About Janki Bai
Lived 1880 – 1934 (aged 53–54). Janki Bai was a singer.
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.
Career Musical career Her formal musical training began under Ustad Hassu Khan.
Gramophone success Janki Bai was a massive commercial success.
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.
Personal life Janki Bai was married for a time to a lawyer, Sheikh Abdul Haq, but the marriage ended after a few years. A monument known as Chhappan Chhuri Ki Mazaar exists in the Kaladanda Kabristaan in Prayagraj.
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Important facts
People in Janki Bai's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Janki Bai?
Indian classical singer (1880-1934)
When was Janki Bai born?
Janki Bai was born in 1880.
When did Janki Bai die?
Janki Bai died on 18 May 1934.
What was Janki Bai's occupation?
Janki Bai was a singer.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Janki Bai. https://biography.guide/janki-bai/
MLA: "Janki Bai." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/janki-bai/.
Chicago: "Janki Bai." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/janki-bai/.
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