Preface

xi

Acknowledgments

xiii

Editor’s Introduction

1

Mahadevi Varma (1907–1987): Between Tradition
and Feminist Emancipation

1

Biographical Sketch

1

Reading Mahadevi

3

Subjective and Experimental Places and Spaces

5

Poetry and Prose

10

Between Tradition and Feminist Emancipation

14

Sacrifice as a National Ideal: Gandhi’s Calling
and Mahadevi’s Response

16

Mahadevi Varma: Poems

27

Who are you in my heart?

27

I, too, am a riddle

28

O, starry night

29

That mirror broke

29

I am someone’s mute shadow

30

The World

31

Desire

32

Pride did not disappear

33

Friend, how can I make him mine?

33

I am your vina, I am also your melody

34

My Childhood Days
Translated by Anita Anantharam

37