Maa Siddheshwari

Realising that it would be pointless to say anything to Rajeshwari Devi, Sidheshwari addressed her weeping sister while the beating continued: What is the Problem? Why don't you sing the way Guruji wants you to? It's not very difficult really! She tried to coax Kamleshwari who shook her head resolutely in denial. 'Come Come' tried Siddheshwari once again. 'Sing after me.' And then, Siddheshwari sang the whole piece that Siyaji Maharaj had been trying so hard to teach Kamleshwari. The bol, swar, taal, sur everything was perfect.

It was a moment of revelation, a moment that was unique completely different from all others, it was a moment that stood apart from the rest for it held in itself the seed of great events.

From the Jacket

In this book of reminiscences and records, Savita Devi along with Vibha S. Chauhan, lovingly and Painstakingly traces the journey of he mother's life-the life of the legendary Hindustani classical singer Siddheshwari Devi. The authors describe in detail, Siddheshwari's rise from an uncared for orphan in her aunt's house in Banares to a famous classical singer and recipient of the Padmashree. The book takes the readers through the gamut of her life its struggles and glories; the rich and varied styles of music of the Banares Gharana which she perfected; her interactions with other artistes who gave shape and colour to Indian classical music. We glimpse the birth and evolution of a brilliant singer we travel with her through her long years of riaz under her gurus we applaud her when she performs and reveals nuances of thumri gayaki hitherto unknown .we suffer with her in her many sorrows, rejoice with her when she tastes success both in her personal and professional life. In this exhaustive and definitive biography on the life of the great vocalist, the authors show us closely the angst, hardships, joys and sensibilities which are at the core of a true artiste.

About the Author

SAVITA DEVI was born in 1940. Besides being a proficient vocalist, she is also an accomplished sitarist. From an early age, she underwent rigorous training and specialized in vocal music styles of the Banares Gharana-Purabi-ang a form made famous by her mother. She studied classical music at Banares Hindu University where she got her post-graduate degree. In 1977, she founded the Smt Siddheshwari Devi's legacy in classical music. She has performed extensively in both India and abroad and has received several awards. She is Head of Department of Music, Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, and is currently engaged in research to develop newer ways of presenting the thumri style of singing.

VIBHA SINGH CHAUHAN was born in Delhi in 1957 and hails from eastern Uttar Pradesh. She has written widely about Indian classical music, especially on the women singers of India. She has also researched on the local deities and religion of her native place and her work is in the possession of the Albert Memorial Museum, London. A love of the culture fork tradition and music of Uttar Pradesh, she has published on subjects as varied as English and Indian literature, child labour, women's issues, community and culture. Currently, she teaches English literature at Zakir Husain College, Delhi University.