Which vocal form gained prominence in the 18th century and is recognized for its flexibility, allowing for more improvisation and ornamentation, and serving as the most popular classical vocal style today?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Khayal.
Explanation:
☛ Khayal is the most prominent and popular vocal genre of North Indian (Hindustani) classical music today.
☛ The word 'Khayal' is derived from an Arabic/Persian word meaning 'imagination' or 'thought'.
☛ This musical form gained immense prominence during the 18th century in the court of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah 'Rangila'.
☛ Court musicians Niyamat Khan (Sadarang) and his nephew Firoz Khan (Adarang) played a central role in composing and popularizing Khayal.
☛ Compared to the rigid structure of Dhrupad, Khayal offers greater flexibility, allowing extensive melodic improvisation, ornamentation (alankars, taans), and emotional expression.
☛ A typical Khayal performance consists of two parts: Bada Khayal (slow tempo or Vilambit laya) and Chhota Khayal (fast tempo or Drut laya).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Dhrupad: The oldest surviving classical vocal genre of Hindustani music, known for its solemn, austere, and spiritual character, patronized significantly by Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior and Mughal Emperor Akbar.
☛ Thumri: A semi-classical vocal style focusing on romantic and devotional themes (Bhakti of Radha-Krishna), popularized in the 19th century under the patronage of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh.
☛ Tappa: A semi-classical vocal style characterized by fast, intricate, and jerky melodic movements, adapted from the folk songs of camel drivers in Punjab by Mian Ghulam Nabi Shori (Shori Mian).
☛ Gwalior Gharana: Recognized as the oldest and foundational Khayal gharana in Hindustani classical music.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who is widely credited with establishing and popularizing the Khayal style under the pen name 'Sadarang'? → Niyamat Khan
☛ Which Mughal Emperor's court was the center for the revival and popularity of Khayal music in the 18th century? → Muhammad Shah 'Rangila'
☛ Which gharana is considered the mother or oldest gharana of Khayal singing? → Gwalior Gharana
☛ What are the two structural compositions included in a traditional Khayal performance? → Bada Khayal and Chhota Khayal
☛ Which Awadh ruler was a famous patron and composer of the Thumri vocal style? → Nawab Wajid Ali Shah