Raga Bilaskhani Todi, Khyal: Damaru Naad – Jhaptal

Raga Bilaskhani Todi, Khyal: Damaru Naad – Jhaptal is a classical vocal performance by Hindustani musician Sulochana Brahaspati. The recording presents a khyal composition set in Raga Bilaskhani Todi, a variant of the Todi thaat characterized by its use of komal re (flat second) and teevra ma (sharp fourth). The piece adheres to Jhaptal, a 10-beat rhythmic cycle commonly employed in North Indian classical music.

The performance spans 15 minutes and 15 seconds. The central composition, Damaru Naad, explores the raga’s contemplative and introspective mood through elaborate alaap, bol-banaav, and taan sequences. The artist emphasizes the raga’s chalan (melodic movement) with phrases that oscillate between the lower and middle octaves, occasionally ascending to the upper sa (octave). The rhythmic improvisation aligns with the theka (basic pattern) of Jhaptal, featuring intricate layakari (tempo variations) in the latter sections.

The recording format and release date remain undocumented in available sources. No label or commercial distribution details are confirmed. The track stands as a representative example of Sulochana Brahaspati’s interpretation of the Bilaskhani Todi tradition, rooted in the Gwalior gharana style, which prioritizes clarity of swar (notes) and systematic development of the raga structure.

Sulochana Brahaspati, a disciple of Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and later Omkarnath Thakur, contributed to the preservation of khyal repertoire through performances and pedagogical work. This recording reflects her adherence to classical norms while incorporating personal expressive nuances in the rendition of Damaru Naad.