বাংলার সাংগীতিক ঐতিহ্য বহনে জোড়াসাঁকো ঠাকুরবাড়ির নারী সংগীতকারগণ / Banglar Sangeetik Oitijyo Bohone Jorasanko Thakurbarir Naree Sangeetkargon

Abstract

The nineteenth century was a transformative period in Bengal’s cultural renaissance, where music became a central force in shaping social and artistic identity. Within this milieu, the Jorasanko Thakur Bari emerged as a distinguished hub of refined musical practice, distinct from the popular yet decadent ‘Babu culture’. While the contributions of male members of the Tagore family—such as Debendranath, Satyendranath, Jyotirindranath, and Rabindranath - are widely acknowledged, the creative legacy of the women of Jorasanko remains comparatively underexplored. This paper focuses on the musical contributions of female composers and performers of the Tagore household, including Saudamini Devi, Swarnakumari Devi, Sarala Devi, Pratibha Devi, Monisha Devi, Indira Devi, and Hemlata Devi. Their compositions not only enriched the evolving tradition of Bengali music but also carried forward a refined cultural ethos that resisted the decadence of contemporary entertainment practices. By situating their work within the broader socio-cultural context of nineteenth-century Bengal, this study highlights the pioneering role of these women in preserving and advancing Bengal’s musical heritage.