Janki Bai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
1880
- Singer
- Poet
- Classical Singer
Janki Bai | |
|---|---|
| Born | Janki Begum 1880 |
| Died | 18 May 1934 (aged 53–54) |
| Other names | Janki Bai of Allahabad |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1893 – 1934 |
| Spouse | Sheikh Abdul Haq (ex-husband) |
Janki Bai (1880–1934), popularly known by her moniker Chhappan Chhuri (lit. "Fifty-six Knives"), was an Indian Hindustani classical singer, poet, and one of the earliest superstars of the gramophone era.[1][2] A contemporary of Gauhar Jaan, she was a pioneer of commercial recording in India, producing over 250 songs across her career.[3][2]
Janki Bai was born in Benaras (now Varanasi) in 1880.[2] Her father, Shivbalakram, was a wrestler who abandoned the family, leading her mother, Manki, to seek refuge in Allahabad.[2] There, they were sold into the city's courtesan culture (kotha).[2] Despite these circumstances, Janki received a multifaceted education, becoming proficient in Persian, Urdu, Sanskrit, and English.[4][5]
Career
Musical career
Her formal musical training began under Ustad Hassu Khan.[1] She excelled in various classical and light-classical genres, including thumri, dadra, khayal, ghazal, and kajri.[1][6]
Gramophone success
Janki Bai was a massive commercial success.[2] Her records often sold over 25,000 copies, and she commanded fees as high as ₹5,000 per performance.[4] She was famous for her signature ending on recordings, where she would announce her name: "Mera naam Janki Bai Allahabad!".[4]
Delhi Durbar
In 1911, she reached the height of her fame when she was invited to perform for Emperor George V at the Delhi Durbar.[1] Alongside Gauhar Jaan, she sang a specially composed coronation song, "Yeh Jalsa Taajposhi Ka Mumbaarak Ho".[1]
The name "Chhappan Chhuri"
Her nickname, Chhappan Chhuri, originated from a traumatic event in her youth. According to local legend, she survived a brutal knife attack—reputedly 56 stab wounds—inflicted by a rejected suitor or a miscreant.[1] The resulting facial scars led her to perform behind a veil for much of her life, though she eventually embraced the name as a symbol of her resilience.[7][1][8]
Personal life
Death
Literary work and philanthropy
Beyond music, Janki Bai was a recognized poet.[1] She was mentored by the Urdu poet Akbar Allahabadi and published a collection of Urdu poems titled Diwan-e-Janki.[1] In her later years, she devoted her wealth to charity.[4] She founded a trust in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) that continues to support needy students and provide for the poor.[4]