Understanding Thumri and Its Renowned Vocalists

The question asks about the vocalist famously known as the queen of thumri, a beloved genre of semi-classical Indian music. Thumri is known for its lyrical beauty, romantic themes, and expressive nature, often incorporating elements of dance.

Let's look at the options provided and identify the artist specifically celebrated for their mastery of thumri:

• Anoushka Shankar: Anoushka Shankar is a renowned sitar player and composer. She is famous for her work in both Indian classical music (sitar) and contemporary fusion music. While sitar can accompany vocal music, her primary identity is as an instrumentalist, not a thumri vocalist.
• M. S. Subbulakshmi: M. S. Subbulakshmi was a legendary Carnatic vocalist from South India. She was primarily known for her devotional songs and classical Carnatic music performances. While she performed in other languages and genres occasionally, she is not associated with being the "queen of thumri," which is a North Indian semi-classical form.
• Kesarbai Kerkar: Kesarbai Kerkar was an eminent Hindustani classical vocalist belonging to the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. She was primarily known for her khayal singing, which is a major genre of Hindustani classical music. While many classical vocalists also sing semi-classical forms like thumri, she is most celebrated for her contribution to khayal.
• Girija Devi: Girija Devi was a celebrated Indian classical singer. She performed in the Banaras Gharana and was a leading exponent of semi-classical genres like thumri, dadra, tappa, and kajri. Due to her immense contribution and mastery over thumri, she was widely referred to as the "Queen of Thumri" or "Appaji".

Based on the prominent contributions and titles associated with these artists, Girija Devi is unequivocally recognized as the queen of thumri.

Identifying the Queen of Thumri

Girija Devi dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the purabi ang (Eastern style) of thumri, native to the Banaras region. Her emotive renditions, technical skill, and deep understanding of the genre made her a paramount figure in the world of thumri. Her influence extended over several decades, shaping the understanding and performance of thumri for generations of musicians and listeners.

Conclusion

Considering the legacy and recognition of each artist in their respective fields, Girija Devi is the artist famously known as the queen of thumri.

Revision Table: Key Indian Music Personalities

Reviewing the prominent figures in Indian classical and semi-classical music helps distinguish their specializations.

Additional Information: Exploring Thumri and Banaras Gharana

Thumri is a vocal form in Hindustani classical music. It evolved in the 19th century in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is lighter than Khayal and focuses more on expressing emotions, often depicting themes of love and devotion, typically based on the Radha-Krishna mythology. The Banaras Gharana is one of the prominent schools of Hindustani classical music, known for its unique style in various forms, including thumri, dadra, and tappa. Artists like Girija Devi were central to preserving and popularizing the Banaras style of thumri, which is characterized by its specific tonal quality and repertoire.