Dhrupad music

Dhrupad is one of the most ancient forms of North Indian Classical Music. The word Dhrupad is derived from two words, Dhruva meaning ‘structured, fixed or rigid’ and Pada means ‘word or syllable’. The word Dhrupada or Dhruvapada therefore means ‘a composition in which the Padas or words are set in a definite structure or pattern’. The essence of Dhrupad music is primarily spiritual. The main attempt of Dhrupad is not so much to entertain as to stimulate feelings of peace and contemplation within the listener.

Origin of Dhrupad Music
It is a form of devotional music that traces its origin to the ancient text of Sama Veda. The Sama Veda was chanted with the help of melody and rhythm called Samgana. Slowly this developed into other vocal style called ‘Chhanda’ and ‘Prabandha’ with the initiation of verse and meter. The synthesis of these two elements led to the issuing of Dhrupad.

Theme of Dhrupad Music
Dhrupad compositions are full of religious, heroic and erotic themes and quite often are eulogies of gods and kings. Since the earliest Dhrupadas had invariably a devotional content, it is held that the Dhrupads originated in the religious-music of ancient times.