....THE GREAT ALLAH JILAI BAI ( 1902-1992 )., MAAND SINGER FROM THE DESERT.

                                                                                                               

THE GREAT ALLAH JILAI BAI ( 1902-1992 ):  MAAND SINGER FROM THE DESERT.

During a family vacation to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer , we were entertained to Maand singing of the Rajasthan . It was a Great experience to cherish .I was suggested to Listen to CDs of Allah Jilai Bai and Mangi Bai also . I bought some Recorded Music and listened to it . Allah Jilai bai was surely class apart , Matchless and wonderful in so far as Maand is concerned .

Maand is Rajasthan’s most refined style of folk music that can be called as special contribution to the classical music of India. It was usually sung by Nomadic singers or appointed court singers . Now it is sung by professional and trained singers in festivals , fairs and concerts before large audience .

Among Maand singers of the Desert , I rate Allah Jilai Bai (1902-1992 ) of Bikaner outstanding and highly accomplished . It was a treat to listen to her recorded singing. What a superb rendering she has done to the popular “Kesariya Balam Aawo Ni Padharo Mhare des ”. Even Pandit ji ( Jawahar lal Nehru ) was reported to be admirer of her singing . 

 Apart from many honours ,Allah Jila Bai was conferred Padamshri and Sangeet Natak academy awards. To the lovers of music , I recommend this great singer .

In Jodhpur , I also came to know that Some rulers of Rajasthan encouraged folk Musicians and singers and gave them allowances to live a happy life. One such ruler was Maharaj Ganga Singh (1880-1943 ) of Bikaner . So folk Music had royal patronage for survival.

You have Maands aung in Jaipuri , Bikaneri Jaisalmeri and some other styles . . Rajasthani folk songs come with amazing range and variations in ascending and descending notes when compared with folk songs of other states .

I also heard a Rajasthani wedding song in Maand style…

“ BANI THAARO RANG GULAABI 

 BANE KA RANG KESARIYA .....meaning O Bride , Your body colour resembles a rose and you bridegroom , your appearance is saffron in colour .”

( Avtar Mota)

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.