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 dhrupad, 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