A gharana is a musical lineage or school in Indian classical music.
It refers to a family or group of musicians who share a distinctive style of music passed down through generations.
Think of it as a musical family tradition that has been preserved and developed over time.
The word gharana literally translates to "household" or "family" in Hindi.
Here are some examples of famous gharanas in Indian classical music:
- Tabla Gharanas: Delhi Gharana, Lucknow Gharana, Ajrada Gharana
- Vocal Gharanas: Gwalior Gharana, Agra Gharana, Kirana Gharana, Patiala Gharana
- Kathak Gharanas: Jaipur Gharana, Lucknow Gharana, Banaras Gharana
Each gharana has its own unique characteristics, including:
- Raga interpretation
- Vocal techniques
- Instrumental styles
- Taal (rhythmic patterns)
These distinct characteristics are what define the sound of each gharana.
