Lit. arrival, incoming (Urdu). A short phrase added either at the end of a larger motif or that is played separately to signify the approaching sam or point of resolution.  It may or may not be a spontaneous pattern.  In vocal and instrumental music, the term is also used to describe the manner of resolving an improvisatory section in order to approach the beginning of the bandish or composition.  Aamad in kathak repertoire is on most occasions a pre-conceived composition, once again showing different ways of approaching sam.