Dhrupad is one of the most ancient forms of North Indian Classical Music. Dhrupad compositions are full of religious, heroic and erotic themes and quite often are eulogies of gods and kings. Since the earliest Dhrupadas had invariably a devotional content, it is held that the Dhrupads originated in the religious-music of ancient times. The diversity of approach and style in dhrupad is now represented by five major Gharanas practicing the genre.

Dagar Gharana: This is the oldest gharana of classical dhrupad. It was found by Nayak Haridas Dagar in the sixteenth century. Its descendants converted to Islam during the eighteenth century. Major contributions to the upkeep of the Dagar tradition came from Rahim Fahimuddin and Hussein Sayeeduddin, as well as the grandsons of Zakiruddin Khan who revived the majestic Rudra Veena as a concert instrument. In recent times, its most eminent representatives have been vocalists, Nasir Moinuddin Dagar and Nasir Aminuddin Dagar and the bina maestro, Zia Mohiuddin Dagar

Darbhanga Gharana: This gharana was founded in the eighteenth century by two brothers, Radha-Krsna and Karttaram, whose descendents have carried the "Mallik" surname. In the post-Independence era, the most distinguished musicians of this lineage have been Ramchatur Mallik and Vidur Mallik.

Bettiah Gharana: This gharana was founded in the seventeenth century; but it mainly flourished during the nineteenth century. It exercised great influence over Dhrupad in the entire eastern region. Musicians of Bettiah are believed to have taught the founders of the once influential Bishnupur gharana in Bengal. Bettiah is represented, on the contemporary concert platform, by Indrakishore Mishra.

Talwandi Gharana: This gharana formerly originated in north-west India but now is in Pakistan. It is currently based in Lahore. Although its music is entirely based on dhrupad, it has "Islamized" its poetic content. Very little is known about its contemporary musicianship. It puts emphasis on the Alaap.

Mathura Gharana: This is the oldest gharana of Ha veil Sangita, the dhrupad tradition of the Vaisnavite temples. Though its members have stepped out of the ecclesiastical environment for a nominal presence on the concert platform, their art has not made a complete transition to the elaborate format of contemporary dhrupad.