A Sociological Understanding of the Concept of "Vital" in the Abhanga of Sant Soyarabai

Abstract The present study delves into the sociological understanding of the concept of "Vital" as depicted in the Abhanga of Sant Soyarabai. Rooted in the rich tradition of Sant literature in Maharashtra, Sant Soyarabai, belonging to the Mahar caste, used her Abhangas to challenge the social constructs of impurity and untouchability. Despite the limited number of her Abhangas, her work holds significant sociological relevance. The primary objective of this research is to unravel the socially accepted meaning of "Vital" and its reinterpretation by Sant Soyarabai. The study adopts a content analysis approach, drawing from secondary literature and analyzing 62 available Abhangas. Through her poetry, Sant Soyarabai vociferously critiqued the discriminatory practices against lower castes and women, and she questioned the arbitrary notions of purity and impurity. Her Abhangas reveal a profound philosophical and egalitarian perspective, emphasizing that all human beings are equal in the eyes of the divine. Using the subaltern perspective, the research highlights the historical and social context in which Soyarabai's work emerged and her rebellion against the hegemonic social system of her time. In conclusion, the study underscores the contemporary relevance of Sant Soyarabai's thoughts, particularly in challenging social inequalities and advocating for human dignity and equality. Her Abhangas serve as a powerful voice against caste-based discrimination and provide valuable insights into the sociology of the underprivileged.