When I first began to plan this book, I thought that I would begin the preface with the words ―the purpose of this book is.‖ I am glad to present this book, especially designed to serve the needs of the students. There are so many listeners of Gangubai Hangal who knows her as a renowned classical vocalist but through this work, I tried to show Gangubai Hangal as a role model of humanity whether it is as a daughter, mother, grandmother, or friend. No one walks alone in the quest of attaining knowledge and I am no exception, I must start by thanking all those who joined me in my journey, those who walked beside me, those helped me along the way by continuously urging me to write this thesis and to put my thoughts down. My thanks to all the people who I have met and worked with and shared my insights and problems. This Book and its pages are thanks to all my near ones who have helped me shape it. Sometimes words get limited when it comes to express deep and hearty regards for an inspirational experience of life. I feel myself lucky to come near the milestone which I desperately wanted and finalizing this research is one of those rare beautiful moments of my life.