Dagars & Dhrupad: Divine Legacy

Dhrupad is one of the earliest and most dominant streams that has contributed to Hindustani classical music. According to faiyazuddin dagar (1934-1989), ” in the two parts of the Drupal, the Alap [the improvised section of a Raga, forming a prologue to the formal expression] is sung in free rhythm over drone, and the pada [word or phrase that signifies the concept of a Raga] is more a rhythmic poem accompanied by drumming over the two-headed Pakhawaj [the standard percussion instrument used in dhrupad]. it is a devotional and spiritual type of music – and though the basic style has not changed right from the earlier times 15 centuries ago individuality does come in and find its place.” The book traces the history of the illustrious dagar family through 20 generations of dhrupad singers and highlights their distinctive approach to this unique form of music. Rare photographs make the book all the more special. Contents: what is dhrupad?; generations of performers; conversing with the dagar brothers; death of a legend; passage of time; carrying on the legacy; wasifuddin dagar writes…; the dagar disciples.

HUMRA QURAISHI

Quraishi is a Delhi-based writer-columnist-journalist. Her books include Kashmir: The Untold Story and a volume of her collective writings, Views: Yours and Mine. She has co-authored two books with Khushwant Singh—The Good, The Bad and The Ridiculous and Absolute Khushwant. Her take on what it is like to be a singleton in today’s turbulent times is part of the anthology, chasing the Good Life: on Being Single. And one of her essays, The State Can’t Snatch Away Our Children, forms part of the anthology, Of Mothers and Others. Her short story collection, More Bad Time Tales, was released in 2014.