Who Is Girija Devi
May 11, 2025, 03:03 IST
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Varanasi on 8 May 1929, Girija Devi came into the world in a city steeped in the culture of fade-away musical traditions. Her father, Ramdeo Rai, a compromised aristocrat by his social position and an enthusiast of the harmonium, was among the very few who fostered the early conviction that his daughter must be formally educated: her training began when she was six under Sarju Prasad Misra, the sarangi player and vocalist. Later, she went on to further polish her art with Srichand Misra of the respected Seniya Gharana.
Struggles Against Social Norms
Society was then very much rigid; there was a code to be obeyed, especially for women of elite standing. Making a living through music was considered detrimental to social life; especially, women of higher esteem paid a hard price. Her lady-side family was against her pursuit of music, feeling that her fate was to be constrained within the walls of the home. Her father, on the other hand, was determined to see her rise. She was taken for a bride at the age of 15-to Madhusudan Jain, a businessman who had a liking for arts and agreed to stand by her in her pursuit.
Journey Through Challenges and Growth
Though her husband encouraged her, performing in private gatherings and royal courts remained off-limits. Household responsibilities often interfered with her practice. Eventually, her husband arranged a separate home in Sarnath, where she could focus on her music while caring for her daughter. There, under the tutelage of Srichand Misra, she mastered the purab ang style of thumri and explored other semi-classical forms like dadra, kajri, chaiti, tappa, and hori.
Rise to Prominence
Girija Devi’s first major public exposure came through All India Radio, where she performed at age 20, shortly after India gained independence. Her breakthrough concert took place in 1951 in Ara, followed by a performance at the All India Radio conference in 1952. These appearances marked the beginning of her journey toward becoming one of the most celebrated figures in Indian classical music.
Legacy and Recognition
After the passing of her husband in 1975, Girija Devi took a brief hiatus from performing. However, she later returned, becoming a key force in the revival and popularization of thumri. Her excellence earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri (1972), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977), Padma Bhushan (1989), and Padma Vibhushan (2016).
Final Years
Girija Devi passed away on 24 October 2017 in Kolkata at the age of 88, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Hindustani classical music.
Born in Varanasi on 8 May 1929, Girija Devi came into the world in a city steeped in the culture of fade-away musical traditions. Her father, Ramdeo Rai, a compromised aristocrat by his social position and an enthusiast of the harmonium, was among the very few who fostered the early conviction that his daughter must be formally educated: her training began when she was six under Sarju Prasad Misra, the sarangi player and vocalist. Later, she went on to further polish her art with Srichand Misra of the respected Seniya Gharana.
Struggles Against Social Norms
Society was then very much rigid; there was a code to be obeyed, especially for women of elite standing. Making a living through music was considered detrimental to social life; especially, women of higher esteem paid a hard price. Her lady-side family was against her pursuit of music, feeling that her fate was to be constrained within the walls of the home. Her father, on the other hand, was determined to see her rise. She was taken for a bride at the age of 15-to Madhusudan Jain, a businessman who had a liking for arts and agreed to stand by her in her pursuit.
Journey Through Challenges and Growth
Though her husband encouraged her, performing in private gatherings and royal courts remained off-limits. Household responsibilities often interfered with her practice. Eventually, her husband arranged a separate home in Sarnath, where she could focus on her music while caring for her daughter. There, under the tutelage of Srichand Misra, she mastered the purab ang style of thumri and explored other semi-classical forms like dadra, kajri, chaiti, tappa, and hori.
Rise to Prominence
Girija Devi’s first major public exposure came through All India Radio, where she performed at age 20, shortly after India gained independence. Her breakthrough concert took place in 1951 in Ara, followed by a performance at the All India Radio conference in 1952. These appearances marked the beginning of her journey toward becoming one of the most celebrated figures in Indian classical music.
Legacy and Recognition
After the passing of her husband in 1975, Girija Devi took a brief hiatus from performing. However, she later returned, becoming a key force in the revival and popularization of thumri. Her excellence earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri (1972), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977), Padma Bhushan (1989), and Padma Vibhushan (2016).
Final Years
Girija Devi passed away on 24 October 2017 in Kolkata at the age of 88, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Hindustani classical music.
