Old Form of Singing
Dhammar is a very old style of singing. The name “dhammar“is also applied to instrumental renditions of the same. It has many similarities to dhrupad. The major difference is that it is slightly more romantic. Themes of dhammar typically revolve around Krishna and the Holi festival. In fact the dhammar is often called “hori” (holi). It is typically performed in dhammar tal of 14 beats. Dhammar, like its cousin the dhrupad, is rarely heard today.
There are a number instruments which are used to accompany dhammar style of singing. The tanpura is the ubiquitous base for dhammar, as it is in almost all classical music; this provides the necessary drone upon which the modal quality of the music is displayed. The pakhawaj is the preferred rhythmic accompaniment. Although dhammar, like dhrupad. does not require any more than this, one sometimes finds rudra vina, sursringar, or seni rabab used as accompaniment.
Both dhammar and dhrupad share a curious relationship between the pakhawaj and the main performer. In the majority of North Indian classical music, it is the responsibility of the tabla to be the timekeeper. However the pakhawaj is generally not the timekeeper for dhammar. Therefore, in traditional performances there is no theka as we would normally think of it. A similar relationship exists between the mridangam and main performer in Carnatic music.
Selected Video
Other Sites of Interest
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Multiple Viewpoint Modeling of North Indian Classical Vocal Compositions
Sonic Performativity: Analysing Gender in North Indian Classical Vocal Music