Gangubai Hangal (1913-2009)

Gangubai Hangal was one of the foremost Indian classical singer of Hindustani Classical Music from Karnataka. She was popular for her deep and powerful voice. She was from kirana gharana.  She was born in Dharwad to an agriculturist family. Her father name was Chikkaru Nadigar. Her mother was Ambabai who was a carnatic vocalist. Gangubai Hangal completed her elementary education and then they shifted to Hubli where she began her musical training .She began to train formally in age 13 with Krishnacharya Hulgur, a kinnari (stringed instrument like a veena)player, studying Hindustani classical Music. She learned sixty compositions . After that her training had been stopped due to some fees issue. Later she learned from Dattopant Desai. After that she learned from Sawai Gandharva a respected Guru. Hangal could only study sporadically under Gandharva when he returned to his home, but she received an intensive training of three years after he relocated permanently to Hubli.

As her Mother's family status was low in society , she had to struggle  a lot and also face various obstacles to achieve music .  She had to struggle against the prejudice to made her career. 

She performed in All India Radio until 1945. She performed light classical genre music including bhajan and thumris. Later on she decided that she will only perform kheyal. She refused to sing any movie as she had already mentioned that she will only sing Raagas. She served her music in Karnataka University as a professor where she gained high position. She gave her last concert in March 2006 to mark her 75th career. Her daughter kishore bai hangal use to accompany her in vocal. She also became famous more than her mother later. Gangubai Hangal had cancer and She died at age of 96 due to caridac arrest in Hubli . She donated her eyes after her death. 

Gangubai Hangal recieved various award  included padma bhushan , Karantak Sangeet Nritya Academy Award,  Sangeet Natak academy fellowship. In 2008, The State Government of Karnataka decided to name the proposed Karnataka State Music University, Mysore after Gangubhai Hangal. Subsequently, the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University Act, 2009 has been passed by the State Legislature. Presently the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubhai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University operates from Mysore, Karnataka.

Gangotri — the birthplace of Gangubai Hangal — has been converted into a museum by the Government of Karnataka.