Indian Classical Music And Sikh Kirtan by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982 Asthai and Antra |
| Asthai and Antra Asthai is the basic and opening part of the raga. It is repeated throughout the alaap. Asthai brings together melody, rhythm and tempo. It has definite form and is repeated from time to time. It offers the raga a framework, a skeleton for the performer to fill in with his improvisation. It generally moves in the lower tetrachord. Antra is the second section of the raga which generally relates to the upper tetrachord. It is fixed composition and complements the asthai. As we see the world in two different aspects in day and night, so we see a raga in different lights in antra and asthai. Both asthai and antra hold an important place in the singing of khayal, dhrupad and dhamar. |