Gaya to Honor Jaddan Bai with New Auditorium at Historic Daulat Bagh Site
In a significant move that reconnects the city of Gaya with a pivotal chapter of Indian cinema and classical music history, the upcoming auditorium-cum-academic building at Daulat Bagh is set to be named after the legendary Jaddan Bai. This decision honors the memory of the acclaimed thumri exponent and pioneering film figure, who once resided at this very address, which later became associated with her grandson, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt.
The Historic Legacy of Daulat Bagh
The site of the new construction originally housed a sprawling, old-style mansion that belonged to Mir Abu Barkat Ali, also known as Zafar Nawab of the Kada estate. As a prominent zamindar and patron of art and music, Nawab Zafar earmarked this palace-like, two-storeyed airy structure for Jaddan Bai. She lived there for several years before relocating to Calcutta, now Kolkata, and later to Bombay, now Mumbai, to pursue her illustrious career in films. Even after leaving Gaya, historical accounts suggest she frequently returned to visit this residence, maintaining a deep connection with the place.
Jaddan Bai's Enduring Influence
Originally from Allahabad, now Prayagraj, Jaddan Bai was not only a master of thumri and other Indian classical music forms but also a trailblazer in early Indian cinema. Her early career flourished under the patronage of Nawab Zafar. Her daughter, the iconic actor Nargis of 'Mother India' fame, along with Nargis's husband, actor and former Union minister Sunil Dutt, continued to uphold the family's Gaya ties during the lifetime of Muzaffar Nawab, Zafar Nawab's son. Sanjay Dutt himself, during a political visit to Gaya a few years ago for a Samajwadi Party meeting, nostalgically referred to Gaya as his 'nanihal' or maternal home, highlighting the enduring familial bond.
Government Acquisition and Development
According to Nawab Iqbal Sayeed Quadri, alias Humayun, and Nawab Fareed Quadri, surviving members of Zafar Nawab's extended family, the Daulat Bagh premises were acquired by the government in the 1950s. Several years later, the state government established the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) within the Daulat Bagh complex, with an annual intake of 200 students. However, the building linked to Jaddan Bai was left aside, eventually falling into disrepair.
Local residents have expressed regret that the structure was not preserved as a heritage building, given its architectural and historical significance. In response, DIET Principal Ajay Kumar justified the demolition, stating that the building had become thoroughly dilapidated and posed a serious danger to life and limb in the vicinity. "Reports of past casualties due to collapse of some part of the building are also there," he explained, emphasizing the necessity of the action.
A New Chapter with a Nod to History
Principal Kumar confirmed that an auditorium and academic building will be constructed at the site, with a proposal to name the new structure after Jaddan Bai. This initiative aims to celebrate her legacy as an iconic exponent of Indian classical music and a pioneer in the film industry, ensuring that her contributions are remembered and honored in the city she once called home.
The project symbolizes a blend of modern educational infrastructure with historical reverence, bridging Gaya's past and present through the enduring influence of Jaddan Bai's artistic journey.
