The song I have chosen is entitled Lagat Karejwa Mein Chot, which is a piece composed and performed by Jadden Bai Hussain for a 1921 Columbia Records album featuring Hindustani compositions. Born in 1892 in the north Indian city of Prayagraj, Jadden Bai was a singer, music composer, actress, filmmaker, and most importantly, pioneer of Indian music. Before her work, it was practically unheard of for a woman to perform or create compositions within Indian culture, as in the eyes of the patriarchal society, they did not have the abilities necessary for musical proficiency. Even though there is little to know about the origins or intentions behind Lagat Karejwa Mein Chot, it is significant to inspect as it is one of the first documented recordings of a woman composer performing a personal composition in Indian history. Although she was unable to continue composing due to illness in her early life, through her brave and passionate creations, Jadden was able to prove to a blind society that women were capable, just like men, of musical expression and laid the foundation for future generations of Indian women to have opportunities to express musical proficiency in ways she did not have.

Although it is hard to distinguish specific musical components within the audio clip, when listened to closely, one might hear the sounds of a sitar and violin playing alongside the wavering voice of Jadden Bai. Additionally, the piece is one of a stable tempo, maintained through the steady beating of a drum, that contains many fluctuations in dynamics, creating an image and a feeling of steadily growing, yet contained, power. 

In class, we discussed some of the challenges women in India still face today while endeavoring to become musical performers and composers in Indian society. After learning this, I wanted to understand more about these challenges and whether they have been overcome slowly throughout history, leading me to the discovery of Lagat Karejawa Me Chot. Although the audio is older and has little information attributed to it, the story behind the composition and its impact on expanding musical power for women within Indian culture is crucial and should be listened to, shared, and appreciated throughout the globe. And because I wish to start that process, I chose Lagat Karejawa Me Chot as my piece.