Dhrupad is one of the most ancient musical forms in India, whose roots are traced back to the 2000-year-old tradition of chanting hymns from the Vedas. Dhrupad, literally meaning 'slow step', can be characterised as a musical exploration of sound. Subjects used as a source for dhrupad poetry include hymns in praise of Hindu and Islamic saints as well as philosophical reflections on music. Today, Dhrupad is a musical style that is outside the mainstream of classical Indian music. Nevertheless, it is a vibrant and living tradition that influences and in turn eclectically absorbs elements from different musical styles.

The brothers Umakant Gundecha and Ramakant Gundecha have come to be recognised as two of the leading exponents of the new generation of Dhrupad vocalists.