Khayal
One of the principal styles of North Indian classical music, "Khayal" translates to 'playful imagination.' It is believed to have originated from a departure from the martial and austere rules of the Dhrupad style, incorporating influences from folk music.
Historical Background:
In the 14th century, Amir Khusro introduced Khayal as chamber music in Emperor Alāuddīn's court. Nawāb Sultān Husayn Shirqui of Jaunpur further established Khayal as chamber music in the 15th century. This genre saw the introduction of various embellishments not allowed in Dhrupada, enriching its nuances. Over time, Khayal has evolved, making it distinguishable from Dhrupad.
Evolution and Influences:
Khayal underwent significant innovations through figures like Shāh Sadāraṅg, a representative of the Sarasvatī Devī generation. The Qawwāl Gharanā, particularly in Delhi, played a crucial role in shaping the early expression of Khayal. Noteworthy singers, such as Gholām Rasūl, mixed Sadārang's style with Qawwāl, marking a significant influence on Khayal. This evolution gave rise to different styles within Khayal, including the Qawwāl style, Shāh Sadāraṅg's Khayāl, and the Dhrupadī style influenced by Nathhan Pīr Bukhsh.
Styles of Khayal:
1. Qawwāl Style: Primarily singing Ragas of Persian origin.
2. Shāh Sadāraṅg's Khayāl: Developed by Shāh Sadāraṅg and popularized in Delhi.
3. Dhrupadī Style: Influenced by Nathhan Pīr Bukhsh.
Structural Elements:
Khayal is based on short compositions, known as Bandish for vocals and Gat for instruments, spanning 2 to 8 lines. Each singer interprets the same Bandish uniquely, maintaining consistency only in lyrics and Raga rules. Bandish compositions cover diverse themes, including romantic or divine love, praises, seasons, and more.
Bandish Structure:
1. Sthayi (or Asthayi): Utilizes notes from the lowest and lower-middle octaves.
2. Antara: Reaches the tonic of the upper octave.
Rhythmic Cycles:
Various rhythmic cycles, such as Tintal, Ektaal, Jhoomra, Jhaptaal, Tilwada, and Rupak, are employed in Khayal.
Prominent Artists:
Several distinguished artists have made significant contributions to Khayal, including Vidushi Smt. Kesarbai Kerkar, Ustad Faiyaaz Khan, Pandit Mallikarjan Mansur, Ustad Amir Khan, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, and many more.
Instrumental Form:
In the instrumental domain, Khayal is expressed in two forms: purely instrumental and vocally influenced (gayaki). The Maihar-Senia Gharana, founded by Baba Allauddin Khan, represents the instrumental style. Instruments like the Sarod, Surbahar, Sitar, Bansuri, Violin, etc., are dedicated to Khayal or Thumri ang.
Notable Artists of the Maihar-Senia Gharana:
1. Pandit Ravi Shankar (sitar)
2. Pandit Nikhil Banerjee (sitar)
3. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan (sarod)
4. Annapurna Devi (Surbahar, sitar, sarod)
5. Ustad Bahadur Khan
6. Pandit Jotin Bhattacharya
7. Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya
8. Pandit Vishnu Govind Jog (violin)
9. Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya
10. Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (slide guitar)
11. Pandit Pannalal Ghosh (bansuri)
12. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia (bansuri)
13. Pandit Kartick Kumar (surbahar, sitar)
14. Pandit Niladri Kumar (sitar)
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