Explore the rich musical traditions of vocal in Indian classical music.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Rooted in dhrupad tradition with powerful, resonant voice
Founded by Ghagge Khudabaksh
Tamil Nadu
Standardized the modern Carnatic concert format
Founded by Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar
Bettiah, Bihar
Uses both Nauhar and Khandar styles, primarily a vocal tradition.
Founded by Bettiah tradition
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Emphasis on breath control for long passages, use of merukhand for extended alaps, use of gamak taan and sargam.
Founded by Chhajju Khan, Nazeer Khan, Khadim Hussain Khan
Bishnupur, West Bengal
Many performers in devotional temple settings. Unique interpretations of ragas, distinctive rhythmic character.
Founded by Kirtankars
Kerala
Powerful, resonant voice with extraordinary range
Founded by Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar
North India
Most renowned dhrupad lineage worldwide
Founded by Dagar family
Darbhanga, Bihar
Uses Khandarbani style, emphasizes vocal compositions with rhythm emphasis.
Founded by Darbhanga tradition
Delhi
Oldest Khayal gharana with wide range of taans, bol baant, fast taan patterns, gamak taan, emphasis on melody and laykari.
Founded by Hazrat Amir Khusrau, Miyan Samti
Dumraon, Buxar, Bihar
Traditional dhrupad gharana from Bihar.
Founded by Dumraon Maharaj, Pandit Ghanarang Dubey
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Oldest khayal gharana
Founded by Nathan Pir Baksh, Hassu Khan, Haddu Khan, Nathu Khan
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Synthesizes Bhendibazaar and Kirana elements
Founded by Amir Khan
Rajasthan/Maharashtra
Specializes in rare, complex ragas with intricate melodic structures
Founded by Ustad Alladiya Khan
Kalpi, Uttar Pradesh
Traditional dhrupad gharana.
Founded by Kalpi tradition
South India
Generic designation for Carnatic tradition when specific parampara is unknown.
Founded by Saint Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri
Karnataka/Maharashtra
Emphasis on sur (pitch perfection) with slow, meditative raga development
Founded by Abdul Karim Khan, Abdul Wahid Khan
North India
Meend-based alap, intricate taan patterns and laykari.
Founded by Goswami Lalji Maharaj
Mewat, Rajasthan
Deeply devotional style with strong bhakti influences
Founded by Ghagge Nazir Khan
Tamil Nadu
Scholarly, intellectual approach to music
Founded by Musiri Subramania Iyer
Nathdwara, Rajasthan
Devotional temple music tradition associated with Shrinathji temple. Known for Haveli Sangeet.
Founded by Temple tradition of Shrinathji
Kerala/Tamil Nadu
Rhythmic precision and mathematical clarity
Founded by Palghat KV Narayanaswami
Patiala, Punjab
Amalgamates Delhi, Gwalior, and Jaipur-Atrauli styles
Founded by Bade Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Baksh Khan
Tamil Nadu
Student of Semmangudi, extending that lineage
Founded by PS Narayanaswamy
Delhi
Oldest khayal gharana. Emphasis on bhav and exposition, approach raagdari with more freedom than dhrupad-informed gharanas.
Founded by Amir Khusrau
Rampur, Uttar Pradesh
Blends Gwalior and Delhi traditions
Founded by Inayat Hussain Khan
Tamil Nadu
Traditional parampara emphasizing authentic rendition
Founded by Sarabha Sastrigal
Tamil Nadu
Majestic, expansive alapana development
Founded by Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer
North India
Emphasis on layakari using bol-taan and tihai, fast sargam and taan patterns.
Founded by Miyan Chand Khan, Miyan Suraj Khan
Sikar, Rajasthan
Rajasthani vocal tradition with local folk influences.
Founded by Traditional Rajasthani lineage
Pakistan
Emphasizes compositions sung at very fast tempos. Religious character with Islamic terminology.
Founded by Talwandi tradition
Tamil Nadu
Scholarly approach to Carnatic music
Founded by TS Rajagopalan