Indian Classical Music

"Music is the universal language of Mankind" ~ H. W. Longfellow  

Indian Classical Music is one of the  oldest forms of  music in the world, whose origins can be found in the  oldest of the Indian scriptures,  the Vedas.  Originating several thousand years ago, Indian Classical Music has one of the world’s most complex and complete systems ever developed.         It is bound by very strict rules/principles and is both elaborate and expressive.  Highly austere and spiritual in forms and perhaps the grandest, Dhrupads (& Dhamars) are believed to be the oldest surviving forms of North Indian Classical Vocal Music.

Patiala Gharana is one of the most prominent gharanas of vocal North Indian Classical Music. The Patiala Gharana was founded by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Ustad Ali Baksh Khan.  This school of music has had a number of famous musicians, many of whom came to be patronised by the royal family of Patiala after the disintegration of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century.  One of the special features of this gharana is its fluent and appealing style of singing that emphasises the correct enunciation of swaras (notes).  

Bishnupur Gharana excels in the Dhrupad style of singing and has the distinction of being the only Gharana in West Bengal, India.  The Khayal of this gharana is noted for its sweet, lilting melody.  It is adorned with the usual ornamentations, which add variety to the melodic presentation of Raagas.  This gharana originated in Bishnupur (Bankura), West Bengal.  The name of the town means "City of Bishnu/Vishnu" in Bengali.  In the ancient past, this region, known as 'Mallabhum' was the cultural centre of Eastern India.  It was the abode of the Malla Kings, who were devotees of Lord Vishnu and great patrons of Music.