Abstract

Hindustani vocal music uses various themes for compositions like Mahakavya-s, Bhakti, philosophy, Nayika-bheda, etc., adding poetic beauty to the art music. Ashtanayika is one of the prominent themes widely used in compositions. These Nayika-s depict various situations in which women relate to their beloved. The Bandish-es express this theme beautifully, and generations of music connoisseurs have enjoyed the emotions they express. It is interesting to analyze the depiction of women as Nayika in Hindustani music compositions. Especially the Swadheenabhartrika, as she is having her beloved in subjection. How do the composers see such a superior woman? How do they describe her? What type of Raga-Tala-Laya is chosen to make them more impactful? Furthermore, what is the thought behind such a depiction? Such triggering questions led us to conduct an analytical study of this Nayika. In the present research paper, the depiction of Swadheenabhartrika is analyzed from poetic, musical, and philosophical perspectives. The research also attracts the attention of composers, vocalists, and connoisseurs towards the poetic beauty of the Bandish-es, which is often neglected in classical music.