Biography of Rasoolan Bai

Born: 1902, Mirzapur
Died: 15 December 1974, Uttar Pradesh

The famous singer Rasoolanbai was born in 1902 at Kachhawa Baazar in Uttar Pradesh. She belonged to a very poor family. She had inherited music as a legacy from her mother Adalat. Whichever raga she listened in her childhood, without any delay, she started practicing it. At the age of five, her interest in music was recognised by her family. She was sent to learn music from Ustad Shambhu Khan, Ashia Khan and Ustad Maju Khan.

Rasoolanbai was an expert in Tappa singing. She dominated the musical world for almost five decades. She was an excellent singer of all the four Pal but her Eastern Thumar, Dadara and Tappa were marvellous. Her first musical performance was held in Dhananjaygarh court. It was such a success that she was invited by all the affluent Rajas of that time.

She used to sing on Radio and Doordarshan till 1972. Her last public singing was held in Kashmir. She died on December 15, 1974.