About Raga malkauns & Dhun
Raga Malkauns & Dhun is a studio album by Indian classical shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan. The recording features Khan’s interpretations of Raga Malkauns alongside two traditional dhuns (light classical melodies) adapted for the shehnai. Navras Records released the album on compact disc in February 1999.
The album comprises three tracks. The opening composition presents a detailed exploration of Raga Malkauns, a pentatonic raga associated with the late evening or early night in the Hindustani classical tradition. The second track, Dhun: Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, renders the devotional hymn in Khan’s signature shehnai style, blending folk and classical elements. The closing piece, Dhun: Gunj Uthi Shehnai, showcases a lighter, melodic improvisation that highlights the instrument’s expressive range.
Khan’s performance on this release exemplifies his mastery of the shehnai, an instrument he popularized in classical concert settings. The recording captures his characteristic phrasing, breath control and tonal nuance, all hallmarks of the Benaras gharana to which he belonged. The accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, but the album adheres to the traditional ensemble format of shehnai paired with tanpura and tabla.
Navras Records produced the album as part of its series on Indian classical instrumental music. The 1999 release date coincides with Khan’s later career, a period during which he continued to perform and record extensively. The CD format allowed for high-fidelity reproduction of the shehnai’s subtle acoustic qualities. No reissues or alternate editions of this specific recording have been confirmed in public records.