Question

Which of the following statements about Mirabai are correct ?
I. She was married into Sisodia clan of Mewar.
II. She considered Krishna her divine lover.
III. Her spiritual guru was Ramanand.
IV. She founded a sect with a group of followers.

• A. Only II and III are correct.
• B. Only I and II are correct.
• C. Only III and IV are correct.
• D. Only II and IV are correct.

Hint:

• Mirabai's poems are called 'Bhajans' and are still widely sung in North India.
• Her life story is a classic example of 'Saguna' Bhakti (devotion to a form).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:

• Mirabai (c. 15th-16th century) was a prominent Bhakti saint and poetess from Rajasthan, known for her intense devotion to Lord Krishna.
• Her life reflects the challenges faced by women saints who defied social and patriarchal norms of the time.

Step 1: Verifying statements I and II
Statement I is correct: Mirabai was a Rajput princess from Merta who was married to Bhoj Raj, the son of Rana Sanga of the Sisodia clan of Mewar, against her wishes.
Statement II is correct: She rejected the comforts of the palace and traditional marriage, considering herself the consort of Lord Krishna (Giridhar Gopal). Her poetry expresses deep personal longing and love for him.

Step 2: Evaluating statements III and IV
Statement III is incorrect: According to traditions, her spiritual guru was Raidas (Ravidas), a leatherworker. This choice of a "low-caste" guru was a significant defiance of caste norms. Ramanand was the guru of Kabir and others, but lived much earlier.
Statement IV is incorrect: Mirabai did not intend to found a sect or have a formal group of followers. Her movement was one of personal, individual devotion. While her songs became popular, she did not establish a structured religious order.
Thus, only statements I and II are correct.