Not all classical-based music is as strict as khayal or dhrupad. There is a family of light classical forms that blend raag grammar with freer lyrics, folk influences, and romantic or devotional themes.
Thumri
Thumri is perhaps the most famous light classical form. It:
- Uses raags, but with more flexible rules.
- Focuses heavily on emotion, especially romantic or devotional.
- Often uses the Bol-banav style – stretching words expressively.
Thumris are often in raags like Kafi, Bhairavi, or Pilu – raags that naturally lend themselves to emotional coloring and gentle ornamentation.
Dadra
Dadra is both a taal (6 beats) and a light classical form. Dadra songs are usually romantic, playful, or devotional, with catchy, folk-style melodies.
Seasonal and folk-linked forms
- Kajri – associated with the monsoon; often from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar folk traditions.
- Chaiti – sung in the month of Chaitra (spring), with seasonal themes.
- Hori – based on Holi festival; lyrics often describe Krishna playing with colors and the gopis.
These forms use classical raags but allow more freedom with notes and phrases – similar to how a jazz standard might be sung more loosely in a pop context but still retain its basic harmonic structure.
For many newcomers, light classical music is a gentle bridge: you get raag flavor without all the intensity of a 45-minute khayal.