Vikram Sampath

Name: Gauhar Jaan

Publisher Name: Rupa Publications

Genre: Biography

Description:

The book traces the story of Gauhar Jaan’s life with all its attendant

myths, legends, and folklore, some of which are recorded, some apocryphal; as well as the times during which she lived and made exquisite music. The socio-cultural context serves to put her contribution and the role of women like her to Hindustani music in perspective. Through her music, an attempt is made to analyze the different genres of Hindustani music that Gauhar and singers like her popularized, namely the Thumri, Dadra, and Ghazal. The book also describes briefly the evolution of the recording industry in India and its impact on Indian music, theatre and social life.