An Introduction to Dhrupad Performance Platforms of India

Abstract

Dhrupad an ancient form of music was initially performed in the Hindu temples. Later on, Dhrupad musicians were patronized in the royal courts by the Rajputs and Mughals. With time, Dhrupad started disappearing in society during the early part of the 20th century due to the increased popularity of other forms of music and loss of royal patronage. Dhrupad became absent in music concerts, and Kheyal music started dominating music concerts. Collective efforts of many people, musicians, organizations, and patrons initiated the Dhrupad concerts in Jaipur and Varanasi, as a step for the revival of Dhrupad in the 1970s. Before this time the All India Radio also took initiatives towards the promotion of Dhrupad. Slowly other Dhrupad sammelans were arranged across India. There were few Dhrupad artists of Dagar Tradition with a high level of artistry, who were not intimidated by adversities and, with their persistence and dedication, continued to serve authentic Dhrupad music to audiences through music concerts, as a concert artist and music concert organizer. Afterward, artists from other Dhrupad traditions played similar roles; as a result, in the last few decades, there had been an explosion of Dhrupad festivals/concerts across India. These festivals are organized by societies/organizations/academies (government/private) under the leadership of eminent Dhrupad masters. This study delineates an account of the significant Dhrupad concerts across India and, based upon the present concert scenario, concludes that Dhrupad seems to have been able to get back to the Hindustani Classical music audience.

Keywords

• Dhrupade
• concert
• music
• festivals
• sammelan

References

1. Referans 1 Barua, J. (2001). Social Mobilization and Modern Society. New Delhi: Mittal Publications.
2. Referans 2 Beohar, A.B. (1986). The Darbhanga Tradition of Dhrupad. Dhrupad Annual, 1, 41-42.