Quick Facts
- Key People:
- Tansen
- Nasir Aminuddin Dagar
- Swati Tirunal
- Related Topics:
- musical form
- South Asian music
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
dhrupad
Indian music
Also known as: dhruvapada
dhrupad, in Hindustani music, ancient vocal musical form in four parts preceded by extensive introductory improvisation (alapa) and expanded by rhythmic and melodic elaborations. It is related to the shorter, later khayal, which has somewhat eclipsed the dhrupad in popularity.
The classical dhrupad, heavy and majestic in style, required great breath control. It was used in praise of heroes, gods, and kings.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Virginia Gorlinski.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.