Raga: Kaushi Bhairav Alap, Gat Vilambit & Drut Tritaal

Allauddin Khan Saheb performed Raga Kaushi Bhairav (Alap, Gat Vilambit & Drut in Tritaal) as the opening track of the album Sangeet Sadhak – Acharya Allauddin Khan. Saregama released the recording on CD on October 1, 2005. The track spans 20 minutes and 52 seconds and showcases Khan’s mastery of the sitar and surbahar, though the primary instrument for this performance remains undocumented in available sources.

The composition follows the traditional dhrupad-influenced alap-jor-jhala structure in the vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) sections, set to a 16-beat trital. Khan’s rendition of Raga Kaushi Bhairav emphasizes the raga’s characteristic phrases, including the komal re (flattened second) and komal dha (flattened sixth), with elaborate gamak (ornamentation) and meend (glissando) techniques. The accompanying tanpura drone and tabla support adhere to the Maihar gharana style, which Khan founded.

The album Sangeet Sadhak – Acharya Allauddin Khan compiles archival recordings of Khan’s performances, though the exact recording date and location of this track are not specified in the release. Saregama sourced the material from historical sessions, likely captured during Khan’s tenure as a court musician or his later teaching years at Maihar. The liner notes, where available, credit Khan as the sole performer, with no additional accompanying artists listed.

Khan’s interpretation of Kaushi Bhairav reflects his role as a pivotal figure in 20th-century Hindustani classical music, blending the dhrupad and khayal traditions. The track serves as a reference for students of the Maihar gharana and remains a key example of his pedagogical approach. The 2005 release forms part of Saregama’s efforts to preserve and disseminate recordings of foundational Indian classical musicians.