Hindustani Music Guide
अंतरा
The second section of a bandish, typically moving into the upper octave register.
Antara is the second section of a bandish, following the sthayi. It typically moves the melody into the upper octave register, providing contrast and development. In khayal performance, the antara is often reached after considerable elaboration of the sthayi, and its arrival marks a significant structural moment in the performance. Not all performances include the antara.
स्थायी
The opening and principal section of a bandish, establishing the raag and melodic theme.
संचारी
The third section of a four-part composition, exploring the full range of the raag.
अभोग
The concluding fourth section of a four-part composition, resolving back to the sthayi.
ख़याल
The dominant classical vocal form in Hindustani music, built on imaginative raag elaboration.