Glossary · glossary · 1 min read
Khayal
ख़याल; also khyal
Khayal means “imagination” or “thought” in Urdu and Persian. It is the main vocal form of Hindustani classical music today, where singers invent melody around a bandish, a short composed piece.
By John, Music lover from Bangalore · Reviewed by BRR · Last reviewed 29 Sept 2026
Khayal
Khayal means “imagination” or “thought” in Urdu and Persian. It is the main vocal form of Hindustani classical music today, built around a bandish, a short composed piece.
The singer uses that composition as a starting point for improvisation, creating melody during the performance. This follows a raga, a melodic framework that guides the notes and how they move.
A full khayal usually has two parts. The slow part, called bada khayal, gives the singer room to develop the raga phrase by phrase. A faster chhota khayal follows.
Where you will hear Khayal
Khayal, the main vocal form of Hindustani classical music today, is something you will hear in concert. It centres on a bandish, a short composition around which the singer invents melody during performance.
A full khayal usually has two parts. The slow section, called bada khayal, gives the singer room to develop the raga phrase by phrase. A raga is a melodic framework for creating music. The faster section, called chhota khayal, follows.
For example, a typical concert item presents Raga Yaman slowly, followed by a faster chhota khayal. Listen for that change of pace. It gives you a way to hear the performance moving from one part to the next.
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.