DHRUPAD

Considered the oldest and purest genre of Hindustani (North Indian) vocal composition, it sets two or four rhymed verses, usually on religious themes. Atālafrom a specific set is used; anyrāgamay be used. Thedhrupadis introduced by anālāpand then sung in an austere manner with minimal ornamentation by one or two male singers to the accompaniment of the dronetambüräand a barreldrumcalledpakhāvaj. The genre developed in Gwalior and was promoted byTānsenin the mid-16th century.