A WOMAN OF DIGNITY 'RAI PARVEEN' - THE NIGHTINGALE OF ORCHCHA , MADHYA PRADESH

There have been many talented singers and dancers in the past who have made a mark during their patronage from the kings and saved the honour of their state.

Rai parveen was one such poetess and dancer. She was the paramour of Indrajeet singh of Orchha, the capital city of the mighty Bundelkhand empire during the seventeenth century. The king had even constructed a separate palace for Rai parveen decorated with ‘mudras ’and different postures of various  dances. The  palace stands tall just infront of the Jehangir palace which was constructed in honour of emperor Jehangir  where he stayed only for one day as the  royal guest of the king of Orchcha. Rai parveen was so well versed in  music,  dance and poetry that her fame spread far and wide. The famous poet keshavdass who was a teacher to his son Bihari and Rai parveen  has compiled ‘kavipriya’ to honour Rai Parveen and compared her to Roopmati and mrignayani.

 The word about her beauty and her art crossed the boundaries of Orchha and reached the imperial court of Akbar. It is said that once Akbar summoned Rai parveen to his court. Since Inderjeet singh was too weak to defy Akbar’s orders, Rai parveen was sent to the mughal court to save Orchha from the ire of mughal forces.

Rai parveen went to the mughal court and requested the emperor to grant her permission to recite a couplet. The permission was granted and Rai Parveen recited:-  

"Vineet rai paween ki, suniye shah sujaan”   “joothi pattar bhakat hai, bari bayas sawan"

Meaning, I humbly request your pardon to say  that  since I am not untouched how can I offer myself to the emperor. Akbar was taken aback but understood the meaning of Rai parveen’s couplet and was impressed by her courage to speak the truth in the court. He rewarded her and allowed her to immediately return to Orchha with full dignity and honour. Such was the power of Rai Parveen’s personality which she carried with dignity.

 

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