Khayal
Also called: Khyal · Topic: The Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Khayal (also spelt khyal) is a form of Hindustani classical vocal music. The word means "imagination" or "thought". It gives the singer more freedom than the older, stricter Dhrupad style. Singers improvise and add many ornaments and quick runs of notes. It became prominent in the 18th century, when the later Mughal court once again supported music.
Example
At the court of the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah "Rangila" (r. 1719–1748) in Delhi, the singer Niamat Khan, known as Sadarang, composed many khayal songs. These helped make khayal a leading classical style, which it still is today.
Don't confuse with
- Dhrupad: an older, more serious and strictly structured style. It was the main classical vocal form at the courts of Akbar and his successors. Khayal is freer and more ornamented.
Related concepts
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- Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb
- Akbar's tomb, Sikandra
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- Mughal miniature painting
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- Muraqqa