Gangubai Hangal
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Indian Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | September 3, 2014 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 500,000 |
| Perforation | 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Nenu Gupta Sh. Sankha Samanta |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 2841 Yvert et Tellier IN 2584 Stanley Gibbons IN 3013 |
| Themes | Famous people | Men | Musicians | Singers |
Introduction
Gangubai Hangal was one of the most distinguished vocalists of Hindustani classical music, renowned for her deep, powerful voice and her lifelong dedication to the Kirana gharana. Celebrated for her sincerity, discipline and emotive style of singing, she remains an iconic figure in India’s musical heritage.
Early Life
Gangubai Hangal was born on 5th March, 1913, in Dharwad, Karnataka, a region known for producing several great Hindustani classical musicians. She was introduced to music by her mother, Ambabai, an eminent Carnatic singer who recognized her daughter’s innate musical gift.
A significant early milestone came when, at the age of 11, Gangubai sang the welcome song at the Congress session in Belgaum in 1924, attended by national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
Musical Journey
Gangubai gave her first public concert in Mumbai in 1931, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career. Her rich, resonant voice and mastery over intricate ragas soon earned her recognition across India.
Over the decades, she:
- Recorded numerous discs with HMV
- Became a familiar presence in All India Radio broadcasts
- Excelled in traditional khayal singing of the Kirana gharana
- Built a repertoire marked by emotional depth and introspection
Her music was admired for its purity, intensity and spiritual quality.
Awards and Honours
Gangubai Hangal received several of India’s highest honours, including:
- Padma Bhushan (1971)
- Tansen Award (1984)
- Padma Vibhushan (2002)
These accolades reflect her outstanding contribution to Indian classical music and her status among the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
Legacy
Gangubai Hangal’s legacy remains deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of Karnataka and India. Her life symbolized determination and perseverance, as she overcame social barriers to establish herself as an artist of extraordinary stature. Her music continues to inspire students, professionals and connoisseurs of Hindustani classical music.
She passed away on 21st July, 2009, leaving behind a treasure of recordings and a musical tradition cherished by generations.
Commemorative Stamp
In honour of her immense contribution to the world of classical music, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp on Gangubai Hangal, celebrating her as one of the legendary maestros featured in the series on Indian Musicians.