Janki Bai | |
|---|---|
| Born | Janki Begum 1880 |
| Died | 18 May 1934 (aged 53–54) |
| Other names | Janki Bai of Allahabad |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1893 – 1934 |
| Spouse(s) | Sheikh Abdul Haq (ex-husband) |
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.[1][2] A contemporary of Gauhar Jaan, she was a pioneer of commercial recording in India, producing over 250 songs across her career.[3][2]
Early life[edit | edit source]
Janki Bai was born in Benaras (now Varanasi) in 1880.[2] Her father, Shivbalakram, was a wrestler who abandoned the family, leading her mother, Manki, to seek refuge in Allahabad.[2] There, they were sold into the city's courtesan culture (kotha).[2] Despite these circumstances, Janki received a multifaceted education, becoming proficient in Persian, Urdu, Sanskrit, and English.[4][5]
Career[edit | edit source]
Musical career[edit | edit source]
Her formal musical training began under Ustad Hassu Khan.[1] She excelled in various classical and light-classical genres, including thumri, dadra, khayal, ghazal, and kajri.[1][6]
Gramophone success[edit | edit source]
Janki Bai was a massive commercial success.[2] Her records often sold over 25,000 copies, and she commanded fees as high as ₹5,000 per performance.[4] She was famous for her signature ending on recordings, where she would announce her name: "Mera naam Janki Bai Allahabad!".[4]
Delhi Durbar[edit | edit source]
In 1911, she reached the height of her fame when she was invited to perform for Emperor George V at the Delhi Durbar.[1] Alongside Gauhar Jaan, she sang a specially composed coronation song, "Yeh Jalsa Taajposhi Ka Mumbaarak Ho".[1]
The name "Chhappan Chhuri"[edit | edit source]
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.[1] The resulting facial scars led her to perform behind a veil for much of her life, though she eventually embraced the name as a symbol of her resilience.[7][1][8]
Personal life[edit | edit source]
Janki Bai was married for a time to a lawyer, Sheikh Abdul Haq, but the marriage ended after a few years.[9][4][2]
Death[edit | edit source]
She died on May 18, 1934, in Allahabad.[2]
Literary work and philanthropy[edit | edit source]
Beyond music, Janki Bai was a recognized poet.[1] She was mentored by the Urdu poet Akbar Allahabadi and published a collection of Urdu poems titled Diwan-e-Janki.[1] In her later years, she devoted her wealth to charity.[4] She founded a trust in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) that continues to support needy students and provide for the poor.[4]
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Her life is the subject of the Sahitya Akademi Award-winning novel Requiem in Raga Janki (2018) by Neelum Saran Gour.[2] A monument known as Chhappan Chhuri Ki Mazaar exists in the Kaladanda Kabristaan in Prayagraj.[4][10]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Star of the gramophone era". The Hindu. July 19, 2018.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "A book on Janki Bai Ilahabadi, better known as Chhappan Chhuri — she of the 56 knife gashes – has won this year's Sahitya Akademi Award". Indian Express. January 4, 2024.
- ↑ "Janki Bai's Closet of Beauty and Pain". The Voice of Fashion. May 6, 2019.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "Janki Bai, singer disfigured by 56 stab wounds sold more records than her contemporaries". The Print. June 2, 2019.
- ↑ "Heavily fictionalised tale of the gramophone era". The Telegraph India. November 15, 2018.
- ↑ "On the record: A book on the life and compelling music of Janki Bai Ilahabadi". Indian Express. June 25, 2018.
- ↑ "Veil of Janki Bai". Chitresh Das Institute. December 8, 2025.
- ↑ "Chhappan Chhuri: Kishwar Naheed At 80". The Friday Times. July 10, 2020.
- ↑ "FICTION: THE SONG OF FIFTY-SIX KNIVES". Dawn Newspaper. July 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Singing up a storm: Neelum Saran Gour speaks about her new book, Requiem in Raga Janki". Indulg Express. June 28, 2018.