LIBERATION THROUGH DEVOTION: QUEST FOR AGENCY IN K. SATCHIDANANDAN’S POEM MEERA SINGS

Abstract

Bhakti has always functioned as a metaphor for rebellion, especially for women to escape confinement that was offered by both, patriarchal and feudalism systems. K. The poem Meera Sings by Satchidanandan is a contemporary reading of Meera Bai, a saint poet of sixteenth century who sings her devotion as defiance, subversion of Patriarchal norms and assertion of her individuality, her freedom. The power dynamics that shaped Meera’s Bhakti as a form of liberation is this paper’s focus, having aimed to subvert traditional womanhood in a highly patriarchal society. Comparing Bhakti to existential freedom renders the poem into showing how devotion became a form of rebellion and discovery. It explores issues of spiritualty and agency and gender and presents Meera as a woman figure of Pakistani women of all ages fighting for their rights. Through Meera Bai poetry helps in understanding that women who cross conventional boundaries and struggle for their own freedom make society strong and do not run away from struggles. In her verses, Meera has been bowing women to fight for their own voice and freedom to break all the shackles and come out successful. She appeals to women to stand up from the constraints that surround them and become the women they want to see. The memory of Meera is built to inspire those who are still in search of their voices and the path in faith no matter what comes in the way. Despite the attempts by male writers of the chauvinistic approach to test the limits of Women’s freedom as exemplified by Meera Bai through her poems, which till this day inspires women who would not be cowed down and are seeking true emancipation.