Read Next
Discover
dhrupad
Indian music
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
dhrupad, in Hindustani music, ancient vocal musical form in four parts preceded by extensive introductory improvisation (alapa) and expanded by rhythmic and melodic elaborations. It is related to the shorter, later khayal, which has somewhat eclipsed the dhrupad in popularity.
The classical dhrupad, heavy and majestic in style, required great breath control. It was used in praise of heroes, gods, and kings.