- The term Khayal has Persian origins and means ‘idea or imagination’.
- Its origin is attributed to Amir Khusro and Sultan Mohammed Sharqui.
- Khayal is a delicate and romantic composition.
- They were composed in the praise of Lord Krishna.
- It provides more freedom in structure and composition.
- Some of the major gharanas associated with this style include: Gwalior (oldest), Kirana, Patiala, Agra, and Jaipur Gharana.
- It is usually accompanied by a tabla (pair of drums) and a tambura (flute) in a variety of talas (metric cycles).