Hindustani Music

Hindustani Music or shastriya sangeet is the traditional music of the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent. In this article, you will learn about Hindustani music, Hindustani music definition, basics of Hindustani classical music, Carnatic music and Hindustani music difference. This article will provide key insights for GS Paper-I Art and Culture section of UPSC IAS Exam.

Table of Content

• Introduction to Hindustani music
• Background of Hindustani classical Music
• Characteristics of Hindustani classical Music
• What is Gharana in Hindustani classical music?
• Dhrupad Hindustani Music
• Dhrupad Gharana
• Khayal Hindustani Music
• Khayal Gharana
• Thumri
• Tappa
• Ghazal
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to Hindustani music:

• The Hindustani music is the traditional music of the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Hindustani style of music is also known as North Indian classical music or shastriya sangeet.
  • The term “shastriya sangeet” means classical music.

Background of Hindustani classical Music:

• The Hindustani classical Music was mentioned in the Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra.
• The Hindustani Music emphasizes the musical structure and the possibilities of improvisation within it.
• The oldest form of composition of Hindustani vocal music is Dhrupad.
• Instruments of Hindustani music includes Tanpura, Sitar, Sarod, Sarangi, Tabla and Pakhawaj.
• Hindustani classical music artists include Tansen, Gundecha Brothers, Vishnu Palushkar, Mohsin Khan Niazi etc.

Characteristics of Hindustani classical Music:

• Elements of Hindustani classical music are Swara, Raga and Tala.
• A scale called Shudha Swara Saptaka or the ‘Octave of Natural Notes’ is adopted.
• Ragas in Hindustani music are Raga Bhairav (dawn), Raga Hindol (spring, morning), Raga Megh (monsoon), Raga Shri (dusk), Raga Deepak (evening), and Raga Malkauns (late night or winter).
  • These 6 ragas of Hindustani music are the basic ragas of Hindustani classical music, other ragas are derived on the basis of this.
• Morning Ragas Hindustani classical music: Lalat, Todi, Ahir Bhairav and Bhatiyaar.
• Hindustani music Alankars: Alankar are the core essence of Hindustani classical music.
  • Alankara is ornaments or adornments and is also known as Palta. 
• There are 22 Shruti in Hindustani classical music.
  • The Shruti is the smallest interval of pitch that the human ear can detect and a singer or musical instrument can produce.
• There are 10 Thaats of Hindustani music, which is not a tool for music composition, but rather forms a basis for classification of ragas.
• 10 main singing styles: ‘Dhrupad,’ ‘Dhamar,’ ‘Hori,’ ‘Khayal,’ ‘Tappa,’ ‘Chaturang,’ ‘Ragasagar,’ ‘Tarana,’ ‘Sargam,’ and ‘Thumri.’

Tabla

What is Gharana in Hindustani classical music?

• The Gharana is a system of social organization that connects musicians or dancers through lineage or apprenticeship, and by following a specific musical style.
• The term gharana is derived from the Urdu/Hindi word ‘ghar,’ which means ‘family’ or ‘house.’
• Gharanas of Hindustani classical music signifies the place of origin for the musical ideology.
• Gharanas of Hindustani music represents a comprehensive musicological ideology that distinguishes one school from another.
• It directly influences the thinking, teaching, performance, and appreciation of music.
• Example: Agra, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Kirana, and Patiala.

Dhrupad Hindustani Music:

• The Dhrupad Hindustani Music is one of the oldest Hindustani classical music having its origins in Natyashastra (200 BC-200 AD).
• The Dhrupad Hindustani Music was evolved from older forms such as Prabhanda and Dhruvapada.
• The name “Dhrupad” is derived from “dhruva” and “pada,” signifying both the verse form of poetry and the style of singing.
• The Dhrupad Music incorporates Sanskrit syllables and has its roots in temple music.
• The Dhrupad Music consists of 4 to 5 stanzas and are performed by a duo, usually two male vocalists.
• The Dhrupad Hindustani Music has established itself as a classical music form in the 13th century.
• The Dhrupad Hindustani Music reached its pinnacle during the reign of Emperor Akbar, after he patronized renowned musicians like Baba Gopal Das, Baiju Bawra, Swami Haridas, and Tansen.
  • Tansen was considered one of the Navaratna, or nine gems, of the Mughal court.
  • Tansen was also known as father of Hindustani music.
• Singers proficient in Dhrupad also thrived in the court of Raja Man Singh Tomar in Gwalior.
• The Dhrupad Music was predominant form of singing in the medieval period but declined after the 18th century.
• The Dhrupad Hindustani Music is a poetic form integrated into an extended presentation style marked by precise and elaborate exploration of a raga.
• The Dhrupad Hindustani Music begins with Alap, a wordless vocalization that gradually increases in tempo and forms a major part of the performance.
  • Alap creates a mood in the audience that resonates with the chosen raga’s mood.
  • Alap is pure music without the distraction of words.
• After some time, Dhrupad begins, accompanied by Pakhawaj.
• Music instruments of Dhrupad Music: Tanpura, and Pakhawaj.

Tanpura:

Dhrupad Gharana:

Dagari Gharana:

• The Dagar family performs in Dagar Vani, emphasizing Alap.
• Across generations, male members of the family have trained and performed together.
• The Dagars are primarily Muslims but they often sing Hindu texts dedicated to Gods and Goddesses.
• Prominent artists of Dagari Gharana: The Gundecha Brothers

Darbhanga Gharana:

• Darbhanga Gharana sing in Khandar Vani and Gauhar Vani, giving equal importance to raga Alap and improvised Alap.
• Darbhanga Gharana incorporates various layakari techniques in their improvisations.
• The Mallik family represents the leading exponents of this school.
• Prominent artists of Darbhanga Gharana: Ram Chatur Mallik, Prem Kumar Mallik, and Siyaram Tewari.

Bettiah Gharana:

• Bettiah Gharana perform in Nauhar and Khandar vani styles, employing unique techniques known only to those trained within the family.
• The Mishra family is associated with the Bettiah Gharana.
• Prominent artist of Bettiah Gharana: Indra Kishore Mishra is the active performing member.
• The Dhrupad style of the Bettiah and Darbhanga schools is known as the Haveli style.

Talwandi Gharana:

• TheTalwandi Gharana perform in Khandar vani.
• Due to its location in Pakistan, it has become challenging to maintain its presence within the Indian music system.
• Top of Form

Khayal Hindustani Music:

• The term ‘Khyal’ is derived from Persian and means “idea or imagination.”
• Amir Khusrau is credited with the origin of the Khayal Hindustani Music.
• Artists are drawn to Khyal Hindustani Music as it allows for greater scope for improvisation.
• The Khayal Hindustani Music is characterized by short songs consisting of two to eight lines, commonly referred to as ‘Bandish.’
• In the 15th century, king Hussain Shah of the Jaunpur Sultanate, provided patronage to Khayal Hindustani Music.
• The Khayal Music frequently uses taans in compositions, giving less emphasis to Alap as compared to Dhrupad.
• Consists of 2 songs: Bada Khyal, sung at a slow tempo, and Chhota Khyal, sung at a fasttempo.
  • Bada Khyal constitutes the majority of the performance.
• Singers often sings the same bandish differently in Khayal Hindustani Music while maintaining the same text and raga.
• Themes of Khayal Hindustani Music: romance, even when related to divine beings.
• Many compositions of Khayal Hindustani Music are dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Khayal Gharana:

Gwalior Gharana:

• Gwalior Gharana is the oldest Khyal Gharana.
• Gwalior Gharana places equal emphasis on melody and rhythm.
• Prominent artists of Gwalior Gharana: Nathu Khan and Vishnu Palushkar.

Kirana Gharana:

• Kirana Gharana originated from Kirana in Uttar Pradesh.
• Kirana Gharana was founded by Nayak Gopal but gained popularity through Abdul Karim Khan and Abdul Wahid Khan in the early 20th century.
• Kirana Gharana is known for precise tuning, expression of notes, and mastery over slow tempo ragas.
• Prominent artists of Kirana Gharana: Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal.

Agra Gharana (Rangila Gharana):

• Agra Gharanawas founded by Khudabuksh or Haji Sujan Khan.
• Agra Gharanaexperienced a revival by Faiyyaz Khan.
• Agra Gharanacombines elements of Khyal and Dhrupad-dhamar styles, with a special focus on Bandish.
• Prominent artists of Agra Gharana: Mohsin Khan Niazi and Vijay Kichlu.

Patiala Gharana:

• Patiala Gharana was founded by Bade Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Baksh Khan in the 19th century.
• Patiala Gharana gained support from the Maharaja of Patiala in Punjab.
• Patiala Gharana earned a reputation for ghazal, thumri, and Khyal.
• Patiala Gharana laid a greater emphasis on rhythm.
• Features of Patiala Gharana: emotional expression, ornamentation or alankars, and intricate taans.
• Uniqueness ofPatiala Gharana: it uses taans, gamak and gayaki of tarana style.
  • Tarana in Hindustani classical music is type of composition in which certain words based on Persian and Arabic phonemes are sung at a medium or fast rate. 
• Prominent artistsofPatiala Gharana:
  • Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahab was known for his rendition of Raga Darbari.

Bhendibazaar Gharana:

• Bhendibazaar Gharana was founded by Chhajju Khan, Nazir Khan, and Khadim Hussain Khan.
• Bhendibazaar Gharana gained fame for its singers’ breath control abilities, enabling them to sing long passages in a single breath.
• Bhendibazaar Gharana incorporates some Carnatic ragas into its repertoire.

Thumri

• Thumri is a semi-classical Indian music form known for its mixed ragas.
• Compositions in Thumri are often romantic or devotional, heavily influenced by the Bhakti movement and centred around a girl’s love for Krishna.
• Typically sung in the Hindi language, specifically the Braj Bhasha dialect, Thumri compositions are usually performed in a female voice.
• What sets Thumri apart is its sensual character and the singer’s freedom to improvise, offering flexibility in utilizing ragas.
• Thumri encompasses other lighter forms such as Dadra, Hori, Kajari, Saavan, Jhoola, and Chaiti.
• It shares a connection with the classical dance Kathak.
• Varanasi and Lucknow are prominent Gharanas for Thumri, and renowned artists like Begum Akhtar with her distinctive husky voice and limitless range, along with Girija Devi from the Benaras Gharana’s Purab Ang, have made significant contributions to this mesmerizing art form.

Tappa

• The Tappa style relies heavily on fast, subtle, and complex compositions.
• It originated from the folk songs of North-West India’s camel riders and gained recognition at the Mughal court of Muhammad Shah.
• It features rapid phrases and was embraced by both the wealthy and modest classes.
• The “baithaki” style emerged under the direct patronage of the zamindari elites in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Notable exponents include Laxman Rao Pandit and Shanno Khurana from Gwalior Gharana.

Ghazal

• Ghazal is a poetic form with rhyming couplets and a refrain, maintaining the same meter.
• It expresses the pain of loss or separation and the beauty of love.
• Originating in 10th century Iran, a Ghazal never exceeds 12 couplets.
• It spread in South Asia in the 12th century through Sufi mystics and Islamic Sultanate courts, reaching its peak during the Mughal era.
• Amir Khusrau was among the early Ghazal pioneers.
• Ghazal poets, influenced by Sufi ideas, predominantly focused on unconditional and superior love, often leaving the object of affection open to interpretation.
• Over time, Ghazals have embraced simpler language and phrasings, captivating a wider global audience.
• Now, Ghazals are sung in various styles beyond classical genres.
• Renowned figures like Muhammad Iqbal, Mirza Ghalib, Rumi, Hafez, and Kazi Nazrul Islam have made their mark in this art form.

Conclusion

The Hindustani music and Carnatic music together forms the two pillars of Indian classical music. From the oldest Hindustani vocal music Dhrupad to Khayal to Thumri, each represents different blend of cultures and religions during that time period. The difference between Carnatic music and Hindustani music may be there yet the all have same origin from Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra.

Hindustani music and Carnatic music together form the two pillars of Indian classical music. From the oldest Hindustani vocal music Dhrupad to Khayal to Thumri, each represents a different blend of cultures and religions during that time period. The difference between Carnatic music and Hindustani music may be there yet they all have the same origin from Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra.

Ref: Source-1

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