A Bandish is a fixed, melodic composition in Hindustani classical music.

Here are key aspects of a Bandish:

• Composition: It's a pre-composed song, similar to a song in other music genres.
• Melody and Rhythm: It is set to a specific raga (melodic framework) and tala (rhythmic cycle).
• Text: A Bandish typically includes lyrics, often devotional, romantic, or descriptive in nature.
• Performance: Musicians use the Bandish as a base for improvisation, expanding on the melody and rhythm within the rules of the raga and tala.
• Structure: Bandishes often have two main sections:
  • Sthayi: The first, lower-pitched section
  • Antara: A second, higher-pitched section that expands upon the sthayi.

Bandishes serve as essential tools for learning and performing Hindustani classical music, providing a framework for creativity and expression.