Voices of Gurmat Sangeet

The Sikh vocal tradition has been a constantly evolving tradition without any strict emphasis on any particular traditions. However, it would be important to note the evolution of the vocal styles. While we have very little knowledge of the “authentic” style of kirtan as practiced by the Sikh Gurus, or even if there was a singular style that was practiced across the time frame of the 10 human Gurus. The greater likelihood is that music, like living organisms, is subject to change and evolution. Yet, we are left with shards of evidence pointing towards various themes and styles based on the instruments used as well as from headings within Gurbani.

Dhrupad

The relationship between Gurbani Sangeet and Dhrupad is a highly interesting one. It is almost certain that the Sikh Gurus were well acquainted with Dhrupad singing, perhaps accomplished masters themselves. Dhrupad is a classical form of singing that originated in ancient and medieval India. Dhrupad is composed of four stanzas called the Sthayi, Antra, Sanchari and Abhog. This is a style known for its slow but elaborate long Alaap. These are musical improvisations that are akin to an introductory piece towards the composition. Its equivalent in the tabla sphere is the Peshkar. These Alaap are using vocal syllables rather than words and produce a serene and slow natured atmosphere. The instrument that Bhai Mardana played was likely a variation of the Dhrupad Rubab known as the Firandia Rubab, which produces a low-octave vibration when plucked. The low-octave frequency naturally suits the nature of Dhrupad singing, which suggests that Guru Nanak also sang at least some of his compositions in Dhrupad. However, the Guru’s message would have been given greater importance than the free flowing Alaap. Dr Gurnam Singh has suggested that a large percentage of Shabads were composed and rendered in Dhrupad (Singh, M. 2014). Other historical instruments that were played in the Guru’s Darbar include the Mridang and Pakhawaj. These instruments are strongly associated with the Dhrupad genre in Indian music. Prominent Sikh Dhrupad singers include Bhai Kirit Singh UK, Bhai Baldeep Singh, Ragi Balwant Singh Namdhari, Baba Jagjit Singh Namdhari and more. The Namdhari lineage is known for having learned Dhrupad from established Hindustani masters.

Khayal

Younger than Dhrupad in the scale of musical history is the Khayal style of singing. The name Khayal comes from the Arabic word for imagination. Thus, as the name suggests, it allows greater room for improvisation and is known for being heavily ornamented with vocal techniques such as Taans. Most notably, Khayal performances are usually shorter than Dhrupad and only contain two stanzas. That being the Sthayi and the Antra. Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself has composed the famous Dhima Khayal: Mitr Pyare Nu.

ਖਿਆਲ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀ ੧੦ ॥

Khayal of the Tenth King

ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਹਾਲੁ ਮੁਰੀਦਾਂ ਦਾ ਕਹਣਾ ॥

Convey to the dear friend the condition of the disciples,

ਤੁਧ ਬਿਨੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਰਜਾਈਆਂ ਦਾ ਓਢਣੁ ਨਾਗ ਨਿਵਾਸਾਂ ਦੇ ਰਹਣਾ ॥

Without Thee, the taking over of quilt is like disease and living in the house is like living with serpents

ਸੂਲ ਸੁਰਾਹੀ ਖੰਜਰੁ ਪਿਯਾਲਾ ਬਿੰਗ ਕਸਾਈਯਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਹਣਾ ॥

The flask is like the spike, the cup is like a dagger and (the separation) is like enduring the chopper of the butchers,

ਯਾਰੜੇ ਦਾ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸੱਥਰ ਚੰਗਾ ਭੱਠ ਖੇੜਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਰਹਣਾ ॥੧॥੧॥੬॥

The pallet of the beloved Friend is most pleasing and the worldly pleasures are like furnace.1.1 

Within this Khayal, the Guru expresses the loving pain of spiritual separation - Bairaag. 

According to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji Academy, Guru Gobind Singh ji was the first poet to compose a Khayal purely under the title ‘Khayal’ that follows all the regulations of the system. Khayal is now the most popular singing style sung in the Sikh institutions today.

Tarana

Tarana is a type of vocal singing in which the intelligible words are not sung but rather musical syllables. It uses syllables such as Dir Dir Dir. Guru Gobind Singh has composed a Tarana piece, ‘Tadar Dani Dani Tum Dani’ within Sarbloh Granth Sahib ji.

Reference List

Manjit Singh, 2014. Gurbani and Dhrupad-A Brief Exploration. https://www.dhrupad.com/home/articles/gurbani-and-dhrupad/