The Gundecha Brothers visit RPP to share their Dhrupad Music 

Dhrupad is the world’s oldest style of Hundustani classical music. It has developed over the past three millennia, tracing its roots to the Sam Veda, and endeavors to bring spiritual peace and serenity to its performers and listeners. It is one of the core forms of classical music found throughout the Indian subcontinent. Like all Indian classical music, Dhrupad is modal and monophonic, with a single melodic line. Dhrupad is traditionally a vocal music form accompanied by a double-barrel drum call the pakhawaj. The purpose of Dhrupad is not simply to entertain, but to enhance the consciousness to bring listeners to a meditative state. 

Dhrupad’s elemental nature encompasses both rhythmic and tonal aspects that help alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of Parkinson’s desease, as well as calm the mind.

Pundit Umakant Gundecha and Shri Anant Ramakant Gundecha, son of late Pundit Ramakant Gundecha, known as The Gundecha Brothers are among the most active performers and teachers of Dhrupad globally today. 

Roland Park Place is honored to have them perform in our Arts and Education Center. We are grateful to The Shah family for inviting them and for providing this overview, and to Rita Collins for creating this video.