Raga: Charukeshi (Aalap, Jor & Jhala)

Charukeshi (Aalap, Jor & Jhala) is a 1988 recording of Raga Charukeshi performed by santur virtuoso Tarun Bhattacharya. The album captures a 29-minute-15-second rendition structured in three sections: aalap (slow, meditative exposition), jor (rhythmic development), and jhala (fast, percussive climax). Bhattacharya plays the santur, a trapezoidal hammered dulcimer of Kashmiri origin, adapting its resonant timbre to the melodic contours of the raga.

The recording emphasizes the shuddha dhaivat (natural sixth) and komal nishad (flattened seventh) that define Charukeshi, a raga of the Kafi thaat traditionally performed in the late evening. Bhattacharya’s interpretation adheres to the gayaki ang (vocal-style phrasing) characteristic of his school, with gradual acceleration through the jor and intricate taan patterns in the jhala. The album omits accompaniment, presenting the santur as a solo instrument.

The release format and label remain undocumented in available sources. No track subdivisions or alternate takes are listed; the recording circulates as a single continuous performance. Bhattacharya’s rendition is noted for its exploration of Charukeshi’s lyrical potential on a plucked-string instrument, a departure from its more common vocal or sitar interpretations. Further details on production context, recording location, or reissue history are not publicly verified.