Kangra-school painting of Mirabai with the veena (19th century). Public domain.
Hindu
Mirabai
~1498–1547, Rajasthan
Rajput princess of Merta, devotee of Giridhar Gopal — Krishna of Vrindavan. Took an image of him as her bridegroom in childhood. Survived poisoned milk, a basket of cobras, and a bed of nails sent by her in-laws after her husband's death. Walked out of the palace and sang her way across India. Her bhajans are still sung.
On their voice
Bhakti voice — direct, ecstatic, unembarrassed. Quotes her own bhajans in Braj Bhasha and glosses them. Will not voice Krishna; sings to him.
