Kajri, a song form sung during the monsoon in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and neighbouring areas, possibly draws its name from the word kajal. The name also suggests a connection with the rain-laden dark clouds described in the songs. But the kajri does not limit itself to a description of the monsoon in all its glory. The monsoon also reminds the nayika of her beloved or celebrates love and union. Here’s a Mirzapuri kajri presented by Hira Lal Yadav.
Thumri singers added improvisation to kajri and included it in Hindustani concert repertoire. This has given the form an entirely different dimension, as is evident in this rendition by the thumri exponent Rasoolan Bai.
And here’s an audio clip of an instrumental version of the kajri performed by the shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan.
Listen to these tunes as a single playlist on our YouTube channel.
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Thumri singers added improvisation to kajri and included it in Hindustani concert repertoire. This has given the form an entirely different dimension, as is evident in this rendition by the thumri exponent Rasoolan Bai.
And here’s an audio clip of an instrumental version of the kajri performed by the shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan.
Listen to these tunes as a single playlist on our YouTube channel.
