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 Dhrupad is the oldest existing form of Indian classical music. The nature of Dhrupad is spiritual- its purpose is aradhana (worship). Seeking not to entertain, but to induce deep feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener.
 
rudra veena  
Its origin is linked to the recitation of Sama veda, the sacred Sanskrit text. Dhrupad probably evolved from the earlier chanting of Om, the sacred syllable which is claimed to be the source of all creation. Later, the rhythmic chanting of the Vedic scriptures evolved into singing of Chhanda and Prabandha.
 
Please contact us if you think you have additional information that could be used in this site. One significant characteristic of Dhrupad is the emphasis on maintaining purity of the ragas and the swaras.

According to some accounts, Dhrupad was sung in temples, the singer facing the divinity. From this early chanting, Dhrupad evolved into a sophisticated, classical form of music. The language of Dhrupad changed from Sanskrit to Brijbhasha sometime between the 12th and the 16th century.

About six centuries ago, Dhrupad came to be patronized by the royal courts and its complex rendering became highly sophisticated for royal audiences. The compositions became more secular. Some were written in praise of the emperors ; others were elaboration on the music itself. However, the pristine nature of Dhrupad survived. Even today we hear this majestic form of music performed like it was more than 500 years ago in the royal courts of the emperors and kings of India.
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