Malka Jan

Malka Jaan (born Adeline Victoria Hemmings; 1855 – 1907) was a prominent Indian singer, dancer, poet, and courtesan (tawaif) of the late 19th century. She played an important role in the cultural and musical life of North India, particularly in cities like Banaras and Calcutta. She is also widely remembered as the mother and first guru of Gauhar Jaan, India’s first recording star. 

Malka Jaan was born in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to a British father and an Indian mother. From a young age, she showed talent in music and dance. In 1872, she married Robert William Yeoward, an engineer of Armenian descent, and the couple had a daughter, Angelina Yeoward (later Gauhar Jaan). However, the marriage ended in 1879, leading to financial difficulties. 

After her separation, she moved to Banaras (Varanasi) with her daughter in 1881. There, both mother and daughter converted to Islam under the influence of a nobleman named Khursheed. It was at this time that she adopted the name Malka Jaan, while her daughter became Gauhar Jaan. In Banaras, Malka Jaan became a well-known performer and earned recognition as a skilled singer, Kathak dancer, and courtesan. Because several performers shared the same name, she was often called “Badi Malka Jaan” (the elder Malka Jaan) to distinguish her from others. 

In 1883, Malka Jaan moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata), which was then an important cultural center for music and arts. She quickly rose to fame and became associated with the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah at Metiaburj. Within a few years, she achieved financial success and purchased a grand residence on Chitpore Road, which became a hub for music, poetry, and artistic gatherings. 

Apart from being a performer, Malka Jaan was also a poet of Urdu literature. She composed and published a collection of poetry titled Makhzan-e-Ulfat-e-Malka Jan. Her artistic salon attracted many leading musicians and artists of the time, making her an influential cultural figure. Her musical style included genres like thumri, dadra, and ghazal, and she was admired for both her expressive singing and graceful dance. 

One of her most important contributions was the training and grooming of her daughter, Gauhar Jaan. Under her guidance, Gauhar received extensive education in music, dance, and multiple languages, eventually becoming one of India’s most famous early recording artists. Malka Jaan ensured that her daughter learned from top musicians of the time, which played a major role in shaping Gauhar’s successful career. 

Malka Jaan passed away around 1907. Although her own achievements were significant, her legacy is most strongly reflected in the success of her daughter and the rich musical culture she helped nurture. She remains an important figure in the history of Hindustani classical and semi-classical music.