North Indian light classical music encompasses Thumri, Dadra, Hori, Chaiti, Kajri, Jhoola, Sawan and Ghazal. It has a mystical dimension which enables its absorption of Sufi poetry. Deliberately condensed for the layperson, this book maps the history, philosophy and practical aspects of Hindustani light classical music. Belonging to Lucknow Gharana, Rekha Surya perpetuates the legacy of her mentor Begum Akhtar by keeping alive traditional ghazal-gayaki. Having also honed her skills under the tutelage of another legend, Girja Devi of Benaras Gharana, Rekha Surya has combined both styles of singing into an individualistic style. The infusion of spirituality into an essentially romantic genre is a unique part of her repertoire-the ancient literary traditions she draws from have both Muslim and Hindu cultural references.