Kesarbai Kerkar - Conviction and Poise- A formidable Blend

Abstract

Kesarbai Kerkar, a Hindustani classical vocalist of Jaipur-Atrauli gharana was a protégé of Ustad
Alladiya Khan (1855-1946), founder of this gharana. She went on to become one of the most phenomenal
khayal singers of the second half of the 20th century and was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in
1953, followed by a Padma Bhushan in 1969.
This article deals with Kesarbai‟s strong resolve to pursue her passion in Hindustani music despite the
many anomalies. It also deals with her relentless practice regime spanning over several hours a day and
years. Her discerning eye for perfection and about the selective audience she chose to perform for. This is
about her gaining mastery on technique, form and content, her unreserved devotion towards her guru, and
about several interactive anecdotes.
It is a well-known study that centuries before the golden era of Hindustani music in the 19th century and
early 20th century, social acceptance of women artistes was a big question mark. Yet through the societal
discriminations of caste norms, Kesarbai Kerkar emerged as one of the greatest singers of Hindustani music.
She enjoyed enormous prestige in her later years: but as a youth she had to perform standing. Like
Saraswati Bandodkar and Heerabai Barodkar, she came from the community of Kalavants of Goa, a section
of temple women who were not allowed to marry and were treated virtually as slaves of the men.