Why in the News?

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a maestro of Hindustani classical music and Padma Vibhushan recipient, passed away at 89.

About Thumri Music:

• Nature: Thumri is a semi-classical vocal genre of North India known for its emphasis on emotion (bhava) rather than rigid raga structure.
• Origin: Developed in the 19th century under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow; later enriched in Banaras, where it absorbed devotional and folk influences.
• Etymology: Derived from thumakna (“to walk gracefully”), reflecting its rhythmic, fluid, and expressive nature tied to Kathak dance.
• Themes: Revolves around Sringara rasa—love, separation, and devotion—especially Radha-Krishna narratives; often sung from a female perspective.
• Language: Primarily in Braj Bhasha, Awadhi, and Hindi, with traces of Urdu and Sanskrit.
• Musical Features:
  • Uses popular ragas like Bhairavi, Khamaj, Kafi and tālas like Dadra and Keherva.
  • Allows improvisation, vocal ornamentation (murki, meend, gamak), and interpretive freedom.
• Forms of Thumri:
  • Bandish-ki-Thumri: Structured composition, rhythmically defined.
  • Bol-Banao Thumri: Lyrical, slow, emotive style allowing deeper expression.
• Major Gharanas:
  • Lucknow Gharana: Courtly refinement and dance association (Begum Akhtar).
  • Banaras Gharana: Devotional Purab Ang tradition (Girija Devi, Rasoolan Bai, Siddheshwari Devi, Chhannulal Mishra).
  • Patiala Gharana: Fast, rhythm-oriented style with tappa influence (Bade Ghulam Ali Khan).

Thumri and Indian Classical Tradition:

• Position in the Hindustani system:
  • Thumri is semi-classical, bridging the gap between pure classical forms (like Khayal and Dhrupad) and folk/dance traditions.
  • It prioritises emotional storytelling over technical display, making classical music accessible to the wider public.
• Connection with Kathak:
  • Thumri complements Kathak dance, aiding abhinaya (expressive gesture) through musical narration.
• Hindustani vs Carnatic contrast:
  • Hindustani classical music (North India) focuses on raga improvisation;
  • Carnatic music (South India) is composition-centric with structured kritis and rigid tala frameworks.
• Cultural Role:
  • Thumri mirrors the fusion of classical, folk, and devotional idioms, symbolising India’s cultural inclusivity.
  • It thrives on the interplay of bhava (emotion), raga (melody), and laya (rhythm)—a trinity central to Indian aesthetics.

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