What is "alankara"

Alankara (or Alankaram or Alankar) means " ornament" in Sanskrit and is used in the context of Hindustani classical music to collectively refer to the various embellishment techniques used in both vocal and instrumental music. In Carnatic music, it is a sophisticated form of beginner and advanced level melo-rhythmic exercises in various talas (rhythm cycles) like Dhruva, Mathya, Roopaka etc. Though only 7 alankaras are predominantly taught by most schools, there are 35 alankaras in all.