Hindustani Music Guide
स्थायी
The opening and principal section of a bandish, establishing the raag and melodic theme.
Sthayi (also called asthayi) is the first and most important section of a bandish or composition. It establishes the raag's identity, the melodic theme, and typically moves in the lower and middle octave registers. The sthayi serves as the home base to which the performer returns after each improvised passage, providing structural continuity throughout the performance.
अंतरा
The second section of a bandish, typically moving into the upper octave register.
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.