Various Advanced Terms in HIndustani Instrumental (Ladi, Lad Guthao, Lad Lapet etc)
In Hindustani instrumental music, especially in sitar, sarod, surbahar, and violin, terms like Ladi, Lad-guthao, Lad-lapet, and Ladant relate to rhythmic-melodic development in gat and taan playing.
1. Ladi (लड़ी)
Meaning:
A Ladi is a chain or series of similar patterned notes played in sequence.
In practice:
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Repeated note-patterns moving stepwise or rhythmically
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Common in drut gat
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Builds momentum and brightness
Example (Teentaal):
Sa Re Sa Re | Ga Ma Ga Ma | Pa Dha Pa Dha
2. Lad-Guthao (लड़ गुथाओ)
Meaning:
“Guthao” means to interweave.
In practice:
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Interlocking of swaras, bol patterns, and rhythm
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Not straight taan — more crafted and layered
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Uses meend, kan-swar, and subtle layakari
Creates a dense, intellectual musical texture.
3. Lad-Lapet (लड़ लपेट)
Meaning:
“Lapet” means to wrap around.
In practice:
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Notes wrap around a main swara
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Use of murki, khatka, zamzama
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Circular phrasing around vadi or nyas swara
Example:
Ga (Re Ga Re Sa) Ga
Adds ornamentation and expressive beauty.
4. Ladant (लड़ंत)
Meaning:
Derived from “ladna” (to engage or playfully compete).
In practice:
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Rhythmic interplay between soloist and tabla
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Advanced layakari
-
Typically appears in the climax of drut
Includes:
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Cross-rhythms
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Tihais
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Off-beat entries
Creates excitement and dramatic tension.
Quick Comparison
| Term | Nature | Focus | Feeling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladi | Linear chain | Speed & flow | Bright |
| Lad-Guthao | Interwoven | Structure | Intellectual |
| Lad-Lapet | Wrapped phrases | Ornamentation | Expressive |
| Ladant | Rhythmic duel | Layakari | Dramatic |
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