Gauhar Jaan- India’s first recording artist

India-a country so rich in culture that had been under British rule for about 200 years. It was during this period that one of the native voices of India emerged as the first recording artist.

Gaurhar Jaan performing, source: WikiMedia

Born in Azamgarh, Gauhar Jaan, who became India’s first recording artist, was born Eileen Angelina Yeoward. She came from a unique lineage: her grandmother was a Hindu, while her grandfather was a British man.

She was born to an Armenian Christian father with whom her mother, Victoria Hemmings, met a divorce. It was not until after the divorce, when her mother moved in with her benefactor, Khurshid, in Benaras,that she and her six-year-old daughter converted to Islam. Thus, her name was changed from Eileen Angelina Yeoward to Gauhar Jaan.

Benaras had always been the cultural hub of India. It is, therefore, no surprise that among many of the artists, Gauhar Jaan was also one of them.

With the exile of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, many of his subjects and courtesans also moved to Calcutta with him. Gauhar Jaan happened to be one of them too.

Given her popularity, she was asked by Gramophone and Typewriter Limited to be the first “native” voice to be on record. On 11 November 1902, in a hotel in Calcutta, Frederick William Gaisberg, the first sound recording expert, recorded her voice.

After the recording was completed, Gauhar Jaan shouted, “My name is Gauhar Jaan!”

This became her signature after every song she recorded from there on.

Back in those days, the song, after being recorded, was sent to Germany to be pressed. Therefore it was important for the artist to say their names so it would not get lost and help in labeling the CD.

Making Music Accessible

Gauhar Jaan demanded Rs. 3000 for her voice to be recorded, given her popularity, everyone agreed hurriedly. She recorded thumri in Raga Sohini.

Earlier, music had only been played at the most elite spaces. At courts, mehfils, or live performances. However, after the recording, it was able to entertain a larger audienc, who were able to pay for the recording, though yet a restricted audience.

Gauhar Jaan and Her Lavish Lifestyle

Gauhar Jaan was a woman of respect. For her, respect and honor meant everything. During those times, only British people were allowed to travel in a phaeton driven by a horse. Gauhar Jaan started to travel in a phaeton, and when she was finally caught by the guards, she agreed to pay a daily fine of Rs. 1000 for about a month, until she was finally allowed to pass by without the fine.

It was her belief in her honor and stubbornness that enabled her to live life the way she wanted to. She was able to live a free life even when the entire nation was ruled.

Gauhar Jaan’s Portrait, source: The Print