Gauhar Jaan was India’s first recorded female vocalist. She was a prominent figure in the country’s music history during the early 20th century. Her fame rose when she recorded a song on a gramophone, becoming the first Indian singer to do so. However, despite her immense popularity, Gauhar Jaan died in poverty.
Born in 1873, Gauhar Jaan charged a hefty fee of 3000 rupees per song during her time, which was a considerable amount back then. Her worth can be understood by the fact that while 10 grams of gold cost 20 rupees at that time, today, it would be equivalent to approximately one crore rupees. Despite such earnings, Gauhar faced financial difficulties later in life.
Gauhar Jaan’s recordings by the Gramophone Company made her music accessible to the public, gaining her a significant fan following across the country. Her childhood was marked by struggles, but she emerged as a formidable force in the music industry.
Originally named Angeline Yeoward, Gauhar was born to an Armenian father, who worked as a factory worker, and a British mother. At the age of six, her parents separated, and she moved with her mother to live with a Muslim nobleman in Banaras (now Varanasi). There, she converted to Islam and adopted the name Gauhar Jaan.
Starting her career as a singer and dancer, Gauhar Jaan achieved great success in the late 19th century. She performed in royal courts, public concerts, and also recorded numerous songs. Her career reached its pinnacle during the early 20th century.
Gauhar Jaan, who was one of the wealthiest artists in India, had a private train for her travels, sponsored by her fans and sponsors.
Between 1902 and 1920, Gauhar Jaan recorded around 600 songs in ten different languages for her career, establishing herself as a leading figure in the music industry. She also minted her own records.
However, despite her success, Gauhar Jaan faced many struggles, including sexual exploitation, which compelled her to strive harder to survive. She started to accumulate wealth, but her family members took advantage of her riches, leaving her with very little towards the end of her life.
Despite achieving significant success in her career, Gauhar Jaan’s final days were filled with immense suffering. She died in poverty in 1930 at the age of 57, without money or close relatives by her side.
