Chaiti in Raga Kalingada Mishra (Addha Taal)

Girija Devi performed Chaiti in Raga Kalingada Mishra in Addha Taal, a traditional composition featured as the third track on the 2012 compilation Masterworks from the NCPA Archives. The recording spans 12 minutes and 15 seconds and showcases Devi’s interpretation of the semi-classical chaiti genre, rooted in the Poorab Ang thumri tradition of North Indian classical music.

The album Masterworks from the NCPA Archives was released on **October 2, 2012**, under the **Sony Music** label in **CD format**. It curates archival performances from the **National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)** in Mumbai, with Devi’s contribution highlighting her command of raga elaboration and rhythmic improvisation. The track exemplifies the use of Kalingada Mishra, a rare raga associated with the spring season, and adheres to the 16-beat Addha Taal cycle.

Girija Devi (1929–2017) was a prominent exponent of the **Banaras gharana**, known for her contributions to **thumri**, **dadra**, and **chaiti**. Her rendition in this recording reflects the gharanas characteristic emphasis on lyrical expression and melodic ornamentation. The album does not provide detailed session information, including accompanying artists or the exact performance date, but aligns with Devi’s late-career archival releases.

The compilation received distribution as part of Sony Music’s classical series, targeting audiences of Indian classical and semi-classical music. The tracklist includes works by other artists, though Devi’s Chaiti in Raga Kalingada Mishra remains a notable inclusion for its representation of the chaiti form and her distinctive vocal style.