2018-09-22 Sat

Hajjan Allah Jilai Bai, a trailblazer of folk music was born on 1st February 1902 in Bikaner into a traditional musician family. She composed many songs of Rajasthan origin that have acquired massive popularity across India.

Her rendition of kesaria balam aavo sa, padharo mhaare des, and Mharo rangeelo Rajasthan are unparalleled. At the age of 10, she was singing in the Darbar of Maharaja Ganga Singh, A ruling Maharaja of Bikaner Princely State. Her melodious voice was found to be so fascinating that she was placed under the training of Ustad Hussain Bakhsh and later Achhan Maharaj.

She was well versed in Maand, Thumri, Khayal and Dadra. In 1982, Indian government conferred her with one of highest civilian awards, Padma Shri in Arts field. She has been also bestowed by Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1988 for Folk Music.

To commemorate this legendary singer, India post has also issued 500 Paisa (5 Rupee) postage stamp in 2003.

Image Source: Mintage World