Dhrupad
Context:
The Supreme Court recently directed music composer A.R. Rahman to consider giving "acknowledgment" to Dhrupad singer Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar for the composition "Shiva Stuti" used in the film Ponniyin Selvan II.
The court emphasized that traditional custodians of classical music deserve respect and recognition
About Dhrupad:
Dhrupad is the oldest surviving form of North Indian (Hindustani) classical music.
Its roots trace back to the Samaveda (over 3,000 years ago) and the ancient chanting style of sacred texts.
The term is derived from "dhruva" (fixed/constant) and "pada" (word/verse), signifying a structured and disciplined form of music
A central concept in dhrupad singing is the practice of nada yoga – exercises pertaining to an awareness of one’s own inner sounds.
It evolved from temples to royal courts (both Hindu and Muslim), retaining its sacred essence.
Structure:
A dhrupad recital is typically divided into two main parts:
Alap:
It is major part of the performance and which is usually sung using sounds and syllables (for example ‘om,’ ‘nam,’ ‘re,’ ‘ri,’ ‘na,’ ‘ta,’ ‘nom,’ ‘tom’) rather than words.
It is a slow, elaborate improvisation that explores the essence of the raga, aiming to create an atmosphere that totally engulfs the audience in every shade and nuance of the particular character of that raga.
Dhrupad:
It is the actual song composition, consisting of one or more set verses.
The fixed composition follows the Alap.
It is set to a rhythmic cycle (tala) played on the Pakhawaj (a barrel drum).
The lyrics typically revolve around devotional or spiritual themes
Revival:
Once on the verge of extinction due to the loss of royal patronage, Dhrupad has seen a resurgence since the 1970s, aided by international interest and the efforts of musicologists like Alain Daniélou and the Dagar family.