---
title: "Khayal: Hindustani Vocal Genre Explained | Model Diplomat"
description: "Khayal is the primary vocal genre of Hindustani classical music, known for its improvisation and is essential for understanding Indian musical traditions."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/khayal"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Khayal is the dominant vocal genre of Hindustani classical music, built on improvised elaboration of a raga around a fixed composition.
- How does khayal differ from dhrupad?
- What is a bandish in khayal?
- What are the main khayal gharanas?
- Why is khayal relevant to UPSC General Studies?

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

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In 2008 the Government of India conferred the Bharat Ratna on Bhimsen Joshi of the Kirana gharana, recognising a lifetime of khayal performance that carried the genre from princely courts to national broadcast audiences.

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