Indian classical music is a treasure trove of vocal expressions that have evolved over centuries. In this post, we explore a variety of singing styles—from the rhythmic bounce of Tappa to the soulful strains of Lok-Goth—each with its own unique history and flavor.
Tappa 🎤
After the rise of Khayal singing, Tappa emerged as a popular style characterized by its bouncy, agile movements. Derived from a Hindi word meaning “bounce” or “jump,” Tappa is believed to have originated in Punjab through the ingenuity of Shori Miyan, a Punjabi in Nawab Asifuhaul's court. Typically rendered in ragas like Kafi, Jhijhoti, Barwa, Bhairavi, and Khamaj, Tappa features two parts—the permanent and the internal—and is known for its intricate rhythm and predominance of shringaar-rasa. Some scholars even trace its roots back to the ancient Vesara Geeti.
Thumri 💕
Thumri is a light classical form, usually sung in the same ragas as Tappa. Born in the court of the Nawabs of Lucknow, Thumri is celebrated for its emotive gestures and minimal lyrical content, which compensates with expressive body language. While Banarasi Thumri exudes beauty and sweetness, the style overall is less rigid about raga purity, often blending notes from various ragas to create a unique flavor. Although less appreciated in Maharashtra, Thumri enjoys a special status in Uttar Pradesh.
Tarana 🎶
A close cousin of Khayal, Tarana is marked by its meaningless syllables like "Nada Re," "Tadare," "Odani," "Deem," and "Tanom." These dry, rhythmic sounds—originally known as Stobha Gaan—capture the essence of the raga, taal, and rhythm, offering sheer musical joy without a literal narrative. The playful nature of Tarana makes it an entertaining element of classical performances.
Tiravat / Trivat ⚡
Similar to Tarana, Tiravat (or Trivat) is sung with an added level of complexity. When Mridang rhythms accompany the vocals, the style becomes more challenging, earning its distinct identity as Trivat. Although its popularity has diminished in modern times, it remains a testament to the depth of classical vocal art.
Hori-Dhmaar 🌺
When the festive song "Hori" is rendered in the Dhamar rhythm, it is known as Hori-Dhmaar. Celebrating the spirit of Holi in Braj, this style employs techniques like Dhamar Kusum, Jagun, Boltan, and Gamak. Its robust structure requires a solid grasp of swar, taal, and raga, making it a demanding yet expressive form.
Gajal 💌
Gajal (or Ghazal) is predominantly performed in Urdu or Persian. Focused on themes of love, Gajal places great emphasis on shringaar-rasa. Sung in rhythms such as Rupak, Pashto, Deepchandi, Dadra, and Kaharwa, the art of Gajal is mastered by those with a strong command of Urdu-Hindi diction. Today, its popularity is boosted by film music.
Qawwali 🎤
Qawwali is the devotional singing of the Muslim community, often incorporating Persian words like "sher" and a mix of Urdu. Performed by Qawwals, these dynamic performances feature multiple intervals and lively drumming, creating an all-night celebration of spiritual ecstasy.
Dadra 🥁
Often synonymous with a specific rhythm, Dadra is a versatile singing style that bridges the emotive world of Ghazals with a medium-to-fast rhythmic tempo. Its lively movement and focus on shringaar-rasa make it a popular choice for expressive musical narratives.
Sadra 🎼
Closely related to Dadra, Sadra is especially favored among Kathak dancers and is celebrated for its beauty and lyrical charm. Incorporating rhythms such as Kaharva, Rupak, Jhap Tal, and Dadra, Sadra is a testament to the fluidity and grace of classical vocal expression.
Khamsa 🎤
Khamsa finds its roots predominantly in Muslim musical traditions, with songs composed solely in Urdu. Its style is reminiscent of Qawwali, emphasizing precise diction and a deep emotional expression.
Lavni 🎶
Often performed by a group or a solo artist with the accompaniment of the 'Chang' (a type of percussion instrument), Lavni infuses elements of both shringaar and bhakti. It is typically rendered in the Kahwa taal and is known for its vibrant and spirited delivery.
Chaturanga 🎵
The term Chaturanga literally means “four parts” and refers to a song that integrates four distinct elements: the lyrical content, the tune, the raga's gamut (sargam), and a brief rhythmic interlude (parana). Though similar to Khayal, it employs fewer taans, making its structure more straightforward.
Sargam 🎶
A Sargam Geet is a composition based solely on the notes of a raga and its rhythmic patterns, with no additional poetry. These compositions are invaluable for students learning the fundamentals of voice and raga, as they emphasize pure sound and technique.
Ragamala 🎼
When multiple ragas are woven into a single composition—with each line highlighting the notes and even naming the raga—it is called a Ragamala. This form is a fascinating demonstration of the interconnectedness of different ragas.
Lakshan-Geet 📝
A Lakshan-Geet describes the unique, sometimes plaintive, features of a raga. It serves as a memorable guide, helping listeners and students alike to identify the signature elements of a particular raga.
Bhajan-Geet 🙏
Similar to ghazals in their use of language, Bhajan-Geet are devotional songs composed in Hindi. They praise God and narrate divine activities, often set in a single raga or a blend of ragas, and are performed in rhythms like Kaharwa, Dadra, Ghumali, Rupak, and Teentaal.
Kirtan 🎶
When songs or devotional verses are rendered with the support of instruments like cymbals and the mridang, the performance is known as Kirtan. Emphasizing emotion and devotion without vocal embellishments, kirtans have been a cornerstone of spiritual gatherings and cultural celebrations.
Kajli (Kajri) 🌧️
The Kajli or Kajri style captures the mood of the rainy season, the pain of separation, and the playful pastimes of Radha-Krishna. Predominantly filled with shringaar-rasa, these songs are especially popular in regions like Mirzapur and Banaras.
Chanti 🎵
Following the festive season of Holi, the month of Chait brings forth Chanti—songs that celebrate the exploits of Lord Ram. These compositions are particularly popular in East Bihar, where local dialects add an authentic charm.
Lok-Goth 🏡
Lok-Goth (folk songs) capture the essence of regional and rural life. Sung during household festivities or special occasions, these songs offer insights into local culture and traditions. Whether it’s the melodious Ghodi, the spirited Birha, or the celebratory Sohar, Lok-Goth remains a vital part of India’s cultural tapestry.
Conclusion 🎶
The vast array of Indian classical singing styles—from the rhythmic agility of Tappa to the devotional soul of Bhajan-Geet—illustrates the rich diversity and evolving nature of Indian vocal art. Each style, with its unique characteristics and cultural heritage, continues to inspire both performers and listeners alike.
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