Sharda Sinha has been well accepted in India as folk singer, especially in Bihar and among Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi speaking tracts. Her work has opened so many people’s eyes to the full depth and range of these dialects and traditions in these regional tongues, making her a folk music legend. In this article, she is discussed: her life, accomplishments, and impact/effect that she made in the society.

A brief history of Sharda Sinha’s early life

Sharda Sinha was born in Samastipur, Bihar and was raised in culturally saturated environment which nudged her toward Indian tradition culture especially music. Born and raised in rural parlance where communal beliefs run very strongly, Sinha was exposed early in her childhood to traditional folk culture. Musical influence in her family also informed her young interests and dreams significantly.

However, her dancing did not happen without hitches. The idea of women or someone from a small town seeking a career in music was rare, much less performing folk songs during the early days when most of the songs were taught and passed down by word-of-mouth. However, the determination and the talent which the character Sinha had made her go forward and break all barriers in society and use her voice at the national level. Sinha’s early life might be acknowledged as one of hardworking and determination, which paved the way for the charismatic working career of Sharda Sinha.

Bringing Bhojpuri and Maithili Music to the Mainstream

Sharda Sinha strong career is particularly associated with success in popularisation of Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi music at a greater extent. Unlike many artists who might turn to popular or classical music as a way of finding a large audience, Sinha did not stray from Hindi cinema. She concentrated only on folk songs, a category that is given minimal consideration in Indian mainstream media and entertainment, particularly in Bhojpuri and Mithilani, dialects of Bihar and its nearby areas.

That was why her songs such as Chhath Geet, Paniya Ke Jahaaj Se, Dulhein Dhire Dhire Chaliyo could easily find an echo in the hearts of the Bihari population. For instance, She has made a Chhath Geet which is popular festival of Bihar and is dedicated to the idol worship of Sun. Performing these regional songs of her home state at the national level made Sharda Sinha enabled many people irrespective of their background to view the beauty of cultural diversities of her state.

Her voice served as a symbol of culture to the Bihari scattered around the world and gave a feel of homesick to those far away from their homeland Bihar. She ensured Bhojpuri and Maithili songs to achieve the status of all-time favorite and directions linking regional cultures to the wider community of Indian music.

A Voice of the People

Another thing that I have always liked about Sharda Sinha’s songs is that they are all rather familiar. She was a true ‘Voice of the People,” and her songs depicted the experiences, feelings and existences of ordinary people. Instead of the routine subject matters in African pop where artistes predominantly sing about anything but ordinary, Gifty raps about day-to-day life, family, and the colourful aspects of culture.

The subject of her songs was to embrace the feelings of joy one gets out of festivals; the sadness that comes out of farewells; and the simple dignity of pride that one gets out of a song that comes down through generations. Her tunes illustrate standard practices of women going about their chores besides embracing their cultural practices, quindi; she is a music artist that celebrates the rural Bihar and the world at large. CHHATH PUJA/ HOLI – In festivals speciality, her songs were icons that both the special event listeners and celebrate festivity lovers felt more connected to.

It shows how genuine of an artist she can be knowing that she was able to ‘tap’ into their emotions to easily. As far as Sharda Sinha’s voice was not merely a singing ability but it was the means that was helping people feel embraced. At one time she was able to say of her community feelings that it was impossible to put into words what they felt.

Achievements and Recognition of Sharda Sinha

Sharda Sinha’s contributions to Indian folk music were enough to grant her national acclaim and she won the Padma Bhushan award in 2018. It was one of India’s highest civilian awards and strongly underlined the need of her studying and documenting folk cults while India was getting more and more globalised. It was in the later years of her active envision that she attracted number of attention of the Padma Bhushan for her significant contributions to Indian folk culture to turn into recognizable ambassador of India.

Apart from the Padma Bhushan, Sinha other awards which she got in her career, testifies to her power and contribution to Indian music industry. The individuals who received these awards have accomplished personal wins but also victories for folk music. Sharda Sinha thanks to the received wide recognition of the population, gave artists and musicians in the basic and folklore themes a new kind of pride working in the regional language. The achievements that she made were to ensure that future generations accept their cultures and familiarize themselves with them.

A Legacy that Lives On

This music of Sharda Sinha keeps challenging and affecting the lives of the global people including the young generation. Despite she is no more her songs are still regarded as important part of Indian cultural treasure. Many of the newcomers in the local musicians and folk performers state that she was their inspiration due to her earnestness and commitment to people’s heritage.

She left a voice behind that people can remember though not alive now but alive through those who draw consolation from her music. But the fact that even today her songs being played in any cultural or family functions and specifically among the Bihari community, say a lot about her impact. Sharda Sinha’s contribution to Indian music endedow us to the fact that the music that comes from traditions does not lose its popularity no matter how much the tendencies change.

Celebrating Sharda Sinha’s Enduring Influence

Sharda Sinha’s music, nevertheless, continues to stay relevant regardless of the powerful voice, impressive melodies or extremely attractive manners of singing that characterized her performances. She portrays the importance of aboriginal civil society and the correct conveyance of establishing ethnic pride through art. They help the people remember where they are coming from and what they believe in; in a world that is increasingly becoming cosmopolitan these are traditions that are easily forgotten.

More importantly, it celebrates Sharda Sinha and acknowledges the tremendous contribution she has made to our folk music and many others that she has helped them discover their roots. Till date she sings her music is a symbol of enrichment of Indian folk culture and tradition especially of Bihar. Her songs will remain memorable, sung and treasured so as to make her legacy to be present among many people in future.