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{{short description|Indian singer}}
{{short description|Indian singer (born 1956)}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox person|honorific-prefix= [[Padma Vibhushan]]
{{Infobox person|honorific-prefix= [[Padma Vibhushan]]
|image = Tijan Bai 1.jpg |
|image = Teejan Bai performing at Bharat Bhawan Bhopal (2).jpg
|
|imagesize = 250px |
|imagesize = 250px |
| name = Teejan Bai
| name = Teejan Bai
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1956|8|8}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1956|8|8}}
| birth_place = Ganiyari village, [[Durg]], [[Chhattisgarh]]
| birth_place = Ganiyari village, [[Durg]], [[Chhattisgarh]], India
| height =  
| height =  
| yearsactive =  
| yearsactive =  
| birth_name =  
| birth_name =  
| othername =
| othername =
| occupation = [[Pandavani]] Folk Singer
| occupation = [[Pandavani]] folk singer
| spouse = Tukka Ram
| spouse = Tukka Ram
| children =  
| children =  
| website =  
| website =  
| awards = [[Padma Vibhushan]] 2019<br /> [[Padma Bhushan]] 2003<br />[[Padma Shri]] 1987 <br />[[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] 1995
| awards = [[Padma Vibhushan]] 2019<br /> [[Padma Bhushan]] 2003<br />[[Padma Shri]] 1988 <br />[[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] 1995<br />[[Fukuoka Prize]] 2018<br />
[[Fukuoka Prize]] 2018
[[Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=In A World Full Of Conflict, Indian Arts Can Spread Peace And Harmony: President Murmu |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-a-world-full-of-conflict-indian-arts-can-spread-peace-and-harmony-president-murmu-news-264785 |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=Outlook India |date=23 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=राज्यपाल और मुख्यमंत्री ने संगीत नाटक अकादमी फैलोशिप मिलने पर तीजनबाई को दी बधाई |url=https://jantaserishta.com/local/chhattisgarh/the-governor-and-the-chief-minister-congratulated-teejan-bai-on-receiving-the-sangeet-natak-akademi-fellowship-2066781 |website= Janta Se Rishta |date=24 February 2023 |language=hi |access-date=2023-03-01}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Teejan Bai''' (born 8 August 1956) is an exponent of [[Pandavani]], a traditional performing art form, from [[Chhattisgarh]], in which she enacts tales from the [[Mahabharata]], with musical accompaniments.
'''Teejan Bai''' (born 8 August 1956) is an exponent of [[Pandavani]], a traditional performing art form, from [[Chhattisgarh]], in which she enacts tales from the [[Mahabharata]], with musical accompaniments.


She has been awarded the [[Padma Shri]] in 1987, [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2003, and [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2019 by Government of India, besides 1995 [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] in 1995, given by [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]], India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.
She has been awarded the [[Padma Shri]] in 1987,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-01-25 |title=Chhattisgarh: Teejan Bai selected for Padma Vibhushan; Bastar band creator Anup Ranjan Pandey to get Padma Shri |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/chhattisgarh-teejan-bai-selected-for-padma-vibhushan-bastar-band-creator-anup-ranjan-pandey-to-get-padma-shri/articleshow/67694484.cms |access-date=2023-08-21 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2003, and [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2019 by Government of India, besides 1995 [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] in 1995, given by [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]], India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.


==Biography==
==Biography==
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===Career===
===Career===
At age 13, she gave her first public performance in a neighbouring village, Chandrakhuri (Durg) for Rs 10., singing in the ''VEDMATI SHAILI'' (style) of 'Pandavani', a first time for a woman, as traditionally women used to sing in the ''Vedamati'', the sitting style.  Contrary to the tradition, Teejan Bai performed standing singing out loud in her typical guttural voice and unmistakable verve, entering what was till then, a male bastion.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20050406225730/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2004/12/13/stories/2004121301150400.htm The Hindu, 13 December 2004]}}</ref>
At age 13, she gave her first public performance in a neighbouring village, Chandrakhuri (Durg) for Rs 10., singing in the ''Kapalik'' style of 'Pandavani', a first time for a woman, as traditionally women used to sing in the ''Vedamati'', the sitting style.  Contrary to the tradition, Teejan Bai performed standing singing out loud in her typical guttural voice and unmistakable verve, entering what was till then, a male bastion.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20050406225730/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2004/12/13/stories/2004121301150400.htm The Hindu, 13 December 2004]}}</ref>


Within a short time, she became known in neighbouring villages and invitations poured to perform at special occasions and festivals.
Within a short time, she became known in the neighbouring villages and invitations poured to perform at special occasions and festivals.


Her big-break came, when [[Habib Tanvir]], a theatre personality from Madhya Pradesh, noticed her talent, and she was called to perform for then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.  In time she received national and international recognition, a [[Padma Shri]] in 1988,<ref>[http://www.ahmedabad.com/incity/2k/feb/23bai.htm Ahmadabad, 23 February 2000]</ref> [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] in 1995, and [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2003.
Her big-break came, when [[Habib Tanvir]], a theatre personality from Madhya Pradesh, noticed her talent, and she was called to perform for then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.  In time she received national and international recognition, a [[Padma Shri]] in 1988,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ahmedabad.com/incity/2k/feb/23bai.htm |title=Ahmadabad, 23 February 2000 |access-date=27 November 2007 |archive-date=6 November 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106054915/http://www.ahmedabad.com/incity/2k/feb/23bai.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] in 1995, and [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2003.


Beginning in the 1980s, she travelled all over the world as a cultural ambassador, to countries as far as England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Tunisia, Malta, Cyprus, Romania and Mauritius.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/style/dec/05teejan.htm Teejan Bai, Rediff.com]</ref> She performed sequences from the Mahabharata in [[Shyam Benegal]]'s acclaimed Doordarshan TV series [[Bharat Ek Khoj]] based on [[Jawaharlal Nehru]]'s book.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS8lOi_wIf0 YouTube: Bharat Ek Khoj - Episode 5 - Mahabarata I]</ref>
Beginning in the 1980s, she travelled all over the world as a cultural ambassador, to countries as far as England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Tunisia, Malta, Cyprus, Romania and Mauritius.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/style/dec/05teejan.htm Teejan Bai, Rediff.com]</ref> She performed sequences from the Mahabharata in [[Shyam Benegal]]'s acclaimed Doordarshan TV series [[Bharat Ek Khoj]] based on [[Jawaharlal Nehru]]'s book.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS8lOi_wIf0 YouTube: Bharat Ek Khoj - Episode 5 - Mahabarata I]</ref>


Today she continues to enthrall audiences, the world over with her unique folk singing and her powerful voice; and pass on her singing to the younger generation.
She continues to perform internationally and is known for her folk singing. She has also been involed in passing on the tradition to younger generations. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.
She has recently received highest honour of Padma Vibhshan in 2019


===Personal life===
===Personal life===
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teejan-bai/793712050675430?ref=tn_tnmn Facebook page]
*[https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teejan-bai/793712050675430?ref=tn_tnmn Facebook page]
*[http://www.rediff.com/style/dec/05teejan.htm Teejan Bai, a profile on her narration of the Mahabharata]
*[http://www.rediff.com/style/dec/05teejan.htm Teejan Bai, a profile on her narration of the Mahabharata]
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*[https://aarambha.blogspot.com/search/label/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80 Chhattisgarhi Pandwani]
*[https://aarambha.blogspot.com/search/label/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80 Chhattisgarhi Pandwani]


{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2000–09}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2000–09}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship|state=collapsed}}


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian women folk singers]]
[[Category:Indian women folk singers]]
[[Category:Singers from Chhattisgarh]]
[[Category:Indian folk singers]]
[[Category:Indian folk singers]]
[[Category:Artists from Chhattisgarh]]
[[Category:Artists from Chhattisgarh]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Fukuoka Prize]]
[[Category:Indian storytellers]]
[[Category:Indian storytellers]]
[[Category:People from Durg district]]
[[Category:People from Durg district]]
[[Category:Women artists from Chhattisgarh]]
[[Category:Women artists from Chhattisgarh]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in arts]]
[[Category:21st-century storytellers]]
[[Category:20th-century storytellers]]

Latest revision as of 06:20, 9 March 2026


Padma Vibhushan

Teejan Bai
Born (1956-08-08) 8 August 1956 (age 70)
Ganiyari village, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India
OccupationPandavani folk singer
Spouse(s)Tukka Ram
AwardsPadma Vibhushan 2019
Padma Bhushan 2003
Padma Shri 1988
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 1995
Fukuoka Prize 2018
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship[1][2]

Teejan Bai (born 8 August 1956) is an exponent of Pandavani, a traditional performing art form, from Chhattisgarh, in which she enacts tales from the Mahabharata, with musical accompaniments.

She has been awarded the Padma Shri in 1987,[3] Padma Bhushan in 2003, and Padma Vibhushan in 2019 by Government of India, besides 1995 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995, given by Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.

Biography[edit | edit source]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Teejan Bai was born in Ganiyari village, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) north of Bhilai, to Chunuk Lal Pardhi and his wife Sukhwati.[4] She belongs to the Pardhi Scheduled Tribe of Chhattisgarh state.

The eldest among her five siblings, she heard her maternal grandfather, Brijlal Pardhi, recite the Mahabharata written by Chhattisgarhi writer, Sabal Singh Chauhan in Chhattisgarhi Hindi and instantly took a liking to it. She soon memorised much of it, and later trained informally under Umed Singh Deshmukh.

Career[edit | edit source]

At age 13, she gave her first public performance in a neighbouring village, Chandrakhuri (Durg) for Rs 10., singing in the Kapalik style of 'Pandavani', a first time for a woman, as traditionally women used to sing in the Vedamati, the sitting style. Contrary to the tradition, Teejan Bai performed standing singing out loud in her typical guttural voice and unmistakable verve, entering what was till then, a male bastion.[5]

Within a short time, she became known in the neighbouring villages and invitations poured to perform at special occasions and festivals.

Her big-break came, when Habib Tanvir, a theatre personality from Madhya Pradesh, noticed her talent, and she was called to perform for then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. In time she received national and international recognition, a Padma Shri in 1988,[6] Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995, and Padma Bhushan in 2003.

Beginning in the 1980s, she travelled all over the world as a cultural ambassador, to countries as far as England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Tunisia, Malta, Cyprus, Romania and Mauritius.[7] She performed sequences from the Mahabharata in Shyam Benegal's acclaimed Doordarshan TV series Bharat Ek Khoj based on Jawaharlal Nehru's book.[8]

She continues to perform internationally and is known for her folk singing. She has also been involed in passing on the tradition to younger generations. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Though she was married at 12, she was expelled by the community, the 'Pardhi' tribe, for singing Pandavani, being a woman. She built herself a small hut and started living on her own, borrowing utensils and food from neighbours, yet never left her singing, which eventually paid off for her.[9] She never went to her first husband's home and later split (divorce). In the following years, she was married twice and later became a grandmother.

Performance style[edit | edit source]

Pandavani, literally means stories of Pandavas, the legendary brothers in Mahabharat, and involves enacting and singing with instrumental accompaniment an ektara or a tambura in one hand and sometimes a kartal in another. As the performance progresses, the tambura becomes her only prop, sometimes to personify a gada, mace of Bhima, or Arjuna's bow or chariot, while at other times it becomes the hair of queen Draupadi, allowing her to play various character with effective ease and candour.[10] Her acclaimed performances are of, Draupadi cheerharan, Dushasana Vadh and Mahabharat Yudh, between Bhishma and Arjun.

Awards[edit | edit source]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Padma Vibhushan Award to Smt. Teejan Bai, at an Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 16 March 2019

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "In A World Full Of Conflict, Indian Arts Can Spread Peace And Harmony: President Murmu". Outlook India. 23 February 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  2. ↑ "राज्यपाल और मुख्यमंत्री ने संगीत नाटक अकादमी फैलोशिप मिलने पर तीजनबाई को दी बधाई". Janta Se Rishta (in हिन्दी). 24 February 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  3. ↑ "Chhattisgarh: Teejan Bai selected for Padma Vibhushan; Bastar band creator Anup Ranjan Pandey to get Padma Shri". The Times of India. 25 January 2019. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  4. ↑ Pandavani
  5. ↑ The Hindu, 13 December 2004[usurped]
  6. ↑ "Ahmadabad, 23 February 2000". Archived from the original on 6 November 2004. Retrieved 27 November 2007.
  7. ↑ Teejan Bai, Rediff.com
  8. ↑ YouTube: Bharat Ek Khoj - Episode 5 - Mahabarata I
  9. ↑ The Hindu, 26 November 2005
  10. ↑ Teejan Bai performance, The Tribune, 16 November 2002
  11. ↑ Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winners Archived 14 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ↑ The Times of India, 12 Oct 2003
  13. ↑ Indian government Padma Awards
  14. ↑ "Teejan Bai｜Laureates". Fukuoka Prize (in 日本語). Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  15. ↑ Ministry of Home Affairs, India. 25 January 2019

External links[edit | edit source]

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