Allah Jilai Bai (1902–1992) was a folk singer from Rajasthan, India. She is remembered for her performances of traditional Rajasthani music such as "Kesariya Balam".
Early life
Born in Bikaner to a family of singers, Allah Jilai Bai began performing at a very young age. By the time she was ten, she was already singing in the Durbar of Maharaja Ganga Singh, showcasing her early talent in a royal setting.
She received formal training in music, first under Ustad Hussain Baksh Khan and later from Achhan Maharaj. These lessons helped her develop a strong foundation in various classical styles.
At one point, she sang in the court of Ganga Singh, the Maharajah of Bikaner, further cementing her reputation as a skilled vocalist.
Her repertoire was broad; she was well versed in Maand, Thumri, Khayal and Dadra, demonstrating versatility across multiple genres of Indian classical music.
Life and work
Born in Bikaner to a family of singers, she began performing at a very young age, singing in the Durbar of Maharaja Ganga Singh by the time she was ten. She received formal training from Ustad Hussain Baksh Khan and later from Achhan Maharaj, which helped her develop a versatile repertoire.
Her musical style encompassed a range of genres, including Maand, Thumri, Khayal, and Dadra, allowing her to appeal to diverse audiences. She also performed in the court of Ganga Singh, the Maharajah of Bikaner, further establishing her reputation as a prominent vocalist.
In recognition of her contributions to Indian music, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri in the Arts category in 1982. She continued to receive accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Folk Music in 1988. After her passing, the state of Rajasthan posthumously awarded her the Rajasthan Ratna in 2012, underscoring her lasting impact on the cultural heritage of the region.
Based on: the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0) — facts from that source; edited and translated by Times of Rajasthan.