Siddheshwari Devi

Siddheswari Devi (8 August 1908 was a legendary Hindustani singer from Varanasi, India, known as Maa (mother). Her music embodied the Banaras Gharana style, which focuses on conveying deep emotions and feelings through musical notes and voice modulations. A stalwart figure in thumri, Siddheshwari's repertoire also encompassed khayals, dhrupads, dadras, tappas, kajris, chaitis, horis, and bhajans.

She is considered one of the greatest Thumri singers of the 20th century and was called the 'Thumri Queen' by her contemporaries like Kesarbai Kerkar.

Personal life Born in 1908, she was the grand daughter of acclaimed singer Maina Devi. When she lost her parents while still an infant, she was brought up by her aunt, the noted singer Rajeshwari Devi.

She had a daughter, Savita Devi who was also an acclaimed Thumri singer. Savita Devi died in 2019.

Initiation into music She started her musical training under celebrated Sarangi player, Pandit Siyaji Maharaj.

Musical career Subsequently, she also trained under Rajab Ali Khan of Dewas and Inayat Khan of Lahore, but considered Bade Ramdas as her main guru.

Devi's popular "Dadra Tarpe Bin Balam Mora Jiya" is considered her most evocative song, which continues to haunt music lovers many years after her death.

Awards and honours Padma Shri by the Government of India (1966) Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Honorary D.Lit. degree by the Ravindra Bharati Vishwavidyalaya in Kolkata (1973) Deshikottam degree by the Vishwa Bharati Vishwavidyalaya.

Death She died on 18 March 1977 in New Delhi.