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North Indian light classical music encompasses Thumri, Dadra, Hori, Chaiti, Kajri, Jhoola, Sawan and Ghazal. It has a mystical dimension which enables its absorption of Sufi poetry. Deliberately condensed for the layperson, this book maps the history, philosophy and practical aspects of Hindustani light classical music.

Contents: 1. A Brief History of North Indian Music. 2. The Concept of Raga and Tala. 3. Improvisation. 4.Thumri’s Characteristics. 5. Commonalities, Differences between Thumri and Khayal. 6. Thumri’s Gharana-s. 7. Thumri’s Origin. 8. Thumri in Kathak. 9. Poets of Thumri-texts. 10. The Allied Forms of Thumri. 11. Ghazal Related to Thumri. 12. Ghazal’s Literary Aspect. 13. Mystical Poetry in Light Classical Music. 14. A Feminist View of Thumri and its Ilk. 15. Begum Akhtar, Girija Devi as Mentors. 16. Concert-Trips as Novel Experiences. 17. Modernity’s Effect on Tradition The Future of Light Classical Music.