhedi, among others.