The music traditions in India are extensive, and so has the contribution of women to these traditions. Dating back to ancient times women have played a pivotal role in the various forms of Indian music. From classicals of MS Subbalakshmi to devotionals of Mira Bai to Bollywoods of Lata Mangeshkar to many more. Let’s learn more about these notable women who have left their mark on history for their contribution to Indian art & culture.
Andal
Tamil Saint and Poetess Andal lived in the 9th century. Andal’s compositions are known for their passionate devotion and worship to Lord Vishnu and are recited in temples and homes across the state of Tamil Nadu. She was the only female Alvar among the twelve Hindu poet-saints of South India. As with the Alvar saints, she was affiliated with the Sri Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Posthumously she was considered an avatar of the goddess Bhudevi.
Mukta Bai
13th-century Marathi saint and poetess Mukta Bai is known for her abhangas. Abhangas are a form of devotional poetry that is recited in praise of Lord Vitthal. These abhangas have become a part of the Bhakti movement and are still recited by devotees in Maharashtra. Mukta Bai or Muktai was one of the youngest Dnyaneshwars. Her thoughts were very simple and straightforward. Muktabai is also considered one of the first poets of Marathi.
Lal Ded
14th-century Kashmiri saint and Poetess Lal Ded is popularly known for her compositions “Vatsun” which are known for their simplicity and their concentration on the spiritual path. Her vatsuns are to date recited by Kashmiri women. Her poetry was often used as a means of engagement with both Sufism and Shaivism. Her poetry has been translated widely, including English translations by Jane Hirshfield such as Women in Praise of the Sacred: 43 Centuries of Spiritual Poetry by Women (1994). Coleman Barks in Naked Song: Lalla (1992).
Mira Bai
From the medieval period, we have well known Mira Bai. A mystic poet and a devotee of Lord Krishna. One of the proponents of the Bhakti movement which started to bridge the gap among the different castes and religions. Mira Bai’s poetry is still popular in North India and is recited by people of all castes and religions as well as being an integral part of syllabuses in India across schools and universities.
Saraswati Bai Rane
Coming to the modern era. The first female vocalist to record music in India, Saraswati Bai Rane. A prominent figure in Hindustani Classical music and renowned for her renditions of thumris and dadras. Along with being a gifted singer, Saraswati Bai Rane was a talented actor as well, this led her to begin recording for films. She was one of the first female artists to render playback for Marathi and Hindi films.
Begum Akhtar
20th-century renowned Indian Classical singer Begum Akhtar is known for her soulful renditions of ghazals and thumris. She was a pioneer in the field of ghazal singing. Akhtars soft looks and sensitive voice made her a sought candidate for films, which is the career Akhtar followed in her early years. Although she later decided to focus on her career in Indian classical music. She later moved to Mumbai to try singing playback in Hindi cinema.
MS Subbulakshmi
First Indian musician to be awarded India’s highest civilian award, The Bharat Ratna, legendary Carnatic vocalist MS Subbulakshmi. She is well known for her pure and powerful voice and the ability to engage and touch the audience’s hearts through her music. She is hailed as the “Queen of Songs” for her extraordinary voice. Her fans fondly address her as M.S. She was a true pioneer of women’s empowerment and led by example, paving the way for contemporary women of her era.
Kishori Amonkar
Kishori Amonkar was one of the leading vocalists in the Hindustani classical music tradition. She is renowned for her unique style and ability to improvise. She was also a disciple of the legendary singer Mogubai Kurdikar. Amonkar lost her voice for two years in the late 1950s for unknown reasons. Amonkar’s approach to the expression of music is more emotional than traditional. Hence she frequently departs from structural traditions and is aimed at infusing the emotional appeal of popular styles into comparatively rigid classical traditions.
Lata Mangeshkar
One of the most prominent playback singers in Indian cinema. Lata Mangeshkar, is regarded as one of the greatest singers in Indian music history. With over 30,000 songs in various Indian languages to her record. Lata Mangeshkar has contributed to the music industry through both devotional and cinema playback. BBC reports Lata Mangeshkar as one of the greatest singers in the world. Her contribution of 8 decades to Indian cinema has felicitated her with titles such as “Queen of Melody”, “Nightingale of India”, and “Voice of the Millennium”.
Shuba Mudgal
Contemporary vocalist in the Hindustani classical tradition. Renowned for her experimentation with various genres of music, Mugdal can mix traditional and modern styles. She ran a website called raagsangeet.com for a while, aimed at lovers of Indian classical.” I am most familiar with the kayak and thumri-Dadra genres, and these are what I feel closest to. These forms continue to test me, challenge me, and put me through my paces,” quotes the singer.
Girija Devi
Last but not least, a Celebrated vocalist in the Banaras Gharana, Smt. Girija Devi. She was a prominent figure in the field of Hindustani classical music and is reputed for her emotive and power-packed performances. Dubbed the ‘Queen of Thumri’ for her contribution to the genre.
In the diverse Indian art & culture, the role of women in the music traditions of India has been significant, impactful and varied throughout history. From saints and poetesses to current-day performers. Women have enhanced the musical contributions of India with their exotic styles and contribution. They are legends and their legacy continues to be an inspiration influence to generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
