Raag Khamaaj

Raag Khamaaj is a Hindustani classical music recording by sitar maestro Shujaat Hussain Khan. The performance was released in 2003. The piece adheres to the traditional structure of Raag Khamaaj, a late evening raga from the Khamaj thaat, characterized by its melodic movements and emotional depth.

Shujaat Hussain Khan performs the raga in a vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) tempo, showcasing the alap, jor, and jhala sections. The recording captures the artist’s signature gayaki ang (vocal-style) approach on the sitar, emphasizing fluid phrasing and intricate ornamentation. The duration of the track is 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

The label for this release has not been specified in available sources. The performance highlights the raga’s defining notes, including the use of shuddha ni (natural seventh) and komal ga (flat third) in ascending and descending patterns. The track exemplifies the thumri-inspired lighter classical style associated with Raag Khamaaj, blending technical precision with expressive improvisation.

Shujaat Hussain Khan, a seventh-generation musician from the Imdadkhani gharana, is recognized for his contributions to Hindustani classical music. His interpretation of Raag Khamaaj reflects the gharana’s emphasis on vocal-like sitar playing and emotive rendition. The recording does not include accompanying instruments or vocalists.