Definitions for "Dhrupad"
The most ‘massive and sublime’ form in Indian Classical vocal tradition. Its form strictly follows a fixed pattern of four stanzas : the sthayi, antara, sanchari and abhoga having rigid notes, words and majestic talas, usually in chautala of 12 beats.
ancient Indian classical form evolved from prabandha. 'Dhrupad' derives from dhruva (fixed) and pada (word). It has a formal structure, the details of which are beyond the scope of this glossary.
Vocal art form composed of poems written in medieval Hindi, and first surfaced in the beginning of the 16th century A.D. Considered to be the the expression of the raga in its most refined form. Dhrupad has today lost its prime position to the Khyal, yet remains the musical benchmark in Hindustani music. Dhrupad compositions, called bandish and consisting of four sections, are accompanied exclusively by a horizontal two-sided drum called the pakhavaj. Back