The tarana genre of vocal singing is a form of nibadh (closed) sangeet and as such observes the structural requirements of the form. Rhythmic accompaniment is important in this fast-paced singing style that uses sargams and vocables lime na, ta, re, da, ni, odani, tanom, yalali, yalalom. While many dismiss the text of tarana as meaningless, there are others who point to its Persian ancestry and the possibly mystical nature of the sounds.

Tarana singing is attributed to Amir Khusro, as are most musical forms that cannot trace their ancestry. Legend places Amir Khusro at a performance of raga Kadambak by Gopal Naik. Khusro allegedly remembered the music but not text, and created the tarana through a merging of bols from the tabla, the sitar or the mridang. However, since the sitar and tabla were not in existence during Khusro's lifetime, this story cannot be validated!

A more acceptable source is the prabandha sangit of the thirteenth century that gave rise to similar forms such as the ancient kaivad that in turn sourced the tirvat. The similarities between tirvat and tarana singing cannot be overlooked.

Classical ragas form the melodic structure of tarana singing and there is a marked resemblance to the tillana singing of Carnatic music.

Tarana singing is included in the repertoires of classical performers including Amir Khan, Nissar Hussain Khan, Krishnarao Pandit, Kumar Gandharva. Among current artistes: Ustad Rashid Khan, Veena Sahasrabuddhe, Padma Talwarkar, Malini Rajurkar.

Vocal Hindustani Music : Dhrupad, Dharmar, Khayal, Tappa, Thumri.

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