Key concepts in Hindustani music

The slow, unmetered opening section of a raag performance.

The fast, climactic concluding phase of an instrumental alap section.

The rhythmic second phase of an instrumental alap, introducing pulse without tabla.

A heavy oscillatory ornament where each note is approached with forceful emphasis.

A grace note or touch note that briefly sounds before or after the principal swara.

A sharp, jerky ornamental figure that adds rhythmic bite to melodic phrases.

A continuous glide from one note to another, essential for expressing raag character.

A quick, delicate cluster of notes executed as a light ornamental flourish.

Fast melodic runs and passages used to elaborate a raag with virtuosic energy.

A rapid, rolling ornamental figure involving quick repetition or oscillation of notes.

A devotional song form expressing spiritual love and worship through accessible melody.

The oldest surviving form of Hindustani classical vocal music, emphasizing gravity and precision.

A poetic-musical form rooted in Urdu/Persian literary tradition, exploring love and loss.

The dominant classical vocal form in Hindustani music, built on imaginative raag elaboration.

A virtuosic vocal form originating from Punjabi folk music, featuring rapid taan patterns.

A fast-tempo vocal form using rhythmic syllables rather than meaningful text.

A romantic and expressive semi-classical vocal form emphasizing emotional text interpretation.

The concluding fourth section of a four-part composition, resolving back to the sthayi.

The second section of a bandish, typically moving into the upper octave register.

An alternate spelling and pronunciation of Sthayi, the opening section of a bandish.

The third section of a four-part composition, exploring the full range of the raag.

The opening and principal section of a bandish, establishing the raag and melodic theme.

The aesthetic emotional flavors or sentiments that music evokes in the listener.

The traditional system assigning specific times of day to different raags.

The octave in Indian music, divided into three registers: mandra, madhya, and taar.

The microtonal intervals of Indian music, traditionally numbered at 22 within an octave.

The individual musical notes of Indian music, seven in number: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni.