The Dhrupad, originally known as Dhruvapada, holds the distinction of being the earliest and most ancient form of classical vocal music that continues to be performed today. With its roots in the Natyashastra, India’s ancient treatise on performing arts, Dhrupad has endured through centuries as a powerful, meditative, and deeply spiritual form of expression.
Dominating the classical music scene until the medieval era, Dhrupad was revived and refined in the 15th century by great maestros like Swami Haridas and his illustrious disciple, Tansen, the legendary musician in Emperor Akbar’s court. Their contributions gave Dhrupad its structured format and emotional depth, blending devotional intensity with strict musical discipline.
The term “Dhruvapada” signifies the ‘fixed verse’, reflecting its origin in devotional hymns sung in temples. Characterized by a slow, unaccompanied alap (introductory improvisation) and a composed section set to rhythm, Dhrupad emphasizes purity of notes (swara), clarity of pronunciation (ucchaar), and spiritual resonance.
- Original Name: Dhruvapada
- Rooted in: Natyashastra
- Pioneers: Swami Haridas and Tansen
- Period of Flourishing: 15th century onwards
- Significance: Earliest surviving form of Hindustani classical song
Today, despite the evolution of Indian classical music into lighter and more popular forms, Dhrupad remains a revered tradition, performed by dedicated artists and preserved by lineages such as the Dagar family, ensuring that this ancient art form continues to echo through time.
