Thumri is a style of Semi Classical Hindustani Music. It is generally romantic or devotional, and is based on a girls love and longing for Lord Krishna. Thumri Gayaki has primarily prospered in the region of Uttar Pradesh under the muslim influence, and hence is sung mostly in Brij or Awadhi language.
A thumri is composed in a single or a mixture of 2 ragas. The lyrics or bols of the thumri are few. It is upto the singer to sing it in way to bring out the emotions and feelings in the words and convey the message intended. Thumris are generally composed in Raga Pilu, Khamaj, Bhairavi, Tilak Kamod, Kafi or Gara.
The thumri flourished initially a the court of the Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah. This was the bol bandish ki thumri. However, in Benaras a new style of thumri emerged, the Bol Banao Thumri Gayaki.
Thumri is also the generic name for other styles of singing such as Dadra, Kajri, Chaiti, Sawan, Hori and Jhoola.
- Benaras Ang Thumri
- Punjab Ang Thumri
The Benaras Ang Gayaki evolved under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh. Beneras became almost synonymous with thumri gayaki. Some of the biggest names in thumri gayaki are from Benaras, such as Siddheshwari Devi, Gauhar Jan, Rasoolan Bai, Badi Moti Bai, Jaddan Bai, Chhote Ramdas, Mahadev Mishra, Chhanulal Mishra among others.
Benaras singers developed their own style of thumri singing known as the Bol Banao thumri Gayaki, which was different from the Bol Bandish Thumri.
Below are some examples of Thumri Gayaki in the Benaras Ang Style.
Raga Mishr Tilang Thumri
Siddheshwari Devi
Rag Pilu Thumri
Rasoolan Bai
On the other hand, the Punjab Ang Thumri was diversified by Ustad Ali Baksh who received training in thumri gayaki from Maharaj Bindadeen and Maharaj Kalika Prasad of Lucknow. He mixed it with the tappa style and folk tunes of Punjab giving way to the now prevalent Punjab Ang Thumri. This style was popularised by his sons, the legendary singers of the Patiala Gharana. Ustad Badhe Ghulam Ali Khan and Ustad Barkat Ali Khan.
Yaad Piya Ki Aaye - Thumri
Ustad Badhe Ghulam Ali Khan
Other singers such as Shobha Gurtu, Prabha Atre or Ustad Abdul Karim Khan Sahib are regarded as singers of the classical thumri. Shobha Gurtu was referred to as the thumri queen for her purity and command over Thumri Gayaki.
Chhaayi Ghata Ghanghor
Smt. Shobha Gurtu
hi, is there any possible way that I could contact you? Am doing a research on thumri. And need to more details on what is Bol Banao actually. Thank you!
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