Siddheshwari Devi Biography 
Siddheshwari Devi was a Hindustani singer from Varanasi of Varanasi gharana. She was a contemporary of Rasoolan Bai, who sang in the same tradition. For her contributions to Indian classical music she was awarded with Padmashri by Indian government in the year 1966. Honorary D.Lit. degree by the Ravindra Bharati Vishwavidyalaya in Kolkata (1973) and Deshikottam degree by the Vishwa Bharati Vishwavidyalaya are other major honours received by her. She died in 1976 aged 69. Her daughter, Savita Devi is also a known vocalist who currently resides in Delhi.
Siddheshwari Devi was born in 1908 in Varanasi. She lost both her parents at a younger age. Later she was brought up by her aunt, the noted singer Rajeshwari Devi. Though she was brought up in a musical background, singing dreams were not in her mind. Her entry to the field of music was just accidental. Rajeshwari had arranged musical training for her own daughter, Kamleshwari. Siddheshwari used to assist her in chorus. Kamleshwari learnt music from noted sarangi player Siyaji Mishra. Once her guru became angry and started canning her as she was not able to recite a tappa taught to her. Heraing her cry, Siddheshwari came to her help and told her that it’s not at all difficult to learn it. She performed the whole tune perfectly and everyone was amazed seeing the talent of young Siddheshwari Devi.
The next day, Siyaji Maharaj came to Rajeshwari and adoped Siddheshwari Devi as his daughter, as he was childless. Thus she moved with her new family. Later she received training from Rajab Ali Khan of Dewas and Inayat Khan of Lahore. But she regards Bade Ramdas as her guru. Apart from khyal and thumri, she sang dadra, chaiti and kajri. Noted director Mani Kaul made a documentary on her.
Published: N/A
Updated: December 26, 2013
