Dhrupad

Dhrupad is an ancient and serious singing style. Dhrupad originated from the lyrical verses of Prabandha, Vastya and Rupak. According to some scholars, Dhrupad was composed in the 13th century during the time of Pandit Sharangdev and according to some scholars, it was composed by Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior in the 15th century and Raja Man Singh promoted Dhrupad a lot. Dhrupad singer was called 'Kalavant'. Singing Dhrupad puts more stress on the throat and lungs. Dhrupad is also called masculine singing. The poetry of Dhrupad is of high quality and the language of poetry is Brij, Hindi and Urdu.

Dhrupad singing was very popular in the medieval period. Now a days, it has been replaced by khayal singing. In Dhrupad singing, Bhakti Rasa, Veer Rasa, Shant Rasa and Shringaar Rasa predominate. Dhrupad is sung with Pakhavaj in beats like Chartaal, Soolataal, Mattataal etc. In Dhrupad singing, notes (Taans) are not sung in reverse like Khayal.

Dhrupad singers perform alap in rhythmless nom tom before singing. The earlier alap is done in the words 'Om Anant Nam Hari'. Gamak and Meend are used extensively in this. By not singing the tunes, the beautiful form of the lyricists is presented. Dugun, Tigun, Chaugun, Athgun, Aad, Sam add to its beauty. Sometimes the act of speaking is also shown.

Dhrupad has four parts: permanent, antara, sanchari, aabhog. But now a days only two parts, permanent (Sathai) and antara, are found in the songs of Dhrupad. During the time of Emperor Akbar, Haridas, Tansen, Baiju were all skilled Dhrupad singers. Muhammad Shah Rangeela's court singers Sadarang and Adarang were very good Dhrupad singers. After Dhrupad singing, the popularity of Khayal singing increased so much that Dhrupad is now heard at some places.