This World Music Day, discover the rich roots of Hindustani classical music through its legendary gharanas.
World Music Day is a celebration of music in all its forms—a day that brings people together through the shared joy of sound. As the world taps into different musical traditions on June 21, it’s the perfect moment to rediscover the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music—one of India’s most cherished art forms. At the heart of this tradition are ‘gharanas’—musical families or schools, each with its own style, technique, and way of expressing a raga. The word ‘gharana’ comes from the Urdu word for ‘house’, symbolizing the passing down of musical wisdom through generations. This World Music Day 2025, we shine a light on some of the most celebrated Hindustani ‘gharanas’ that continue to shape the sound of Indian classical music today.
The Gwalior Gharana is regarded as the oldest and most influential ‘Khyal’ gharana in Hindustani classical music. Often called the “Gangotri”—or the origin—of ‘Khyal’ singing, it holds a special place as the foundation from which many other gharanas have evolved. Known for its rich history and timeless appeal, the Gwalior Gharana has shaped the core structure of ‘Khyal’ performance. Two of its most legendary figures were Tansen and Baiju Bawra, whose musical brilliance continues to inspire generations.
The Agra Gharana is a prominent tradition of Hindustani classical vocal music, tracing its roots back to the Nauhar Bani. Its journey began with Nayak Gopal, the first known musician of this style. In its early days, the gharana focused on powerful ‘Dhrupad’ and ‘Dhamar’ singing. Over time, it became known for its strong voice training and complex raga development. The gharana emphasizes both strength and depth in vocal delivery. Musical legends like Ustad Faiyaz Khan and Vilayat Hussain Khan helped shape the gharana’s identity and carried its legacy forward, making it a vital part of India’s classical music heritage.
The Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana was founded by the legendary Alladiya Khan in the late 19th century. Though rooted in the ‘Dhrupad’ traditions of the Atrauli and Dagarbani lineages, it became best known for its unique style of ‘Khyal’ singing. Over the years, the gharana built a strong identity marked by intricate raga structures, technical brilliance, and a distinctive vocal style. It has given Indian classical music some of its finest artists, including Kishori Amonkar, Kesarbai Kerkar, Mogubai Kurdikar, Laxmibai Jadhav, and many others.
The Patiala Gharana emerged in the mid to late 19th century, founded by Mian Kallu, a ‘sarangi’ player from the Jaipur court. While he laid the foundation, it was the iconic duo of Ali Baksh Khan and Fateh Ali Khan who brought fame to the gharana, spreading its influence across the Indian subcontinent. Drawing inspiration from the Delhi, Gwalior, Rewa, and Jaipur gharanas, Patiala developed a rich and expressive style of its own. It is especially known for its soulful renditions of ‘ghazals’, ‘thumris’, and ‘khayals’, marked by intricate taans.
The Kirana Gharana became popular in the 19th century through the efforts of Bande Ali Khan and his cousins, Abdul Karim Khan and Abdul Wahid Khan. Known for its emotional depth and focus on pure notes, the Kirana style gives special importance to each ‘swar’ (note), treating it with great care and expression. One of its signature elements is the ‘pukar’—a powerful, high-pitched call that brings emotion to the performance. The gharana is also known for its detailed and flowing ‘sargam taans’ (note patterns). Iconic singers like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Firoz Dastur, and Mohammed Rafi helped make the soulful sound of Kirana Gharana loved by music lovers everywhere.
