- It is a light form based on the romantic-religious literature inspired by the Bhakti movement.
- It became famous under the patronage of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
- It employs folk scales, and the text of the songs is of primary importance.
- Themes from the lives of Lord Krishna and Radha are common.
- Lyrics are primarily in Braj Bhasha.
- Main gharanas of this style are: Benaras, Lucknow and Patiala.