bandish
A bandish is a fixed melodic composition in Indian classical music, primarily found in the genres of Hindustani and Carnatic music. It serves as a framework for improvisation and is typically set in a specific raga (melodic framework) and tala (rhythmic cycle). Bandishes can be vocal or instrumental and often include lyrics that convey emotions or themes.
Bandishes are usually performed in various styles, such as khayal in Hindustani music or kriti in Carnatic music. They are essential for teaching and learning, as they help musicians understand the nuances of improvisation while adhering to the structure of the raga and tala.