Biography of girija devi
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Studies would not interest Girija but her father kept Hindi, Urdu and English teachers. Ramdev Rai came forward with folded hands.
Girija Devi
Biography:
Girija Devi, an eminent Indian classical vocalist renowned for her mastery in the Seniya and Banaras gharanas, left an indelible mark on the world of music. Music is embedded in holy city of devotion and spirituality, Banaras.
Faiyyaz Khan said to the father that a great artist was born in his family. Faiyyaz Khan saw her and asked whose daughter she was. Her father himself was with her. Born on May 8, 1929, in Varanasi to Ramdeo Rai, a zamindar, she was raised in an environment steeped in musical heritage.
Under the guidance of her father, who was proficient in the harmonium, Girija Devi embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of five, receiving tutelage in khyal and tappa from the esteemed vocalist and sarangi player, Sarju Prasad Misra.
Her early talents were showcased at the age of nine in the movie “Yaad Rahe,” marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
Despite familial opposition to women performing publicly in upper-class society, Girija Devi broke barriers by making her public debut on All India Radio Allahabad in 1949, after her marriage to a businessman circa 1946.
Girija Devi says that the station director listened to Khayal in raga Desi for 45 minutes, Thumri for 15 minutes and Tappa briefly for 5-7 minutes. Born on May 8, 1929, in Varanasi, she played a crucial role in popularizing and preserving the rich tradition of Purab Ang Thumri. Her ability to infuse deep emotion into her renditions set her apart, making her performances unforgettable.
She dedicated her life to the promotion of semi-classical music, ensuring that these forms did not fade away in the face of evolving musical trends. The audition went on for about an hour and a half. Not just music, he also tried to give her the training of horse riding, swimming and self defence.
With the remuneration offered, Girija Devi realized that she was in the list of the topmost artists, because 90 rupees was what senior artists like Bismillah Khan, Siddheshwari Devi, Rasulan Bai, Kanthe Maharaj were also getting.
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Seven year old Girija Devi had gone to listen to Khan Sahab with her father.Girija Devi says that listening to the alaap sung by him, tears rolled down her cheeks. Her contribution ensured that the rich tradition of the Banaras Gharana continued to thrive.
Conclusion
Girija Devi was more than a vocalist—she was a cultural icon who preserved and popularized India’s musical heritage.
She had such a great sense of music at this tender age, what would she do when she grew up!
Khan Sahab had said the right thing. In 1949 she got a call from The Allahabad Radio. Musical gatherings have been a part of Banaras temples since when even radio was not functional. He had brought her up like a son. Her unwavering dedication and passion for music led her to defy societal norms and present her first public concert in Bihar in 1951, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey.
Girija Devi: The Queen of Thumri
Girija Devi was one of the most celebrated vocalists of Hindustani classical music, revered for her mastery in Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Kajri, and other semi-classical forms.
Her contribution to Hindustani classical music was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors.