Sant Bahinabai (1628-1700) was just three years old when she was married off to a 30 year old widower. Here starts a long series of hardships that Bahinabai had to brave out for the better part of her life. Hardly had she turned seven, when she had to leave their native place along with her family and go in search of livelihood from village to village and town to town, and that too on foot. No one knew when or where the next meal would be. To worsen the matters, Bahinabai’s short tempered husband accompanied her family during these seemingly endless journeys and Bahinabai was subjected to the most brutal form of domestic violence at the hands of her husband from a very tender age (even when she was three months pregnant). This travesty of a married life continued for almost a decade and her birth in the so-called higher caste did next to nothing to alleviate Bahinabai’s misery, just like millions of women before and after her. What makes Bahinabai’s sufferings significant is the fact that she gave them a voice in her poems and became the first woman autobiographer of India. Her autobiography ranks very high among those works that document the lives of survivors of domestic violence, apart from being one of the oldest, if not THE oldest, such an account in the history of world literature. With its uninhibited attacks on patriarchy, Bahinabai's autobiography predates all the feminist texts in the world. This book also contains Bahinabai's translation of Vajrasuchi Upanishad, which makes her the first woman translator of India.

A revised edition of the prescribed text for "Indian Literature in Translation" course of M.A. (Honours) in English & M.A. (Honours with Research) in English programmes of the University of Mumbai ******************************************** Sant Chokha Mela (13th-14th century) - संत चोखामेळा in Marathi - was born in the Mahar community which lay at the bottom of the caste hierarchy prevalent in the contemporary society. Of course, he was not to have any education even in the remotest sense of the word. Yet, such was the influence of the two founding fathers and other saints of the Varkari Sect that Chokha Mela could compose poetry of the highest order. Poetry that has stood the test of time for last seven hundred years and has become the finest example of the expression of human angst caused by the oppressive societal norms. Each poem by Chokha Mela, or Chokhoba as he was fondly called by his peers, stands testimony to the inhuman treatment that was meted out to large sections of society in the name of religion. Each of his poems is a cry of the bereaved soul that has been deprived of its humanness itself. Each of the poem is a powerful statement against the repression that a handful carried out against the masses. Such is the intensity of these poems that their reader feels the very angst that the Poet must have undergone. Such is the grip that these poems take over the reader's mind that one feels their guts being wrenched, remembering the agony of the Poet's expressions long after the poems have been read and the book kept aside.

Indian religions , especially Hinduism , Jainism , Sikhism and Buddhism , the saintly man is revered as "truth-exemplary" for his knowledge of "self , truth and reality". In Sikhism it is used to describe human beings who have attained spiritual enlightenment and divine wisdom and power by uniting with God. A saint has an important place in the life of a devotee. The importance of a saint is also mentioned in Hindu scriptures. According to Hindu scriptures, by taking refuge in a true saint and performing devotional service according to the scriptures, the worshiper becomes free from the diseases of birth and death. The identity of a true saint has also been told in the holy scriptures of Hinduism that a true saint will have complete knowledge of all the holy scriptures and will take diksha three times in the name of three types of mantras. A saint , a theologian or a bhagat is any human being who has attained God and is in spiritual contact with God. Sikhs believe that the divine energy of God can be experienced by man on earth. This is achieved through constant chanting of the Lord's name (Naam Japo / Naam Simran) and spiritual introspection. Sikhs generally use reality as the name of God which cannot be merely mouthed but must be lived in truth. Saints can be of any religion. Individuals like Kabir , Ravidas , Namdev , Farid , Bhikkan and others are known as saints or bhagats , irrespective of their belonging to Islam or Hinduism . The divine knowledge is universal , and after attaining knowledge through Naam Simran their knowledge is compiled and included in the holy book of Sikhism , Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Saints are holy persons of the highest order , they are among the ideal human beings. Thus , Sikhs are encouraged to seek the company and pious company of saints (saadh- sangat) , learn from them , and attain "sainthood" through intense reading and meditation on the Sikh scriptures (gurbani) and Naam Simran. Do it. The virtuous life associated with a saint or Brahmagyani (one who has complete knowledge of God) is defined in Sikh Gurbani , specifically in the Sukhmani Sahib passage of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism advocates people of all faiths to unite by realizing God , and union with God is the highest form of spiritual enlightenment. Author David Smith defines guru as "a teacher , spiritual guide or deity". To receive the title of guru , one must undergo a standard initiation process known as initiation , in which they receive a mantra or sacred Sanskrit phrase. Hindu sages have often renounced the world and are called guru , sadhu , rishi , swami and other names. Many people consider the words "saint" and "saint" to be synonymous. This book is a list of religious figures of Hinduism , including gurus , saints , monks , yogis, and spiritual leaders.

A cross-cultural encyclopedia of the most significant holy people in history, examining why people in a wide range of religious traditions throughout the world have been regarded as divinely inspired. The first reference on the subject to span all the world's major religions, Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia examines the impact of individuals who, through personal charisma and inspirational deeds, served both as glorious examples of human potential and as envoys for the divine. Holy People of the World contains nearly 1,100 biographical sketches of venerated men and women. Written by religious studies experts and historians, each article focuses on the basic question: How did this person come to be regarded as holy? In addition, the encyclopedia features 20 survey articles on views of holy people in the major religious traditions such as Islam, Buddhism, and African religions, as well as 64 comparative articles on aspects of holiness and veneration across cultures such as awakening and conversion experiences, heredity, gender, asceticism, and persecution. Whether exploring by religion, culture, or historic period, this extensively cross-referenced resource offers a wealth of insights into one of the most revealing—and least explored—common denominators of spiritual traditions.

The Routledge History of Loneliness takes a multidisciplinary approach to the history of a modern emotion, exploring its form and development across cultures from the seventeenth century to the present. Bringing together thirty scholars from various disciplines, including history, anthropology, philosophy, literature and art history, the volume considers how loneliness was represented in art and literature, conceptualised by philosophers and writers and described by people in their personal narratives. It considers loneliness as a feeling so often defined in contrast to sociability and affective connections, particularly attending to loneliness in relation to the family, household and community. Acknowledging that loneliness is a relatively novel term in English, the book explores its precedents in ideas about solitude, melancholy and nostalgia, as well as how it might be considered in cross-cultural perspectives. With wide appeal to students and researchers in a variety of subjects, including the history of emotions, social sciences and literature, this volume brings a critical historical perspective to an emotion with contemporary significance.

The largest film industry in the world after Hollywood is celebrated in this updated and expanded edition of a now classic work of reference. Covering the full range of Indian film, this new revised edition of the Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema includes vastly expanded coverage of mainstream productions from the 1970s to the 1990s and, for the first time, a comprehensive name index. Illustrated throughout, there is no comparable guide to the incredible vitality and diversity of historical and contemporary Indian film.

In today's interconnected world, education transcends borders, offering students unparalleled opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. "Wings to Fly" is a comprehensive guide for those embarking on the transformative journey of studying abroad, providing invaluable insights, practical advice, and expert guidance to help students navigate the complexities of global education. From choosing the right destination and institution to understanding visa requirements and cultural nuances, this book equips readers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and succeed in their international educational endeavors. Drawing on the wisdom of educators, counselors, and seasoned travelers, "Wings to Fly" covers essential aspects of studying abroad, including selecting the right program, financing studies, adapting to new cultures, and leveraging global networks. Real-life anecdotes and actionable tips empower readers to maximize their international education experiences. Whether you're a high school student, graduate student, or professional seeking to enhance your skills, this book is your trusted companion in realizing your international education dreams, providing the inspiration, clarity, and courage to embrace the enriching opportunities that await.