Here is a juicy fact! The word Gharana comes from the Hindi word “Ghar” meaning house. This indicates that this musical tradition belonged to a specific household or a lineage.
Interesting isn’t it?
Famous Gharanas in Hindustani classical music have many ranges of music styles and traditions. It not only preserves the art form but explains the techniques and the instructions clearly. Here is a list of the prominent vocal Gharanas in Hindustani classical.
What is the Meaning of ‘Gharanas’ in Hindustani Classical?
Like I have mentioned earlier in this text, the word ‘Gharana’ originates from the word ‘Ghar’ which means ‘Home’. This signifies that the concept of Gharanas is carried forward by the families generations after generations. Famous Gharanas in Hindustani classical music are closely associated with particular regions and families who specialize in particular compositions. Compositions like dhrupad, khayals, tumri, tapas etc.
The origins of various Gharanas in Indian music has a unique take on features of music and its philosophy.
Famous Gharanas in Hindustani Classical Music
Here are some of the popular Gharanas that are still in the mix. We will also look into the origins of various Gharanas in Indian music.
Gwalior Gharana: City Of Grace
Origin: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Popular Compositions: Dhruvpads and Khayals.
Notable Artists: Ustaad Fayyaz Khan, Ustaad Haidar Ali Khan, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur.
Distinctive features: Slow aalap – Jod – Jhala
Gwalior Gharana, one of the famous Gharanas in Hindustani classical music, happens to be one of the oldest and the most admired forms of schooling in Hindustani classical music. It is best known for its precise ornamentations and rendition of raags using the traditional approach. It is one of the top vocal Gharanas in Hindustani classical.
In Gwalior Gharana, any composition would start with a slow aalap, continues to progress in medium tempo which is known as Jod and ends in fast tempo (Jhala).
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The concept of Meend (slide between swaras) was introduced by the Gwalior Gharana.
Categorized under one of the top 5 Gharanas of khayal singing, it focuses primarily on a systematic use of raag and rhythm’s’ features.
Rampur- Sahaswan Gharana: Harmonious Drama
Origin: Rampur, Uttar Pradesh
Popular Compositions: Khayals.
Notable Artists: Ustad Mushtaq Ali Khan, Ustad Rasaloon Bai, Ustad Vilayat Khan.
Distinctive features: Delicate alaps, rapid Bol movements.
Originated from Uttar Pradesh, Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana is predominantly with Kayal type of compositions and its connections to Harmonium playing. Famous Gharanas in Hindustani classical music such as this, mainly focuses on the intricate treatment of ragas and the melodic use of swaras. The emotional depth and creativity is such an admiring feature in this Gharana. More expressions are added while performing a raag or a composition in a particular raag.
This vocal Gharanas in Hindustani classical music mostly features khayals and druvpads with an emphasis on creative improvisation and emotional appeal. The differences between gharanas in sitar playing and vocal would be the ornamentation styles and the intonation while performing a raag.
Agra Gharana: Tales Of Ragas!
Origin: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Popular Compositions: Thumri, Dhruvpads.
Notable Artists: Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki.
Distinctive Features: Games, Tan and Meend.
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Agra Gharana began during the reign of Allaudin Kulji around 1300s.
Next up on the list of famous Gharanas in Hindustani classical music, Agra Gharana. Best known for its slow deliberate compositions, it often resonates well with listeners. The performers from Agra Gharana give more priority to slow and deliberate aalap and jod sections where the mood and the thoughtfulness of the raag is brought out beautifully.
The most admirable meend, gamaks and taan patterns that are full of ornamentations that are expressive.
Kirana Gharana: Serenade of Subtlety!
Origin: Kirana, Maharashtra
Popular Compositions: Kayals, Bhajans
Notable Artists: Ustad Amir Khan, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
Distinctive features: Gayaki.
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Performers avoid Loud dynamics and almost ‘whisper’ to bring out the subtlety feature of Kirana Gharana.
Kirana Gharana, one of the Vocal Gharanas Hindustani classical is best known for its melodic expressiveness of raags. There seems to be an important and rather admirable feature called Gayaki in this Gharana. It is a style of singing that relates to being deeply emotional and meditative.
Through a combination of slow aalap and taans in kayals and other compositions, Kirana Gharana is just one of the top 5 Gharanas of khayal singing. Long sustaining sawaras with lots of room for improvisation highlights the best features and the mood of raags.
Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana: Khayals Vs. Druvpads!
Origin: Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Popular Compositions: Kayals, Dhruvpads, Damar.
Notable Artists: Ustad Alladiya Khan, Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Rashid Khan.
Distinctive features: Laykari
Dramatic development and much elaboration of swaras are such beautiful features of Jaipur- Atrauli Gharana, vocal Gharanas in Hindustani classical. It focuses on meend, gamaks and taans using the important notes. Yet another admirable feature is Layakari, a rhythmic improvisation which the performers do captivate.
Origins of various Gharanas in Indian music such as Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana played an important part in shaping not just this genre but all the famous Gharanas in Hindustani classical music. This Gharana is also known for improvisation and creating new melodic patterns blending traditional and modern elements.
Lucknow Gharana: Raga And Romance!
Origin: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Popular Compositions: Thumri, Dadra
Notable Artists: Begum Aktar, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Distinctive features: Gamakas, Bhava
Did You Know?
Lucknow Gharana is best known for the romantic performances of ‘Thumris’. One might say ‘Lucknow’s Thumri Romance’
Smooth and elegant renditions of raags make Lucknow Gharana to be one of the distinctive Vocal Gharanas in Hindustani classical.
When I had learned this, I was fascinated by the combination of fast and slow movements in the compositions. The slow and elaboration of raags in the form of aalap brings out the beauty and intricate mood of the said raag. On the other hand, the fast movements in the form of taans with subtle gamakas and murkis makes the renditions emotionally moving!
FAQs
What is a vocal Gharanas in Hindustani Classical Music?
Vocal Gharanas in Hindustani Classical Music are styles of singing closely associated with particular regions and families who specialize in particular compositions.
What are the different types of famous Gharanas in Hindustani Classical Music?
The different types of Famous Gharanas in Hindustani Classical Music are Agra, Lucknow, Kirana, Jaipur Autrali, Gwalior and Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana.
What is the significance of Gharanas in Indian culture?
Gharanas preserve the traditional roots and the unique styles, techniques of classical music.
How are Gharanas passed down through generations?
Gharanas passed down through generations via Guru-shishya Parampara.
Do Gharanas restrict innovation or creativity?
No, gharanas do not restrict innovation or creativity.
What are the top 5 Gharanas of khayal singing?
The top 5 gharanas of khayal singing are Gwalior, Lucknow, Kirana, Jaipur Autrali, Gwalior, Rampur-Sahaswan Gharanas
What are the differences between Gharanas in sitar playing and vocal?
The differences between gharanas in sitar playing and vocal are related to the emphasis on improvisations and ornamentations in sitar while Vocal Gharanas Hindustani Classical focuses on lyrics, phrasing etc.
Related blog: Introduction to Raagam, Thalam
