Dhrupad is an older form of Indian classical music. It is now regarded (by many) as an archaic form of Hindustani music.
A mainstream Hindustani vocal music concert features khyal. A dhrupad concert is specifically called out as a dhrupad concert.
In most traditions, the notion of exploring a raga in its totality prevails on the concert platform. The idea of exploring the raga is to discover oneself or divinity within the unlimited, expanding edifices of the raga and to become one with the nada bhrahmha.
Also featured in dhrupad concerts are compositions on a variety of themes.
Much of the common themes heard today are stutis (devotional compositions), compositions detailing musicological themes, or themes based on hori (Holi).
There are also dhrupads based on Islamic religious themes, dhrupads on Moslem saints, rulers and others.
For instance, there are dhrupads in praise of Kwaja Moinuddin Chisti who is entombed in Ajmer (Shariff) and whose tomb is visited by Hindus and Moslems alike in large numbers.
Hazrat Shaikh Qwaja Moinuddin Chishti lived between 1141 and 1230, about a 100 years prior to Gopala Nayaka, a figure held in regard in both the North and South INdian traditions of Indian music.
Qwaja is considered to be the founder and the most famous Sufi Saint of the Chishti order of the Indian subcontinent. His shrine has always attracted followers from around India. Emperor Akbar was a great patron of this shrine, and the song 'qwaja mere qwaja' in praise of this saint from the film Jodha Aqbar sung by AR Rahman is known to most connoisseurs of modern Bollywood music.
The dhrupad 'jnan guna Daata' is an interesting one; part of its lyrics are in the standard dhrupadiya brajbhasha dialect while some of the lines are in Urdu. This composition is in the raga sindhi bhairav in the 10 beat jhaptaal cycle.
Seen below is the first ever recording of this dhrupad, researched and produced by the author. The voice is that of 16 year old Vidita Kanniks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnOWbkMTlJE&feature=player_embedded
Note: Although this song is in praise of Qwaja Moinuddin Chishti, it is not part of the qawwali Sufi music genre. Sufi music is the music of the mystic sufis inspired by the works of Sufi poets such as Rumi.
About the author
Kanniks Kannikeswaran
www.kanniks.com