---
title: "Gharana: Hindustani Music Lineages | Model Diplomat"
description: "A gharana is a lineage-based school of Hindustani classical music, vital for preserving distinct styles through the guru-shishya tradition."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/gharana"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A gharana is a lineage-based stylistic school of Hindustani classical music or dance in which a distinct aesthetic is transmitted across generations through a master-disciple tradition.
- What criteria distinguish a recognised gharana from an individual style?
- How does a gharana differ from a raga or a genre like khayal?
- Why are gharanas named after places like Gwalior, Kirana, or Patiala?
- Has the gharana system declined in the modern era?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

A gharana is a lineage-based stylistic school of Hindustani classical music or dance in which a distinct aesthetic is transmitted across generations through a master-disciple tradition.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Gharana like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Gharana

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Gharana](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Gharana%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 1936 the vocalist Abdul Karim Khan, foremost exponent of the Kirana gharana, was performing across the princely states, his slow melodic style later carried to national prominence by his disciples Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Gharana beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.