Thumri
Sign in to saveThumri () is a vocal genre or style of Indian music. The term derives from the Bhojpuri verb thumak, which describes a rhythmic, dancing walk that makes ankle-bells jingle. The form is thus connected with dance, dramatic gestures, mild eroticism, and evocative love poetry and folk songs (especially from Uttar Pradesh.)
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10 sectionsContents
- Structure
- Origins
- Thumri and khayal
- Noted thumri artists
- Purab ang
- Classical thumri
- Lyrics
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Thumri () is a vocal genre or style of Indian music. The term derives from the Bhojpuri verb thumak, which describes a rhythmic, dancing walk that makes ankle-bells jingle. The form is thus connected with dance, dramatic gestures, mild eroticism, and evocative love poetry and folk songs (especially from Uttar Pradesh.)
The texts range from the romantic to the devotional, often layering both, with lyrics typically composed in Awadhi, Bhojpuri, or Brij Bhasha. Thumri is defined by this sensuality, and a melodic flexibility that allows the performer to venture beyond the raga’s strict structure to heighten emotional expression (rasa).