Glossary · glossary · 1 min read
Dhrupad
ध्रुपद; the oldest surviving Hindustani form
Dhrupad is the oldest form of Hindustani classical singing still performed, with long held notes, little ornament and close attention to pitch. Recordings by the Dagar family are a reference point for hearing the style.
By John, Music lover from Bangalore · Reviewed by BRR · Last reviewed 29 Sept 2026
Dhrupad
Dhrupad is the oldest form of Hindustani classical singing still performed. Long held notes and little ornament put the focus on the exact pitch of each swara, or musical note.
A performance begins with a long alap, an exploration without a fixed beat. The singer slowly explores the raga, a melodic framework, using syllables from a fixed set of words.
Next come jor and jhala, sections with a pulse but no drum. Finally, the composition is sung with the pakhawaj drum in a taal, or rhythmic cycle, such as chautaal.
Where you will hear it
You will meet dhrupad, the oldest form of Hindustani classical singing still performed, in recordings by the Dagar family. These are a reference point for the style. Start there to hear how long notes and little ornament keep attention on exact pitch.
The melody explores a raga, a framework for creating pieces and inventing melody during performance. Listen for the notes the singer returns to and the phrases that recur. In the composed section, the pakhawaj drum accompanies the voice in rhythmic cycles such as chautaal.
Keep going
- What is a raga? A plain-language guide for listeners · A raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music for creating pieces and inventing melody during performance. Listen for four things: which notes appear, how the melody moves, where the musician lingers, and which short phrases return.