Tarana

Tarana is a type of composition in Hindustani classical vocal music in which certain words based on Persian and Arabic phonemes are rendered at a medium or fast rate. It was invented by Amir Khusro. In modern times, the singer Amir Khan helped popularize it and researched its origins and the syllables used. Nissar Hussain Khan was a tarana singer.

Form

A second, contrasting melody, usually with higher notes, is introduced once before returning to the main melody. The tarana may include a Persian quatrain, and may use syllables from sitar or tabla such as "dar-dar" or "dir-dir"; singers might recite full compositions within the body of the tarana.

History

, a commentator on Indian music, said: