In Hindustani classical vocal music, which style is considered the oldest traditional form of vocal composition?

Introduction / Context:
Hindustani classical music has evolved over many centuries, developing several distinct vocal forms such as dhrupad, khayal, thumri and ghazal. These forms differ in age, structure, mood and performance practice. This question asks which of the given styles is considered the oldest traditional vocal form within the Hindustani system. Knowing this helps situate different styles in their historical context and is a common topic in music related general knowledge questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is explicitly about Hindustani classical vocal music.
• Thumri, ghazal and dhrupad are all important vocal genres, but from different periods.
• One of these is widely acknowledged as the most ancient structured form.
• The option none of the above is included as a distractor.

Concept / Approach:
Dhrupad is recognised by musicologists as the oldest surviving form of Hindustani classical vocal music. Its origins are traced to ancient devotional and courtly traditions and it is known for its austere, meditative and majestic character. Thumri is a later, lighter classical form with romantic and devotional themes. Ghazal is a poetic and musical genre with strong Persian influences and a different developmental path. The approach is to recall that when listing vocal forms historically, dhrupad appears as the earliest major style.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question asks specifically for the oldest form, not the most popular or the easiest. Step 2: Recall that dhrupad is associated with old temple traditions, royal courts and references in ancient music texts. Step 3: Recognise that thumri developed later as a romantic and expressive form often associated with dance and lighter moods. Step 4: Remember that ghazal as a sung form gained popularity with the spread of Persian and Urdu poetry and is not as old as dhrupad within the Hindustani classical framework. Step 5: Since dhrupad is widely described as the most ancient structured form of Hindustani vocal music, choose Dhrupad as the correct answer. Step 6: Reject none of the above because there is no need to look beyond the listed forms; dhrupad already fits the requirement.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard texts on Indian music history explain that dhrupad evolved from older chant like forms and was prominent in the medieval period, well before the flowering of khayal and thumri. They often mention that references to structures similar to dhrupad exist in ancient treatises. Thumri and ghazal are consistently placed in later chapters dealing with semi classical or light classical genres. This historical ordering confirms dhrupad as the oldest among the given options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Thumri is valued for its emotional expression and lyrical content but is a relatively newer form compared with the austere and ancient dhrupad tradition. Ghazal is strongly tied to Urdu and Persian poetic traditions and became musically prominent later, blending classical and light classical styles. Neither thumri nor ghazal can claim to be the oldest major form in the Hindustani classical vocal lineage. None of the above is incorrect because one listed option, dhrupad, already meets the described condition.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may confuse popularity with age and think thumri or ghazal are older because they have heard them more often in modern media. Others may overuse the none of the above choice when unsure. The best strategy is to remember that dhrupad is historically earlier and more closely tied to ancient temple and court music, while thumri and ghazal evolved later as more romantic and lyrical forms.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Dhrupad