Mira Bai (Makers of Indian Literature)

Book Details
• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
• Author: Usha Nilsson
• Language: English
• Pages: 70
• Cover: Paperback
• Edition: 2009
• ISBN: 9788126004119
• Dimensions: 22 cm x 14 cm
• Weight: 120 gm

About the Book

This book presents an engaging introduction to the life and poetic legacy of Mira Bai, one of the most celebrated saint-poets of medieval India. Mira Bai (c. 1498–1547) is remembered as a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, and her life has become a powerful legend of spiritual devotion and unwavering faith.

Her lyrical compositions have been cherished for centuries and remain widely sung by musicians and devotees across India. Written in a simple and direct language that blends elements of Braj Bhasha and Marwari, her poems express intense devotion, spiritual longing, and emotional surrender to Krishna. The sincerity and lyrical beauty of her verses have touched the hearts of countless readers and listeners over generations.

Mira Bai is regarded as an important figure among the great medieval saint-poets of India, alongside renowned spiritual lyricists such as Surdas and Vidyapati. Though she was born into a royal family, she chose to renounce the comforts of her royal life in pursuit of a spiritual path. She wandered with ascetics and undertook pilgrimages, including journeys to sacred places such as Dwarka, dedicating her life to devotion and poetry.

This volume introduces Mira Bai’s life and spiritual journey while presenting translations of fifty selected poems. The translations aim to preserve the lyrical beauty and emotional intensity of the original compositions, allowing English readers to appreciate the devotional depth and poetic elegance of her work.

Written by Usha Nilsson, also known by her pen name Usha Priyamvada, the book reflects her deep engagement with Hindi literature and translation. Educated in Allahabad and later associated with the University of Wisconsin’s Indian Studies Department, she has gained recognition as a respected story writer and novelist in Hindi.

Published by Sahitya Akademi, this book offers readers an accessible introduction to Mira Bai’s timeless devotional poetry and spiritual legacy.