In part two of Traversing Raagas, Deepa Ganesh discusses her
experiences with Gangubai Hangal, who was a Indian Classical Singer
of the Khyal genre from the Kirana Gharana in Hindustani Classical
Music. Gangubai lived a simple, humble life in Hubli, a city in the
state of Dharwad in Karnataka. She was always generous and kind to
all the people around her, often sharing sweets, cheer and joy.
After meeting her for a brief time during Gangubai's birthday,
Deepa wrote an article on her for Frontline and the response to the
article was huge. In reply to this response, Three Essays, a
publisher based in Delhi, commissioned Deepa to write a book on
her. Deepa lived with Gangubai inside her house and started writing
the book in 2007. Gangubai faced several difficulties in her life
due to the caste system and gender inequalities where women were
discouraged from taking up singing as a form of employment. Deepa
published the book "A Life in Three Octaves" in 2013, which
chronicled the life and fond memories of Gangubai Hangal. Her
legacy continues through her voice and soulful music.
At the end of this podcast, we hear Gangubai Hangal's recital
of Raag Shuddha Kalyan.
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