In the old days, songs were composed for kings and emperors. So it is hardly surprising that in present day Uttar Pradesh where statues of Mayawati and her political mentor Kanshi Ram are commonplace, songs have been written and sung for the empress of India's largest state.

Listen on to these Maya chartbusters:

Song 1 Song 2 Song 3 Song 4 Song 5 Song 6 Song 7

Photograph: Seema Pant