In the north, where song was subject to Arabian and Persian influences, it varies from dhrupad, meaning austere and without embellishment, to the more florid khyal, India's version of bel canto, or thumri, the style of light-hearted, tender love songs.
The dhrupad style is free from Arabian or Persian influence.
mnli hypothesis: The dhrupad style is free from Arabian or Persian influence. premise: In the north, where song was subject to Arabian and Persian influences, it varies from dhrupad, meaning austere and without embellishment, to the more florid khyal, India's version of bel canto, or thumri, the style of light-hearted, tender love songs.