4 Famous Women Musicians of Rajasthan:
Rajasthan has not only been the land of royals but also a rich state with its artists, music and dancers. There are certain women who have successfully broken the odds of society and left a mark in the fraternity and community of music. We definitely need to recognize their contribution and also celebrate the spirit of womanhood in the community of music. Women are adhering to multiples roles. She manages her home front also contributes to the earning livelihood. The enlisting 5 Famous Women Musicians of Rajasthan highlights the enigmatic essence which the feminine talent brought about in the music industry .
1. Bhanwari Devi
The traditional folk singer who always completes her look with a scarf is surely a great singer and also a strong woman. Partnered traditional folk songs includes Bhopa-Bhopi. Bhanwari Devi and her husband previously sang the traditional folk songs together. Unfortunately, mother 9 children had to undergo hard times for survival when her husband passed away. The Bhopa to Bhopi was no more. As a result, she started singing beyond traditional Bhopa-Bhopi songs.
Her notable performances were also in Edinburgh, Coke Studio, Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival). Her one of the most eminent songs is Kattey which highly influenced people. The song lays no emphasis on religion but purely signifies the spirit of devotion. Similarly, enthralled and swooned her audience at Mehrangarh Fort with a power pack performance.
Did you know?- Jaipur Atrauli Gharana
2. Jamuna Devi and Mali Devi
The women musicians of Rajasthan always together in a pair with ghunghat always tied in a signature fashion. Iktara is the major instrument which they play. It feels like the 36 strings of ragas were fabricated by the almighty for them . Additionally, they are the only women musicians in Rajasthan that play Iktara.(Ik means one and tara means string- Iktara means one stringed instrument with bards to produce various tunes and melodies).
They come from the Nayak community. Nayak were peasants who faced a lot of hardships because they underwent a lot of mistreatment as an out caste community. This urged the sisters to make a living from music.
Traditional songs and bhakti bhajans inspired from the Bhakti Movement forms dominant part of their performances. Poet St. Kabir and Meerabai were the major contributors to the movement. In India, rhythmic verses of Kabir Ji and Meerabai revolves around the love for Lord Krishna.
3. Sumitra Devi
Sumitra Devi has performed on international level too. Thereafter ,her global presence was noticed. She has also performed in Germany. She is a significant aspect in the project ‘Dharohar Project.’ in alliance with Laura Marling and Mumford and Sons.
Sumitra Devi hails from the Jagran(full night) community. Her native is Jaitaran village of Pali district. She began her journey when she was 8 under her father’s guidance. Slowly, she began singing at ‘Jagrans’(gathering for singing devotional and spiritual songs at night). She proudly expresses that she is privileged to have supportive in-laws who always supported her career.
4 . Jamali Bai
Jamali Bai was the vocal voice of All India radio of Rajasthan for over 40 years. ‘Latko Chhod de Jogiya’ and ‘Sun Mhari Surta’ are famous Bhajans sung by her. ‘Maand’ is the traditional style in which she is well trained . She resided in Bikaner belonging to the Dholi community. The community is known for their performances in the Rajput Darbar.
To Sum Up:
Besides, breaking the patriarchal norms and coming out of the shy womanly demeanor, the women above have created their identities successfully by their talent. Such talented and strong women definitely need to be applauded. In conclusion, valuing their contribution will provide them good support. Indeed ! an inspiration for women in India. With this in mind, listen to beautiful creations made by them.
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