Upholding the Common Life: The Community of Mirabai (Gender Studies)

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 This book is an original contribution employing devotional songs as both historical documents and records of popular culture; it will greatly interest scholars of women's studies and/or Asian culture.