Raga Bhimpalasi

Raga Bhimpalasi refers to a 1967 studio recording by Hindustani classical vocalist Mallikarjun Mansur. The performance captures a khayal rendition in the late afternoon raga Bhimpalasi, a melody associated with the Kafi thaat and characterized by the use of komal gandhar and komal nishad in descent. Mansur presents the raga in the traditional vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) tempos, accompanied by tabla and tanpura.

The recording spans 30 minutes and 10 seconds and follows the standard structure of alaap, jor, and jhala before transitioning into the composed bandish. Mansur employs the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana style, marked by intricate taan patterns and a emphasis on rhythmic precision. The primary composition in this performance adheres to Teentaal (16-beat cycle), though the recording does not document the specific lyrics of the bandish.

The release format and label remain undocumented in available sources. Mansur recorded extensively for HMV (His Master’s Voice) and All India Radio during this period, but archival records do not confirm the distributor for this particular session. The track exemplifies Mansur’s mastery of meend (glissando) and gamak (oscillation), techniques central to his interpretation of Bhimpalasi.

No additional session musicians or recording details are verified. The work stands as a representative example of Mansur’s mid-career output, when he consolidated his reputation as a leading exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli tradition. Later compilations and reissues may include this recording, but original release metadata is incomplete.