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Meera Bai was a queen of Rajasthan, who was known more for her devotion to Lord Krishna than her political position. She led the life of a preacher wandering throughout Rajasthan singing in praise of Lord Krishna and winning several followers.

She was born in 1498 to a renowned Rajput family. During her times, North Western India was under the increasing influence of the Muslim kings. Meera Bai showed a strong inclination towards religious pursuits right from very early age and even denounced her worldly responsibilities all together. She felt deeply drawn towards Lord Krishna and became his staunch devotee.

At the age of 13, she married Bhojraj the heir apparent to the Sisodhyas. Her marriage lasted only for three years as Bhojraj was fatally wounded in a battle. Even though Meera was indifferent to her husband`s death, she became a victim of the persecution by her in-laws.


Having chosen to forsake all worldly concerns for her Lord Krishna, Meera Bai ignored many of the social values which were dear to the Rajputs. She visited various temples and danced and sang in public. She mingled with other devotees, regardless of their gender and cast, which was exactly contradictory to the exclusiveness of a Rajput princess.

After the death of her father in 1527, she left the palace and began a life of wandering. She travelled to places like Vrindaban and Dwaraka.

Much about the life of Meera Bai is known from the bhajans she sang in praise of Lord Krishna. These bhajans have been considered by scholars to be of high literary value.

[1498 - 1550]