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The play 'Mirabai', by E.L Turnbull is an extract from 'Scenes From The Life Of Saint Mirabai'. The short extract reveals the character of the great saint and composer Mirabai.
Mirabai, the princess of Merta has been married to Bhojraj, the son of the famous Rana Sanga, the ruler of Mewar. Mirabai has since moved to Mewar. She is the topic of discussion at the time the play opens. Rana Sanga, the Rani, Bhojraj and Mirabai's cousin, Jaimall have gathered together. The Rani is dissatisfied with Mirabai's behaviour and conduct in worshipping Lord Krishna in preference to the Goddess Durga, the ruling deity of the house of Mewar. The Rani is also of the opinion that Mirabai is cheeky and defiant and that the girl needs to be advised by the Rana. Bhojraj has no strong complaint to make, except that Mirabai is more engrossed in her devotion to Lord Krishna than in carrying out her duties to him.
Jaimall is quick to defend Mirabai's sense of piety. His words anger the Rani even more, and Jaimall is asked to withdraw. Bhojraj leaves before the Rana meets Mirabai, while the Rani withdraws into an inner room to listen to the conversation.
Mirabai enters in Rana's presence respectfully and speaks with her characteristic humility. But when the Rana refers to her worship of Lord Krishna, she is firm in her conviction. She holds fast to her belief in her Lord, and this makes the Rana impatient. He is unable to understand her and sends her away, advising her to give up 'brooding', dress herself up and set about amusing herself.
The second scene is set in Mirabai's chamber. Her trusted old nurse and her attendant Sanjogta are in conversation about Mirabai's imprisonment in her room. The old nurse speaks of the dangers lurking in the palace and the untrustworthiness of all the Rani's attendants. While they are talking, one of the Rani's attendants comes in search of Mirabai. She hears Mirabai singing and conversing with her Lord. The attendant claims she has a message from Jaimall to Mirabai.
She informs Mirabai that Jaimall would come to her rescue at once whenever she gave him a sign (token). Mirabai sends the attendant back saying that she needs nothing, thus relieving her old nurse of her anxiety. She is fearful of Mirabai's safety in the palace, but there is little that one can do.
An attendant walks into the chamber holding a tray with a golden goblet containing Charanamrit. The nurse is horrified and collapses and Sanjogta is equally stricken, for all of them know that the goblet contains poison that would kill Mirabai. But Mirabai calmly accepts the goblet, and drinks it saying she would die with honour for the house of the Merta. All the while Mirabai is immersed in her worship of her dear Lord. She is fervently singing to him, oblivious of the wonder of the people. Sanjogta cries out in awe that it is a miracle that Mirabai is still alive.The nurse says that her sweet blood, full of devotion for her Lord, is so pure, that death which lurked in the goblet was overcome with shame and slunk away. The play ends with Mirabai walking quietly across the room and disappearing into her room.
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