Requiem in Raga Janki
Early twentieth-century Allahabad pulses with creative energy. Musicians, poets, intellectuals and nationalist activists converge in this remarkable city, each shaping its character. Among them stands Janki Bai Ilahabadi, a singer whose voice captivated everyone from royal courts to the common folk. Known affectionately as Chhappan Chhuri, she emerged from humble beginnings in a performance house to achieve extraordinary prominence, eventually gracing the Delhi Durbar of 1911 itself. This novel resurrects the true story of Hindustani vocalist Janki Bai (1880–1934), bringing into focus an artist history has largely overlooked. The narrative sweeps across pivotal moments in Indian classical music's evolution, tracing the lineage from ancient masters like Baiju and Tansen through to the technological upheaval brought by gramophone recordings. As Hassu Khan battled against mechanical reproduction, Janki navigated her own complex path through triumph and heartbreak. Through her experiences, the reader encounters a richly layered world of musical tradition, personal ambition and the tumultuous choices that defined her era.
- Author: Neelum Saran Gour
- Publisher: Penguin
- Genre: Music
- ISBN: 978-0143467342
- Pages: 368 pages