"Khayaal" is a genre of North Indian classical music that originated in the Mughal courts in the 18th century. It involves intricate melodic improvisations and is characterized by its free-flowing structure, allowing performers to showcase their creativity and virtuosity. The word "khayaal" itself means "imagination" or "thought" in Urdu, reflecting the emphasis on improvisation and creative expression in this form of music.

EP 11: Indian Music ~ Origin, History & Evolution (Age of Khayaal Gaayaki) covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to Khayaal gaayaki & Music Families
2. The birth of Khayaal & initial resistance
3. Acceptance & Popularity of Khayaal Gaayaki
4. Inspiration & Evolution of Khayaal Gaayaki
5. The unique expression and improvisation in Khayaal Gaayaki
6. The structure & tempo of Khayaal Gaayaki
7. The significance of slow tempo in Khayaal Gaayaki
8. The influence of Mughal Courts on Khayaal Gaayaki
9. The performance & structure of Khayaal Gaayaki
10. Differentiating between Badaa & Chota Khayaal
11. The influence of lifestyle on Khayaal Gaayaki
12. The decline of Music in Society
13. The insecurity of artists in Society
14. Encouraging artists to embrace their unique voice
15. Therapeutic and developmental benefits of music
16. Finding your own voice as an artist
17. The evolution of art and artists in society
18. The influence of legends and breaking free from their shadows
19. The impact of artists on society
20. The use of different texts in Khayaal Gaayaki
21. The different Gharanas and training in Khayaal Gaayaki
22. The migration of artists and formation of gharanas
23. The importance of Guru-Sishya relationship
24. The influence of different Gharanas on Khayaal Gaayaki
25. The casualness and commercialisation of Music
26. The changing dynamics of music control
27. The responsibility of audience in Music consumption
28. Responsibility of artists
29. Archiving & preserving music
30. Celebrating cultural diversity
31. Culture & Identity
32. Representing one’s culture