Dhrupad

Dhrupad is a genre of Hindustani classical music and is widely regarded as one of the oldest surviving forms of North Indian vocal music. It arose in medieval northern India, with roots in temple chant and royal court performance, and has been transmitted as a disciplined vocal tradition. Dhrupad emphasizes a deep, resonant voice, precise intonation, and careful melodic elaboration within a raga, often prioritizing contemplative mood over rapid virtuosity.

Performance typically centers on a sustained drone from the tanpura, with rhythmic accompaniment by the pakhawaj; in some contexts tabla is used. A typical format begins with an alaap or aalaa—an unmetered exploration of the raga that gradually introduces melodic phrases—followed by a bandish, a fixed melodic composition set to a tala. The singer elaborates the bandish through slow and medium tempo improvisations, maintaining strict adherence to the raga and tala.

Stylistically, dhrupad places value on sur (notes), laya (tempo), and gamak (ornamentation) that produce a powerful, sustained tone. The vocal style tends to be austere and solemn, with emphasis on voice culture and precision rather than rapid virtuosity. The repertoire is predominantly devotional or mythological, often tied to liturgical or temple contexts, though modern performances may include contemporary poetry set to traditional forms.

Within dhrupad, several lineages or gharanas have developed; the Dagar family is among the most prominent in keeping the tradition alive. Other contemporary exponents include the Gundecha Brothers. Today dhrupad remains a central, though relatively niche, part of Hindustani classical music, taught in specialized schools and performed in concerts and festivals worldwide.