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Gundecha Brothers to perform in Kochi

Leading exponents of the Dhrupad style of music Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha will perform in Kochi on February 5 at the Fine Arts Hall. Kerala Fine Arts Society and BEAME are jointly organising the programme.

Gundecha Brothers received conventional university education and learned the Dhrupad vocal art under the renowned Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar and with Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (the distinguished performer of Rudra Veena) in Dhrupad Kendra, Bhopal.

Dhrupad is the most ancient style of Hindustani classical music which has survived until today in its original form. The Dhrupad tradition is a major heritage of Indian culture. The nature of Dhrupad music is spiritual. Seeking not to entertain, but to induce feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener.

The word `Dhrupad' is derived from Dhruva, the steadfast evening star that moves through our galaxy and Pada means poetry. It is a form of devotional music which traces its origin to the ancient text of Sam Veda.

By the 11th century, Dhrupad music crystallised into a perfect form, which has retained its original structure and purity through to the present day. One significant characteristic of Dhrupad is the emphasis on maintaining purity of the Ragas and the Swaras.

The language of Dhrupad changed from Sanskrit to Brijbhasha sometime between the 12th and the 16th century. About six centuries ago, Dhrupad came to be patronised by the royal courts.

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K. Venkiteswaran

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