Rāg Darbārī

Rāg Darbārī / Rāg Chandra Kānhṛā is a studio album by sitarist Imrat Khan, released on CD by Nimbus Records in 1988. The recording showcases Khan’s interpretation of two rags from the Hindustani classical tradition. The album features two extended tracks, each dedicated to a distinct raga.

The opening track, Rāg Darbārī, spans 48 minutes and 38 seconds. Khan performs the raga in the vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) sections, adhering to the structural conventions of the khayal-influenced instrumental style. The composition emphasizes the raga’s characteristic phrases, including the komal ni (flattened seventh) and the oscillating gandhar (third). Accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, but the performance follows the standard ensemble format of sitar, tanpura, and tabla.

The album’s second track, Rāg Chandra Kānhṛā, completes the release. Duration and specific performance details for this track are not provided in the given context. The raga belongs to the Kafi thaat and is known for its lyrical and introspective quality.

Imrat Khan (1935–2018) was a prominent exponent of the Imdadkhani gharana, a lineage associated with the beenkar (rudra veena) tradition later adapted to the sitar. His recordings, including this 1988 release, contributed to the global dissemination of Hindustani classical music during the late 20th century. Nimbus Records, the album’s label, specialized in high-fidelity recordings of classical and traditional music during this period.

No additional production credits, session musicians, or reissue information are confirmed from the provided context. The album remains a documented example of Khan’s mature artistic phase, reflecting his command over alaap, jor, and jhala techniques in raga elaboration.