Bhakti-Sufi, Mysticism and Feminist Consciousness in Medieval India

The Bhakti and Sufi movement in Medieval India brought about a spiritual and social change in which the direct relationship between God and man was given primacy.The movement challenges caste, class and religious customs, and it manifested itself mainly through hymns, sermons and speeches written in vernacular language.In this way, the Mysticism movements became a sensitive and inclusive spiritual process in which the contribution of women is very important.Saints-Poets like Anal, Mirabai, Jinabai, Akka Mahadevi, and Bibi Fatima showed in their songs a personal and social protest along with spiritual love.These women not only praised the male-dominated religious system but also chose a spiritual path for themselves, away from it.They gave sacred and spiritual value to physical freedom, their agency in devotion and the daily work of women.Although these poets did not use the word 'Feminist', their lives and creations were a reflection of a natural Feminist consciousness-where a new identity was created by breaking the barriers of gender, caste and religion.In this way, devotion and mysticism gave birth to the concept of a primal female liberation in Medieval India, whose impact is still a subject of study and inspiration.