About Raga Ahir Bhairav / Meera Bhajan
Raga Ahir Bhairav / Meera Bhajan is a studio album by Indian classical vocalist Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar. The album features two tracks that blend traditional Hindustani raga exposition with devotional bhajan compositions. Released in 2007 on compact disc, the recording showcases Ankalikar-Tikekar’s interpretation of khayal and bhajan forms within the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana tradition.
The album opens with a rendition of Raga Ahir Bhairav, a morning raga derived from the Bhairav thaat. The performance includes a vilambit bandish set to ektal (12-beat cycle) followed by a drut bandish in tintal (16-beat cycle). The second track presents a Meera bhajan in Raga Mand, a rare raga associated with the folk and devotional repertoire of Rajasthan. The bhajan employs dipchandi tal (14-beat cycle) and draws from the poetic works attributed to the 16th-century mystic poet-saint Meera.
Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar provides the lead vocals across both tracks. Accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, though traditional Hindustani performances of this period typically included tabla and tanpura support. The album does not specify a record label, suggesting a possible independent or regional release. The total runtime and production credits are not publicly confirmed.
The release reflects Ankalikar-Tikekar’s focus on preserving lesser-performed ragas and devotional forms within the classical framework. The inclusion of Raga Mand aligns with her broader repertoire, which often incorporates regional and semi-classical elements. No live recordings or alternate versions of these performances have been verified.