In This Article
What Is Dhrupad?
Dhrupad is the oldest surviving form of Hindustani classical vocal music — a tradition stretching back over 500 years to the medieval era when it was the dominant classical style before Khayal displaced it. The word dhrupad comes from dhruva-pada, meaning "fixed verses," reflecting its emphasis on the unchanging foundational structure of compositions.
Unlike the more elaborate Khayal, Dhrupad prioritises purity, discipline, and gravity. It is considered the most meditative form of Indian vocal music, often performed in temples and courts rather than entertainment venues. The pace is slow, the tone is serious, and the impact is profound.
Structure of a Dhrupad Performance
A Dhrupad performance begins with an extended alap — longer and more elaborate than in Khayal, often lasting 30-45 minutes. The alap unfolds in three stages: vilambit (slow), madhya (medium), and drut (fast), each exploring different aspects of the raga. Crucially, Dhrupad alap uses nom-tom — meaningless syllables like "nom," "tom," "ri," "na" — rather than the akaar (vowel sounds) of Khayal.
After the alap comes the bandish (composition) set to Chautal (12 beats) or Sultal (10 beats), accompanied by the pakhawaj (a double-headed barrel drum predating the tabla). The composition is sung in multiple tempo variations (layakari), showcasing rhythmic virtuosity within a disciplined framework.
The Four Banis
Historically, Dhrupad was divided into four banis (styles): Dagar Bani (the meditative, purist style), Khandar Bani (vigorous and ornamental), Nauhar Bani (dramatic and powerful), and Gauhar Bani (the most melodically elaborate). Today, only the Dagar Bani survives in its full form, carried on by the remarkable Dagar family.
The Dagar brothers — particularly Nasir Moinuddin and Nasir Aminuddin Dagar, and later their nephews Zia Mohiuddin and Zia Fariduddin Dagar — single-handedly preserved Dhrupad through the 20th century when it nearly disappeared. Their meditative, intensely serious approach to Dhrupad reshaped how the tradition is understood today.
The Dhrupad Renaissance
After decades of marginalisation, Dhrupad has experienced a remarkable revival in the 21st century. The Gundecha Brothers (Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha), Uday Bhawalkar, and younger artists like the Bettiah Gharana musicians have brought new audiences to this ancient form. Western listeners, in particular, are drawn to Dhrupad's meditative quality — it resonates with contemplative spiritual traditions across cultures.
For first-time listeners, approach Dhrupad with patience. This is not music for distraction — it demands full attention. Listen to a Dagar family recording in silence, without multitasking, and let the alap's gradual unfolding draw you into a state of deep stillness. Few musical experiences are more rewarding.