Exploring Women Mystic Poets Through Jugalbandi
Arundhathi Subramaniam, a renowned poet, and Chitra Srikrishna, a Carnatic vocalist, have embarked on a journey to shed light on women mystic poets through their creative collaboration. Their upcoming performance, titled Wild Women – A Jugalbandi, is inspired by Arundhathi’s latest anthology Wild Women: Seekers, Protagonists and Goddesses in Sacred Indian Poetry and will showcase the mystical works of female poets. This unique blend of poetry and music will be presented at the Indian Music Experience in Bengaluru on June 16.
Unveiling the Inspiration Behind the Collaboration
The collaboration between Arundhathi and Chitra was born out of their shared passion for Bhakti poetry. Chitra recounts how a chance encounter at Ahmedabad University sparked their creative synergy, leading to a deep dive into the mystic realm of Bhakti poets. As the pandemic unfolded, the duo found solace in discussing a collaboration that would fuse Arundhathi’s poetic insights with Chitra’s melodic interpretations.
Chitra sees this jugalbandi as a natural progression from her previous successful musical production, Bhakti – A Musical Journey with Mystics. Their aim is to not only celebrate the essence of mysticism and music but also to emphasize the sacred feminine expressions found in Bhakti poetry.
Curating a Melodic Dialogue
The creative process for Wild Women involves a thoughtful selection of poems that resonate with both raga and tala. Chitra explains how each poem by Arundhathi is followed by a musical interpretation, accompanied by Deepikaa Sreenivasan on the mridanga. While some poems have been previously set to music by renowned musicians, others have been newly adapted by Chitra, adding a fresh perspective to the performance.
Chitra’s deep-rooted understanding of the poetic verses allows her to score the perfect melody that complements the essence of each poem. The selection of poems spans various languages, from Tamil and Kannada to Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi, and Kashmiri, creating a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
Celebrating the Divine Feminine Through Poetry
Arundhathi’s book, Wild Women, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of female mystic poets. From the lesser-known gems of the 14th century like Kashmiri Lalleshwari to renowned figures such as Andal and Meera, the anthology showcases a wide array of poetic expressions that celebrate the divine feminine.
Chitra emphasizes the role of translation in unlocking the beauty of vernacular poetry, allowing readers to appreciate the profound insights and lyrical elegance of these female poets. The collaboration between Arundhathi and Chitra aims to bring forth the hidden voices of these audacious women and highlight their contributions to spiritual literature.
Empowering Voices of the Past
In a conversation with Metroplus, Arundhathi delves into the essence of Wild Women and the mystique surrounding female mystics. She unveils the untold stories of these audacious women who defied societal norms and embraced a path of spiritual enlightenment.
Arundhathi’s book is not just an anthology of Bhakti poets but a celebration of women with varied spiritual persuasions. From early Buddhist nuns to Sufis, the anthology showcases a diverse range of spiritual temperaments that challenge the status quo. These women, through their poetry, offer not just a glimpse into the ecstasy of enlightenment but also serve as voices of subversion and social critique.
From Punnika empowering herself through the teachings of Buddha to Soyarabai questioning the stigma around menstruation, these women exude resilience and defiance in the face of societal norms. Arundhathi’s work aims to shine a light on these rebellious spirits and honor their legacy.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Resilience
As the Wild Women – A Jugalbandi gears up for its performance at the Indian Music Experience, the collaboration between Arundhathi Subramaniam and Chitra Srikrishna stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of female mystic poets. Through their poetic verses and melodic renditions, they aim to preserve the legacy of these audacious women and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.
This unique collaboration serves as a reminder of the resilience and wisdom encapsulated in the works of these women, urging audiences to delve deeper into the mystical realm of female mystic poets and embrace their untold stories.