'Gharana' is derived from the root word 'Ghar' connoting house, home and most appropriately family. The term is applied to the various schools of Hindustani classical music, especially khayal. The concept is closely linked to the oral tradition, the Guru-Shishya Parampara and to the ethos of the guild system, which continues to operate in the development and handing over of skills from father to son, in closeted traditions in many fields of Indian learning and expertise.

As Indian art music flowed along the millenia developing from gandharva to gana, and from prabandha to dhrupad to khayal, multifarious sub-traditions of raga music crystallised into several gharanas of khayal as we know them today. These lineages germinated around seats of patronage and often were named after them.

The critical factor individual styles of rendition, which acquired distinct and special aesthetic value, along with individual repertoires of compositions and even raga specialties. The styles of the gharanas often tend to be dominant creations of individuals, whose command over audiences has been extraordinary.

As Indian classical music moves into the 21st century, it is significantly redefining its position within the blitz of commercial music proliferation. The sensitive and subtle aesthetics of gharana individualities may merge into an electric approach. Yet, representing the aesthetic and functional value of heritage (virasat) - living tributes to centuries of disciplined artistic endeavor.