Music in Uttar Pradesh | Course for UPPSC Preparation - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

Uttar Pradesh boasts a longstanding heritage of dance and musical traditions. Its expansive geographical expanse has fostered the flourishing of diverse classical, semi-classical, folk, and rural music and dance forms. Coupled with its historical significance as the hub of the Mughal Empire's artistic, musical, and dance connections, the state presents a vibrant blend of the pure and lively, cherished by both the people of the subcontinent and those abroad. Notably, the renowned Bhatkande School of Music is situated in Lucknow.

Hindustani Classical Music Uttar Pradesh

In the realm of Hindustani Classical Music, Uttar Pradesh has been home to luminaries such as Swami Haridas, a maestro whose mastery garnered global acclaim. Mian Tansen, a prominent classical music vocalist, composer, and musician, trained under Swami Haridas and became the court singer in Emperor Akbar’s durbar. Varanasi, or Benares, has long been a stronghold of Hindustani Classical Music, producing several accomplished musicians. The "Who’s Who" of Hindustani Classical Music reflects a significant presence of talented singers and musicians originating from Uttar Pradesh.

Ghazal

Ghazal, once confined to the royal courts of the Awadh region, has now transcended those boundaries, becoming more accessible to the common masses. Qawwalis, poetic expressions of Sufi saints, are typically sung in groups, creating a trance-like atmosphere during dances around the tombs of these saints. Marsiya, a solemn form, commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain, while Birha, a common folk music genre from eastern Uttar Pradesh, expresses the somber sentiments of separated wives.

Qawwali

Qawwalis are the poems of Sufi saints, usually sung in tandem by two or more people while others form a circle dancing around the tombs of Sufi saints with much fervour that the heady flavour of music and dance leads to a trance-like state.

Marsiya

Marsiya is the term used to refer to the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain. It is very solemn and the sad content of its lyrics and music is popular among the Shia Muslims.

Birha

Among the folk music genres especially from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Birha is the most common and very popular one. Birha denotes the sombre mood of lamenting wives who are separated from their husbands as they go in search of livelihoods.

Chaiti

Chaiti, sung during the Chaitra month, revolves around playful fights between lovers, while Kajari, often performed during the monsoon months, reflects the mood of separation.

Kajari

Mostly sung during the monsoon months, Kajari is also reflective of the mood of separation.

Dances of Uttar Pradesh

The dance forms in Uttar Pradesh can be categorized into "Classical" and Folk genres, each contributing to the state's cultural ethos.

Kathak

Kathak, the renowned classical dance form native to Uttar Pradesh, evolved during the Mughal era in the royal courts of Awadh. Kathak has been preserved over centuries and boasts famous exponents like Birju Maharaj. Lucknow and Banaras are home to two prominent gharanas (schools) of Kathak.

Rasiya

Rasiya, a dance associated with Radha-Krishna, is performed during festive occasions such as Holi and Janmashtami, honoring the sacred land of Brajbhoomi.
Additionally, various forms of folk dance and theater, including Ramlila, Raslila, Nautanki, and Naqal, are popular throughout Uttar Pradesh, performed on religious and cultural occasions.