GIRIJA DEVI (1929 – 2017)
Girija Devi’s life shows how passion, resilience, and cultural pride can transform a musical tradition, keeping it vibrant, dignified, and alive for generations. She was one of the most influential vocalists in the Hindustani classical tradition, especially known for her mastery of the Purabi Ang Thumri style of the Banaras (Seniya) gharana. She earned
the honorific title "Queen of Thumri" for her contributions to this semi-classical genre.
Born in Varanasi to zamindar Ramdeo Rai, who supported her musical education from a young age Began formal training at age 5 in khyal and tappa under Sarju Prasad Misra, later studying with Chand Misra As a child, she appeared in the film Yaad Rahe at age nine.
1949 on All India Radio Allahabad, with her first public concert in Bihar in 1951 Despite societal resistance—upper-class women weren’t expected to perform publicly—she forged a path for both herself and future female artists Repertoire extended beyond thumri to dadra, kajri, chaiti, holi, khyal, tappa, and folk music from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Served as a mentor at ITC Sangeet Research Academy (Kolkata) and Banaras Hindu University (1990s onward) Even late in life (into her 80s), she continued to tour and record, demonstrating remarkable dedication.
She was recipient of Padma Shri in 1972 , Padma Bhushan 1989, Padma Vibhushan 2016, as well as the Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1977), Fellowship (2010), and GiMA Lifetime Achievement Award (2012) "Girija: A Lifetime in Music" (2018), which
won national and international awards Lasting legacy cemented by quote from Ustad Bismillah Khan: "There is Baba Vishwanath, there is Maa Ganga and there is Girija.
A proud torchbearer of Banaras gharana’s traditions, her audience included students and connoisseurs alike Girija Devi passed away due to cardiac arrest in Kolkata on 24 October 2017, at the age of 88 Her demise marked the end of an era, yet her voice continues to resonate, inspiring countless performers and lovers of Indian classical music.
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