GLOSSARY OF TERMS IN HINDI / SANSKRIT Bade Guruji – Elder teacher; Teacher’s teacher Bandish – A fixed, melodic composition in Hindustani vocal or instrumental music Bhajans – Devotional songs Bhakti – Devotion Chela – Disciple Gharana – A system of social organization linking musicians or dancers by lineage or apprenticeship, and by adherence to a particular musical style Guruji – Teacher, mentor and guide Gurukul – A type of school in India, residential in nature, with students living near the guru, often within the same house Guru Dakshina – The tradition of repaying (not exclusively monetary payment) one’s teacher or guru after a period of study, or the completion of formal education Guru-Shishya Parampara – The tradition of spiritual relationship and mentoring where teachings are transmitted from the guru (teacher) to the shishya (disciple) Jai Ho – A greeting / blessing translating to “May there be victory” (over self) Ji – A suffix used in Hindi and other Indian languages, conveying esteem or respect when used in addressing or referring to a person. Kalpa-Vriksha – A wish-fulfilling divine tree in Hindu mythology Karmabhumi – The land / site of one’s action and execution Matarani – The Divine Feminine / Mother Goddess with many roles and manifestations Mewati Gharana – A musical apprenticeship clan of Hindustani classical music, founded in the late 19th century.
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