Ishmeet Singh

Shabad is the Sikh devotional hymn repertoire drawn from the Guru Granth Sahib and related canonical sources (Dasam Granth, Rehatnamas, etc.), sung as kirtan in congregational settings (sangat) and at home. Musically, it is fundamentally raga-based: each hymn (shabad) is prefaced in the scripture by a specific raga (and often a rhythmic ghar indication), guiding the melodic framework, time-of-day association, and mood. Traditional instruments include rabab (associated with Bhai Mardana), saranda, taus, dilruba, sarangi, jori/pakhawaj, and later tabla; since the late 19th–20th centuries the harmonium became widespread. Performances typically employ a drone (tanpura or electronic shruti), meend (glides), and subtle gamak/murki ornamentation borrowed from Hindustani practice. Linguistically, shabads are primarily in Punjabi and Sant Bhasha (Braj/Hindavi), with occurrences of Persian and Sanskrit. The texts center on Naam (Divine Name), ethical conduct, remembrance (simran), and liberation, structured with a refrain marker (rahāu) that functions as the chorus or thematic line.