GHARANAS Meaning and
Definition
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Gharanas, in the context of Indian classical music, refer to distinct musical lineages or schools of thought that have developed over generations. The term 'gharana' is derived from the Hindi/Sanskrit word 'ghar', which means 'house' or 'family'. Gharanas are essentially musical families, each with its own unique style, technique, and repertoire.
Gharanas originated in the medieval period in the Indian subcontinent when prominent musicians established their own schools and passed down their knowledge and skills to their disciples. These gurus and their lineages became known as gharanas. The gharanas have played a significant role in the preservation and evolution of Indian classical music.
Each gharana has its distinctive approach to rhythm, melody, ornamentation, and improvisation. They have their own set of compositions, known as 'bandishes', which are specific to their style. The gharanas also have varying emphasis on particular ragas, musical structures, and techniques. The teaching and learning of music within each gharana are traditionally done through a close-knit guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) relationship, ensuring the preservation of the gharana's unique essence.
Some prominent gharanas include the Kirana, Agra, Patiala, Rampur-Sahaswan, and Jaipur-Atrauli gharanas. Each gharana boasts renowned musicians who have contributed significantly to Indian classical music's rich heritage.
While gharanas have their individuality, there is also a healthy exchange of ideas and cross-pollination of styles amongst them, leading to the evolution of music as a whole. Gharanas have been instrumental in shaping the distinct regional flavors within Indian classical music and have played a crucial role in its continued development and diversity
Etymology of GHARANAS
The word "gharanas" comes from the Hindustani language, which is a combination of Hindi and Urdu. In Hindustani classical music, "gharanas" refers to distinct musical traditions or schools that have their origins in different regions of India.
The etymology of the word "gharanas" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to derive from the Persian word "gharāne", which means a house or dwelling. This is because the different gharanas were often associated with specific families or lineages who were the custodians of their respective musical traditions. Over time, the word "gharanas" came to represent not just the physical dwelling place of these families but also their unique styles, techniques, and repertoire.
