Glossary

Core Tradition:

• Dhrupad – The oldest surviving form of North Indian classical music, known for its meditative and spiritual depth.

• Dagarvani – One of the principal styles of Dhrupad associated with the Dagar lineage, known for its slow, profound exploration of sound.

• Vedanta – A philosophical tradition of India that explores the nature of reality, consciousness, and the Self.

 

Sound & Notes:

• Nāda – Sacred sound; the primordial vibration underlying music and creation.

• Nāda Yoga – The yogic path of realization through sound.

• Svara – Musical note.

• Sargam – The system of solfège in Indian music: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni.

• Shruti – Microtonal pitch divisions; the subtle tonal shades within notes.

 

Pitch & Tonal Framework:

• Sa (Shadja) – The fundamental tonic note.

• Pa (Pancham) – The fifth note, often used as a tonal anchor.

• Komal – Flat note.

• Teevra – Sharp note

 

Raga System:

• Raga – A melodic framework with specific notes, movements, and emotional mood.

• Aroha – Ascending movement of a raga.

• Avaroha – Descending movement of a raga.

• Vadi – Primary note of a raga.

• Samvadi – Secondary important note.

• Pakad – Signature phrase that identifies a raga.

• Chalan – Characteristic movement of a raga.

• Rasa – Emotional essence conveyed through music.

 

Rhythm:

• Tala – Rhythmic cycle.

• Sam – First and most important beat of the cycle.

• Khali – Empty beat in the rhythmic cycle.

• Matra – Individual beat of a tala.

• Lay – Tempo or rhythmic speed.

• Vilambit – Slow tempo.

• Madhya Laya – Medium tempo.

• Drut – Fast tempo.

 

Dhrupad Practice:

• Alap – Slow, rhythm-free exploration of a raga.

• Nom Tom – Syllables used in Dhrupad alap improvisation.

• Bandish – Fixed composition.

• Dhrupad Bandish – Traditional composition in Dhrupad style.

• Pakhawaj – Barrel-shaped drum used in Dhrupad.

• Gamak – Powerful oscillation between notes.

• Meend – Gliding movement between notes.

 

Lineage & Tradition:

• Parampara – Spiritual or artistic lineage passed from teacher to student.

• Guru – Spiritual or musical teacher.

• Shishya – Disciple or student.

• Gharana – Stylistic school or lineage of music.

 

Spiritual & Philosophical Concepts (Vedanta):

• Atman – The true Self or inner consciousness.

• Brahman – Ultimate universal reality.

• Maya – The illusion that obscures true reality.

• Jnana – Knowledge of the Self.

• Sadhana – Spiritual practice.

• Dhyana – Meditation.

• Advaita – Non-dual philosophy stating that the Self and ultimate reality are one.