Styles in Hindustani Music: Dhrupad

It is one of the oldest and grandest forms of Hindustani classical music and finds its mention even in Natyashastra.
Dhrupad owes its roots to older forms like Prabhanda and Dhruvapada.
Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior and Emperor Akbar played a significant part in the growth and development of Dhrupad.
Other personalities who contributed to the development of Dhrupad are: Tansen, Baiju Bawra, and Swami Haridas.
The lyrics are generally in Braj Basha and involve veera and sringar rasas.
Dhrupad declined in the 18th century.
Some of the major gharanas of Dhrupad are – Dagarvani gharana, Bishnupur gharana, Darbhanga gharana, Mallik gharana, and Bettiah gharana.

A gharana is a system of social organisation linking musicians or dancers by lineage or apprenticeship, and by adherence to a particular musical style.
Some of the gharanas well known for singing Hindustani classical music are: Agra, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Kirana, and Patiala.