Women in Indian Music

Akkamahadevi, a 12th-century saint-poet from Karnataka, is known for her poetic Vachanas, expressing devotion to her lord, Chennamallikarjuna. She defied societal conventions and championed the ideals of equality and freedom to pursue spiritual unity with the Divine.

Gauhar Jaan, a Hindustani musician and courtesan, made history by becoming the first Indian woman to have her voice recorded on a gramophone disc.  Her proud declaration, "I am Gauhar Jaan," at the end of her performance served as a powerful assertion of her identity and legacy.

Nagarathnamma, a Karnatik singer and activist, constructed a temple to commemorate the composer Thyagaraja at his samadhi (tome) in Thiruvayyar.  She successfully advocated for the participation of female performers in the Thiruvayyar Annual Thyagaraja Aradhana music festival.

Mogubai Kurdikar, a Hindustani vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, persevered and performed in an era when there was a widespread lack of regard for women musicians. She received numerous accolades and was known for her rich, soulful voice and mastery of complex ragas.

D K Pattammal, a Karnatik vocalist, fueled national pride by singing Subramanya Bharati's poems during the Quit India movement. She was the first Brahmin woman to perform public kutcheris and present the Ragam Tanam Pallavi, previously performed exclusively by male musicians.

Lata Mangeshkar, an Indian playback singer, had an illustrious career spanning 8 decades. Being the sole bread-earner for her family at the age of 13, she paved her way in a male-dominated film industry, advocating for fair royalty payments and greater recognition for singers.

Usha Uthup, the pop icon with a sonorous voice, etched a niche in the Indian music industry with her traditional garb and unorthodox singing style. With no formal training, she has sung in 18 languages and varied genres, spreading her message of unity and oneness through music.

Teejan Bai, an exponent of Pandavani, rose from ostracism and poverty  to become a renowned folk artist. Her devotion to this art form,  which narrates the tales of Mahabharata’s Pandavas through music and storytelling, won her the prestigious Padma Shri award and global acclaim.

Nanjiyamma, an Irula tribal singer and cattle herder wrote and performed the award-winning song "Kalakhata" for the Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum. Her efforts to represent her community on national platforms have helped raise awareness and appreciation for her culture.