DARSHAN

‘With a mind of deep faith we can enter into a divine communion’

Dhrupad is the oldest existing form of North Indian classical music. The nature of Dhrupad music is spiritual, seeking not to entertain, but to induce feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener. The word Dhrupad is derived from DHRUVA the steadfast evening star that moves through our galaxy and PADA meaning poetry. It is a form of devotional music that traces its origin to the ancient text of Sam Veda, which was chanted with the help of melody and rhythm called Samgana. Gradually this developed into other vocal styles called 'Chhanda' and 'Prabandha' with introduction of verse and meter. The fusion of these two elements led to the emergence of Dhrupad.

By the eleventh century, Dhrupad music had crystallised into a perfect form which has retained its original structure and purity through to the present day. One significant characteristic of Dhrupad is the emphasis on maintaining purity of the Ragas and the Swaras (notes). According to some accounts, Dhrupad was sung in the temples, with the singer facing the divinity. From this early chanting, Dhrupad evolved into a sophisticated classical form of music. 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.

Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are one of India’s leading exponents of the Dhrupad style of music. They are among the most active young performers of Dhrupad in Indian and international circuits. After the Dagar Brothers, it is the Gundecha Brothers who have brought Dhrupad to the forefront on the concert platform. Born in Ujjain in Central India, both were initiated into music by their parents.