Thumri is a popular genre of semi-classical Indian music that originated in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for its emotive and expressive nature, often focusing on themes of love and devotion. Thumri is a form of vocal music that is typically performed with a light classical style, characterized by its melodic and rhythmic variations.

Origin in Uttar Pradesh:
Uttar Pradesh, located in the northern part of India, is considered to be the birthplace of Thumri. This region has a rich musical heritage and has been the center of various classical and semi-classical music traditions. Thumri evolved in the royal courts of Lucknow and Varanasi, where it gained popularity among the nobility and aristocracy.

Thumri is believed to have emerged in the late 18th century, during the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh, who was a patron of the arts and a talented musician himself. The music and poetry of Thumri were greatly influenced by the culture and lifestyle of the nawabs and the courtesans of that era.

Characteristics of Thumri:
Thumri is characterized by its delicate and graceful melody, intricate ornamentations, and improvisations. It is usually performed in a slow to medium tempo, allowing the singer to explore the nuances of the raga (melodic framework) and express the emotions of the lyrics. The lyrics of Thumri are typically in Braj Bhasha, a dialect of Hindi, and often depict the pangs of separation, longing, and love.

Thumri is known for its use of vocal techniques such as meend (glides), gamak (ornamentations), and taans (fast melodic passages). It also incorporates elements of other classical forms like khyal and dadra. Thumri compositions are often set to a specific taal (rhythm cycle) such as Dadra, Keharwa, or Deepchandi.

Thumri Today:
Over the years, Thumri has evolved and adapted to contemporary tastes while retaining its essence. It has found its way into various forms of Indian music, including films and popular music. Many renowned musicians, both male and female, have contributed to the development and popularization of Thumri.

In conclusion, Thumri is a semi-classical genre of Indian music that originated in Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its emotive and expressive nature, intricate melody, and graceful ornamentations. Thumri continues to be cherished and performed by musicians and music lovers, keeping the rich tradition alive.