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{{short description|Type of composition in Hindustani classical vocal music}}
{{short description|Type of composition in Hindustani classical vocal music}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Hindustani Classical Music infobox}}
{{Hindustani Classical Music}}
'''''Tarana''''' is a type of composition in [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani classical]] vocal music in which certain words and syllables (e.g. "odani", "todani", "tadeem" and "yalali") based on [[Persian language|Persian]] and [[Arabic language|Arabic]] phonemes<ref>[http://www.itcsra.org/sra_glossary_index2.html ITCSRA Glossary - Tarana]</ref> are rendered at a medium (''madhya laya'') or fast (''drut laya''). It was invented by [[Amir Khusro]] (1253-1325 CE),<ref>{{cite book
'''''Tarana''''' is a type of composition in [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani classical]] vocal music in which certain words (e.g. "odani", "todani", "tadeem" and "yalali") based on [[Persian language|Persian]] and [[Arabic language|Arabic]] phonemes are rendered at a medium (''madhya laya'') or fast (''drut laya'') rate. It was invented by [[Amir Khusro]] (1253–1325 CE)<ref>{{cite book
  | last = Massey
  | last = Massey
  | first = Reginald
  | first = Reginald
  | title = India's Dances
  | title = India's Dances
| year = 2004
  | publisher = Abhinav Publications
  | publisher = Abhinav Publications
  | pages = 13
  | pages = 13
  | isbn = 81-7017-434-1
  | isbn = 81-7017-434-1
}}</ref> and is similar to the Qalbana form of Sufi poetry. In modern times, the tarana is most commonly associated with the singer [[Amir Khan (singer)|Amir Khan]], who helped popularize it and researched its origins and the syllables used. [[Nissar Hussain Khan]] was also well known for tarana singing. Tarana was also used by [[Sikh]] tenth [[Guru Gobind Singh]] in his compositions.
}}</ref>.{{explain|date=July 2022}} In modern times, the singer [[Amir Khan (singer)|Amir Khan]] helped popularize it and researched its origins and the syllables used. [[Nissar Hussain Khan]] was a tarana singer.


==Form==
==Form==
The structure consists of a main melody, usually short, repeated many times, with variation and elaboration at the performer's discretion. There is a second, contrasting melody, usually with higher notes, which is introduced once before returning to the main melody.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} The tarana may include a [[ruba'i|Persian couplet]], and may use syllables from [[sitar]] or [[tabla]] such as "dar-dar" or "dir-dir"; singers might recite full compositions (e.g. tihais, gats, tukdas) within the body of the tarana.
A second, contrasting melody, usually with higher notes, is introduced once before returning to the main melody.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} The tarana may include a [[ruba'i|Persian quatrain]], and may use syllables from [[sitar]] or [[tabla]] such as "dar-dar" or "dir-dir"; singers might recite full compositions (e.g. tihais, gats, tukdas){{explain|date=July 2022}} within the body of the tarana.


==History==
==History==
In the words of [[Thakur Jaidev Singh]], an influential commentator on Indian music{{long quote|date=August 2021}}:
[[Thakur Jaidev Singh]], a commentator on Indian music, said:


{{quote|
{{quote|
[Tarana] was entirely an invention of Khusrau. Tarana is a Persian word meaning a song. Tillana is a corrupt form of this word. True, Khusrau had before him the example of Nirgit songs using śuṣk-akṣaras (meaningless words) and pāṭ-akṣaras (mnemonic syllables of the mridang). Such songs were in vogue at least from the time of Bharat. But generally speaking, the Nirgit used hard consonants. Khusrau introduced two innovations in this form of vocal music. Firstly, he introduced mostly Persian words with soft consonants. Secondly, he so arranged these words that they bore some sense. He also introduced a few Hindi words to complete the sense…. It was only Khusrau’s genius that could arrange these words in such a way to yield some meaning. Composers after him could not succeed in doing so, and the tarana became as meaningless as the ancient Nirgit.<ref>{{Cite book | author=Singh, Thakur Jai Deva | chapter=Khusrau’s Musical Compositions | editor=Ansari, Zoe | title=Life, Times & Works of Amir Khusrau Dehlavi | year=1975 | publisher=National Amir Khusrau Society | location=New Delhi | pages=276}}</ref>
[Tarana] was entirely an invention of Khusrau... True, Khusrau had before him the example of Nirgit songs using śuṣk-akṣaras (meaningless words) and pāṭ-akṣaras (mnemonic syllables of the mridang)... But generally speaking, the Nirgit used hard consonants. Khusrau... introduced mostly Persian words with soft consonants. Secondly, he so arranged these words that they bore some sense.<ref>{{Cite book | author=Singh, Thakur Jai Deva | chapter=Khusrau’s Musical Compositions | editor=Ansari, Zoe | title=Life, Times & Works of Amir Khusrau Dehlavi | year=1975 | publisher=National Amir Khusrau Society | location=New Delhi | pages=276}}</ref>
}}
}}
==Derivatives==
The ''[[thillana]]'' from [[Carnatic music]] is based on the tarana, according to [[Balasaraswati]],<ref>Discussion with Amir Khan, from the AIR archives, commercially unpublished.</ref> and is widely used in dance performances.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Indian styles of music]]
[[Category:Indian styles of music]]
[[Category:Hindustani music]]
[[Category:Hindustani music genres]]
[[Category:Hindustani music terminology]]
[[Category:Hindustani music terminology]]

Latest revision as of 04:22, 11 November 2025


Tarana is a type of composition in Hindustani classical vocal music in which certain words (e.g. "odani", "todani", "tadeem" and "yalali") based on Persian and Arabic phonemes are rendered at a medium (madhya laya) or fast (drut laya) rate. It was invented by Amir Khusro (1253–1325 CE)[1].[further explanation needed] In modern times, the singer Amir Khan helped popularize it and researched its origins and the syllables used. Nissar Hussain Khan was a tarana singer.

Form[edit | edit source]

A second, contrasting melody, usually with higher notes, is introduced once before returning to the main melody.[citation needed] The tarana may include a Persian quatrain, and may use syllables from sitar or tabla such as "dar-dar" or "dir-dir"; singers might recite full compositions (e.g. tihais, gats, tukdas)[further explanation needed] within the body of the tarana.

History[edit | edit source]

Thakur Jaidev Singh, a commentator on Indian music, said:

[Tarana] was entirely an invention of Khusrau... True, Khusrau had before him the example of Nirgit songs using śuṣk-akṣaras (meaningless words) and pāṭ-akṣaras (mnemonic syllables of the mridang)... But generally speaking, the Nirgit used hard consonants. Khusrau... introduced mostly Persian words with soft consonants. Secondly, he so arranged these words that they bore some sense.[2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Massey, Reginald (2004). India's Dances. Abhinav Publications. p. 13. ISBN 81-7017-434-1.
  2. Singh, Thakur Jai Deva (1975). "Khusrau's Musical Compositions". In Ansari, Zoe (ed.). Life, Times & Works of Amir Khusrau Dehlavi. New Delhi: National Amir Khusrau Society. p. 276.

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