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Meera, Sanga and Mewar
Meera Bai, one of India’s most well-known mystic poets is also a Rajput princess of the Rathor clan. Married to Mewar’s Crown Prince Bhoj Raj, son of Rana Sanga, the most chivalrous and powerful warrior king ruling medieval India’s largest and wealthiest Rajput kingdom, her charmed life revolves around her love for Krishna. Passionate and devoted to her divine consort, this retelling of Meera’s story is a celebration of her life as a princess, a brave daughter-in-law of Mewar, a poet, and a seeker of divine union with her God. Steeped in Rajput traditions, customs and folklore, this novel explores the relationship between the physical and the metaphysical.
250 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 27, 2021
A bit of everything - the saintly Krishna devotee Meera Bai, the mighty Rajput king of Chittorgarh Rana Sanga and the eternally squabbling vainglorious Rajputs of Rajasthan. Rana Sanga's valour was not in keeping with the times - the invaders from the West easily vanquished the sword-wielding cavalry of the Rajputs with their muskets and cannons.
Cuckold is a more interesting book about Meerabai.
There is a glaring geographical error on Page 221. Mathura and Vrindavan lie on the same bank of the Yamuna. The author may have mistaken for Gokul, which is on the other side of the river.
Cuckold is a more interesting book about Meerabai.
There is a glaring geographical error on Page 221. Mathura and Vrindavan lie on the same bank of the Yamuna. The author may have mistaken for Gokul, which is on the other side of the river.
June 23, 2021
Meera Bai, till date, is considered as an esteemed poetess, with her transcendent bhajans and hymns still being sung in parts of Northern India. In fact, her dances, songs and devotion for lord Krishna are considered to be her defining characteristics. Or such is the picture painted by numerous Bollywood numbers dedicated to her.
But ‘Meera, Sanga and Mewar’ shows us the other side of Meera Bai – her strong, independent side. A 16th century Rajputana princess, Meera Bai defied familial and patriarchal norms from early childhood till the day she magically disappeared. She practiced celibacy, went against everyone to allow entry of the lowest of castes in her ‘satsangs’, and danced and sang with unwavering spirit. ‘Meera, Sanga and Mewar’ introduces us to the Meera who lived on her own terms.
But even though Meera Bai remained a celibate, she did marry. She married Prince Bhoj raj, son of Rana Sanga - the gallant warrior king of the Rajputana Kingdom of Medieval India. And Meera Bai’s marriage took her to the land Mewar, where we witness the full-fledged family saga of this magnanimous royal family.
Written in a bit of a non-fictitious manner, ‘Meera, Sanga and Mewar’ dazed me with its beauty! The stunning portrayal of the Rajputana culture, the soothing narration of Meera Bai’s spiritual journey and the valiant chronicle of Rana Sanga absolutely mesmerized me.
Jyoti Jafa’s beautifully capturing of this major chunk of the Rajputana lineage in merely 250 pages is a blessing for all the historical fiction lovers!
But ‘Meera, Sanga and Mewar’ shows us the other side of Meera Bai – her strong, independent side. A 16th century Rajputana princess, Meera Bai defied familial and patriarchal norms from early childhood till the day she magically disappeared. She practiced celibacy, went against everyone to allow entry of the lowest of castes in her ‘satsangs’, and danced and sang with unwavering spirit. ‘Meera, Sanga and Mewar’ introduces us to the Meera who lived on her own terms.
But even though Meera Bai remained a celibate, she did marry. She married Prince Bhoj raj, son of Rana Sanga - the gallant warrior king of the Rajputana Kingdom of Medieval India. And Meera Bai’s marriage took her to the land Mewar, where we witness the full-fledged family saga of this magnanimous royal family.
Written in a bit of a non-fictitious manner, ‘Meera, Sanga and Mewar’ dazed me with its beauty! The stunning portrayal of the Rajputana culture, the soothing narration of Meera Bai’s spiritual journey and the valiant chronicle of Rana Sanga absolutely mesmerized me.
Jyoti Jafa’s beautifully capturing of this major chunk of the Rajputana lineage in merely 250 pages is a blessing for all the historical fiction lovers!
July 20, 2021
Many thanks to @rolibooks for sending me this beautiful book. As the title suggests it is the story of Meera Bai, from her childhood as a princess and then getting married to a Crown Prince, to ultimately merging into Krishna’s divine energy, as legend goes. That said, the author took a few liberties with the story I believe, by adding some miraculous instances which in this context, I think only made the experience for me as a reader, all the more better.
The book was a very colorful one in the way it went over all the images - it was full of vivid imagery and I as a person who has only read about Rajasthan (even medieval Rajasthan for that matter), in history books, this reading was a beautiful experience. Reading about the political and historical events in this book was also interesting - albeit a little boring in the middle. I thought some of it could have been done without.
Reading about Meera Bai’s ecstatic love, where devotion and shringara raas was the one and the same, was a journey in faith and spirituality. Although it irked me a bit in the beginning - seeing this unfailing belief in her Giridhar Gopal - by the end I can genuinely say that it had moved me. Jafa has a beautiful tonality to her writing. She is able to conjure up an ambience that contributes immensely to the readers’ experience.
This was indeed a remarkable story of a Rajput princess -from defying all odds as stacked against her as a woman, and as a member of the aristocracy; her position as the wife of a Crown Prince and ultimately her position as the most profound of Bhakti poets. Seeing her journey, written in this beautiful fictional manner was just the cherry on top. The family drama also gave the right amount of variation and nuance to this tale, thereby bringing in the society in the form of loved and dear/close ones - family.
The book was a very colorful one in the way it went over all the images - it was full of vivid imagery and I as a person who has only read about Rajasthan (even medieval Rajasthan for that matter), in history books, this reading was a beautiful experience. Reading about the political and historical events in this book was also interesting - albeit a little boring in the middle. I thought some of it could have been done without.
Reading about Meera Bai’s ecstatic love, where devotion and shringara raas was the one and the same, was a journey in faith and spirituality. Although it irked me a bit in the beginning - seeing this unfailing belief in her Giridhar Gopal - by the end I can genuinely say that it had moved me. Jafa has a beautiful tonality to her writing. She is able to conjure up an ambience that contributes immensely to the readers’ experience.
This was indeed a remarkable story of a Rajput princess -from defying all odds as stacked against her as a woman, and as a member of the aristocracy; her position as the wife of a Crown Prince and ultimately her position as the most profound of Bhakti poets. Seeing her journey, written in this beautiful fictional manner was just the cherry on top. The family drama also gave the right amount of variation and nuance to this tale, thereby bringing in the society in the form of loved and dear/close ones - family.
July 6, 2021
'Meera ke Prabhu Giridhar Nagar'– Meera Bai's name is synonymous with Lord Krishna's. From listening to stories about her life with eyes full of wonder to reading dohas composed by her in Hindi textbooks we all have had some insight as to her profound devotion towards Krishna. Her life is enveloped in a mystical, magical aura, notwithstanding Jyoti Jafa has done a splendid job of narrating her story in both a realistic and understandable manner.
The book comes with a list of characters for better understanding and after that begin the chronicles of Meera Bai's life. She was a Rajput Princess and the only child of Ratan Singh, the younger brother of the King of Merta. During the time women and girls weren't give much of a say because of societal restrictions, however being her grandfather's favourite Meera had quite a few privileges. Hailing from a royal family, she would see a great many visitors being given food and lodgings on the fort grounds. One day while frolicking around she met a sojourning sant who gave her a figurine of Lord Krishna. When the news reached their ears, her grandfather and uncle were outraged, in the Hindu dharma a guest is treated with the same respect and love as God, accepting something from a guest was out of bounds. Since then the little girl took to a rebellion and years later she is remembered as Krishna's most devout bhakt, her bhakti and devotion remains unparalleled.
The riveting narrative brings alive the characters, transporting the reader back in time. The grace and fluidity of the prose is delightful.
The book comes with a list of characters for better understanding and after that begin the chronicles of Meera Bai's life. She was a Rajput Princess and the only child of Ratan Singh, the younger brother of the King of Merta. During the time women and girls weren't give much of a say because of societal restrictions, however being her grandfather's favourite Meera had quite a few privileges. Hailing from a royal family, she would see a great many visitors being given food and lodgings on the fort grounds. One day while frolicking around she met a sojourning sant who gave her a figurine of Lord Krishna. When the news reached their ears, her grandfather and uncle were outraged, in the Hindu dharma a guest is treated with the same respect and love as God, accepting something from a guest was out of bounds. Since then the little girl took to a rebellion and years later she is remembered as Krishna's most devout bhakt, her bhakti and devotion remains unparalleled.
The riveting narrative brings alive the characters, transporting the reader back in time. The grace and fluidity of the prose is delightful.
June 29, 2023
Book Review: Meera, Sanga and Mewar by Jyoti Jafa
When I say, stories choose their readers and not vice-versa, I’m speaking facts. In the midst of a heartbreaking situation, I found this book out of nowhere and it healed me.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to know about Meera’s life, Mewar’s struggle and Rana Sanga’s principles and vision.
Jyoti Jafa, is a journalist and writer who claims to share bloodline with Meera. Her love and respect towards the Mewar dynasty is clearly visible through her word choices, research and writing style.
You time travel to the 16th century where little Meera is nowhere to be found in the Rawla, but where is she? Would you believe, if I told you she was on her way to steal Girdhar Gopal’s pious idol from a pandit? Do you believe in the incarnation? What is the purpose of Meera’s rebirth? Did Krishna really come to welcome Meera, when she entered Dwarka?
Meera lost her mother at an early age and her father was busy strengthening the state. Merta’s then crown king Rao Duda, grandfather of Meera and his entire family was well aware of her grand-daughter’s devotion towards Krishna. Her poetry, miracles and compassion reflected the divine interactions, spiritual and yogic awakening her soul shared with Krishna.
This was also the time when India was suffering from cruel invaders, Mughals and Afghans. Meera was married to Rana Sanga’s son Kunwar Bhojraj and to everyone’s surprise there was no customary, patriarchal set-ups for Meera. She was a free mystic but no-ordinary person who used to go for horse rides with her husband, discuss and consult her father-in-law Rana Sanga without any hesitation.
She unveiled a new path of devotion in Chittorgarh and Bhojraj respected her decision by following celibacy and yogic practices. Rana Sanga’s unfaithful death in the war against Babur and continuous death of its heir left Mewar in a shocking phase.
This book reveals the progression of Mewar and highlights the loopholes which affected it. Meera Bai’s journey to Brindaban, Mathura and Dwarika are captivatingly captured in word frames. Her conversations and meetings with her deity are the essence of learning life in the most supreme way.
I always feel immensely blessed to read something about my legendary ancestors. The proud land of Mewar is known for its bravery, valour, devotion and principles from the times of Bappa Rawal.
This book is a perfect illustration of how right men are capable of creating a noble, equal and understanding aura for women, from their side. And how this quality contributes towards a divine path of inspiration for others. Grandfather of Meera Bai, Rao Duda, father-in-law Rana Sanga, husband Bhojraj, Kakosa Rao Biram Deo, sant Beniji, brother-in-law Ratan Singh and cousin brother Bhanwar loved and respected her journey towards her ultimate companion Krishna.
If you are not reading this, you’re missing out on self-reliance in its uniquely perfect form.
When I say, stories choose their readers and not vice-versa, I’m speaking facts. In the midst of a heartbreaking situation, I found this book out of nowhere and it healed me.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to know about Meera’s life, Mewar’s struggle and Rana Sanga’s principles and vision.
Jyoti Jafa, is a journalist and writer who claims to share bloodline with Meera. Her love and respect towards the Mewar dynasty is clearly visible through her word choices, research and writing style.
You time travel to the 16th century where little Meera is nowhere to be found in the Rawla, but where is she? Would you believe, if I told you she was on her way to steal Girdhar Gopal’s pious idol from a pandit? Do you believe in the incarnation? What is the purpose of Meera’s rebirth? Did Krishna really come to welcome Meera, when she entered Dwarka?
Meera lost her mother at an early age and her father was busy strengthening the state. Merta’s then crown king Rao Duda, grandfather of Meera and his entire family was well aware of her grand-daughter’s devotion towards Krishna. Her poetry, miracles and compassion reflected the divine interactions, spiritual and yogic awakening her soul shared with Krishna.
This was also the time when India was suffering from cruel invaders, Mughals and Afghans. Meera was married to Rana Sanga’s son Kunwar Bhojraj and to everyone’s surprise there was no customary, patriarchal set-ups for Meera. She was a free mystic but no-ordinary person who used to go for horse rides with her husband, discuss and consult her father-in-law Rana Sanga without any hesitation.
She unveiled a new path of devotion in Chittorgarh and Bhojraj respected her decision by following celibacy and yogic practices. Rana Sanga’s unfaithful death in the war against Babur and continuous death of its heir left Mewar in a shocking phase.
This book reveals the progression of Mewar and highlights the loopholes which affected it. Meera Bai’s journey to Brindaban, Mathura and Dwarika are captivatingly captured in word frames. Her conversations and meetings with her deity are the essence of learning life in the most supreme way.
I always feel immensely blessed to read something about my legendary ancestors. The proud land of Mewar is known for its bravery, valour, devotion and principles from the times of Bappa Rawal.
This book is a perfect illustration of how right men are capable of creating a noble, equal and understanding aura for women, from their side. And how this quality contributes towards a divine path of inspiration for others. Grandfather of Meera Bai, Rao Duda, father-in-law Rana Sanga, husband Bhojraj, Kakosa Rao Biram Deo, sant Beniji, brother-in-law Ratan Singh and cousin brother Bhanwar loved and respected her journey towards her ultimate companion Krishna.
If you are not reading this, you’re missing out on self-reliance in its uniquely perfect form.
October 3, 2023
Expected a lot more. The book lost its way somewhere, or maybe I didn't realise that this was some sort of history lesson more than it was about Meera Bai's devotion. I had hoped it would have some of her Bhajans, and detailed accounts of the instances where a bed of nails and cup with poison were sent and it miraculously turned into the opposite. The end was well written.
Grammatical errors—same word different spellings in 10 different places. It's disturbing how many books have this problem nowadays. No italics for words from a different language. Erstwhile states referred to with their present-day names. Just because it's given the tag of fiction doesn't mean you forget to make sense.
Grammatical errors—same word different spellings in 10 different places. It's disturbing how many books have this problem nowadays. No italics for words from a different language. Erstwhile states referred to with their present-day names. Just because it's given the tag of fiction doesn't mean you forget to make sense.
May 25, 2022
A wonderful book...history written by a devotee - truly a unique category of literature! While clearing up many of my doubts over the historical perspective, Jafa also pours in bhakti rasa for the devotee. The only complaint I have is regarding the ending - the interpretation regarding Meera's reincarnation came totally out of the blue, out of sync with any of the beliefs and completely an odd figment of imagination from the writer. The rest is excellent.
October 23, 2023
This book is more about the unknown history and struggle and war strategies of Mewar.It includes very few and known stories of Meera ji and Kanha ji. Expected to experience more about The Meera -Krishna leela.
August 25, 2021
The writing style is captivating but this is more about the history of mewar during the time of Meera Bai and less about Meera Bai.
January 1, 2023
Meerabai needs no introduction. The iconic life of Meerabai as epitome of faith, mystic poet and ardent Krishna devotee from Rajput royal family is recorded in annals of history.
There are also many stories or folk tales surrounding the life of Meerabai which are vastly varied in specifics, due to which it's difficult to sieve and differentiate the actual legend from claimed miracles.
So it becomes all the more complicated and tricky to give Meerabai the colors of imagination and pen down her life. However, I would say that this courageous task is executed impressively by the author Jyoti Jafa in her book Meera, Sanga and Mewar.
Jyoti Jafa's Meerabi and her surroundings portrayed in this book makes one agree that she was actually a true feminist of her times, on the path of showing that women were as much deserving of intellectual and spiritual pursuits as the men of their era who only took pride in the ability of producing sons and performing Jauhar/ Sati of their mothers, daughters and wives. Meerabai showed the way to freedom escaping the fetters of not only patriarchy but also every other bias which existed in the prevalent society through Bhakti, the most influential path of that time.
With the riveting narrative and detailed research, the author brings alive the characters and transports you to the era of Meerabai making you feel the pangs of her bhakti, longing and mysticism. The prose is so graceful that a distant, melodious voice humming the name of Krishna was ringing in my ears and thus pulling the strings of my own spiritual beliefs and faith.
Meera, Sanga and Mewar has a beauty of exisquite potrayal of Rajput culture, tradition and administration standing tall in the dark clouds of invasion and amidst all these was the blooming lotus of Meerbai's bhakti, her poised attitude and consistent focus on her goal.
I would say Jyoti Jafa has personified Meerabai for me and whenever I would try to conjure the image of Meerabai in my mind it would be the Meerabai of this book.
There are also many stories or folk tales surrounding the life of Meerabai which are vastly varied in specifics, due to which it's difficult to sieve and differentiate the actual legend from claimed miracles.
So it becomes all the more complicated and tricky to give Meerabai the colors of imagination and pen down her life. However, I would say that this courageous task is executed impressively by the author Jyoti Jafa in her book Meera, Sanga and Mewar.
Jyoti Jafa's Meerabi and her surroundings portrayed in this book makes one agree that she was actually a true feminist of her times, on the path of showing that women were as much deserving of intellectual and spiritual pursuits as the men of their era who only took pride in the ability of producing sons and performing Jauhar/ Sati of their mothers, daughters and wives. Meerabai showed the way to freedom escaping the fetters of not only patriarchy but also every other bias which existed in the prevalent society through Bhakti, the most influential path of that time.
With the riveting narrative and detailed research, the author brings alive the characters and transports you to the era of Meerabai making you feel the pangs of her bhakti, longing and mysticism. The prose is so graceful that a distant, melodious voice humming the name of Krishna was ringing in my ears and thus pulling the strings of my own spiritual beliefs and faith.
Meera, Sanga and Mewar has a beauty of exisquite potrayal of Rajput culture, tradition and administration standing tall in the dark clouds of invasion and amidst all these was the blooming lotus of Meerbai's bhakti, her poised attitude and consistent focus on her goal.
I would say Jyoti Jafa has personified Meerabai for me and whenever I would try to conjure the image of Meerabai in my mind it would be the Meerabai of this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews