Siddheshwari devi biography definition

Benaras, also known as modern-day Varanasi, has a rich cultural history with various art forms such as music and dance rooted in its folk culture.

Siddheshwari devi biography definition

Siddheshwari Devi was born in 1908 into a family with a long musical lineage. Her grandmother, Maina Devi, was an acclaimed singer who passed on the mantle to Siddheshwari’s aunt, Rajeshwari Devi. After Siddheshwari’s mother passed away while she was still an infant, she was brought up in her aunt Rajeshwari’s household.

According to multiple sources, she began her musical training under Pandit Siyaji Maharaj, a celebrated Sarangi player.

He introduced her to the professional music sphere. Subsequently, she also trained under Rajab Ali Khan of Dewas and Inayat Khan of Lahore. Bade Ramdasji from Benaras was considered to be her main guru. 

For the initial few years of her career, Siddheshwari’s performances took place mostly at household functions, where she was instructed to sing by her aunt – where Gandharvas perform