Question

Consider the following statements about Hindustani music compisitions.

1. Dhrupad is a serious and sober composition which demands effort from the vocal cords and lungs.

2. 'Khayal' is a word derived from Persian and implies 'idea' or 'imagination'.

3. The Thumari is a light from based on the romantic religious literature inspired by the Bhakti Movement.

4. The Ghazal is yet another product of the Indonesian influence on Hindustani music.

Which of the statements given above are true?

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 3 and 4
3. 1 and 2
4. 2 and 3

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : 1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

• Hindustani classical music is the classical music of northern regions of the Indian subcontinent.
  • The major vocal forms or styles associated with Hindustani classical music are dhrupad, khyal, and tarana.
  • Light classical forms include dhamar, trivat, chaiti, kajari, tappa, tap-khyal, ashtapadis, thumri, dadra, ghazal, and bhajan; these do not adhere to the rigorous rules of classical music.
  • Dhrupad is an old style of singing, traditionally performed by male singers.
    • It is performed with tambura and a pakhawaj as instrumental accompaniments.
    • The Rudra veena, an ancient string instrument, is used in instrumental music in dhrupad. Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • Khyal is the modern Hindustani form of vocal music.
    •  Khyal, literally meaning "thought" or "imagination" in Hindustani and derived from the Persian/Arabic term, is a two- to eight-line lyric set to a melody. ​Hence statement 2 is correct.
    •  Khyal's features such as Sargam and taan as well as movements to incorporate dhrupad-style alap have led to it becoming popular.
  • Thumri is a semi-classical vocal form said to have begun in Uttar Pradesh with the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
    • There are three types of thumri: poorab ang, Lucknavi, and Punjabi thumri.
    • The Thumari is a light-based on the romantic religious literature inspired by the Bhakti Movement. Hence statement 3 is correct.
    • The lyrics are typically in a proto-Hindi language called Brij Bhasha and are usually romantic.
  • In the Indian sub-continent, Ghazal became the most common form of poetry in the Urdu language and was popularized by classical poets like Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib, Daagh, Zauq, and Sauda amongst the North Indian literary elite. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.