Hindustani Classical Music Evolution

Evolution of Khyal and Gharanas: 18th-19th Century

In the 18th and 19th centuries, musicians moved away from Delhi to regional courts, leading to the rise of the Khyal form under Sadarang and the formation of gharanas.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

Archived: 2015

Updated: 26 May 2026

Exam Year

2015

Evidence Source

Link ↗

Which of the following statement(s) about the musical culture in 18th and 19th centuries North India is/are not correct?
1. The period was marked by the growing eminence of Sadarang Neamat Khan who introduced the khyal form.
2. A large number of musicians move out of regional centres to Delhi where they hoped they would receive more employment and patronage.
3. The period was marked by the formation of specific region based gharanas.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[CDS 2015 (I)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The decline of the central Mughal power in the 18th century led to a decentralization of the arts, where musicians sought patronage in provincial courts (Riyasats).

Authentic Source Evidence

Sadarang (Niamat Khan) revolutionized Hindustani music by popularizing the 'Khyal' at the court of Muhammad Shah 'Rangila'.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct; Sadarang is the father of the modern Khyal tradition.

Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect. Musicians moved away from Delhi to regional centers like Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jaipur due to political instability in the capital.

Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct; this decentralization led to the emergence of localized 'Gharanas' (styles/lineages).

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who was Sadarang and why is he significant?"

Niamat Khan (Sadarang) was a 18th-century court musician who transformed the heavy Dhrupad into the more ornate and versatile Khyal form.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The 'Gharana' system was a survival strategy for musicians during the transition from imperial to regional patronage."

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