Raga Khat - Khayal

Raga Khat – Khayal is a recorded performance of the khayal form in Hindustani classical music by vocalist Kesarbai Kerkar. The track appears as the first composition on the compilation 20th Century Baithak Series, released under the Sangeet Kendra label. The recording format is CD, though the original performance date remains undocumented. The track spans 29 minutes and 37 seconds.

Kerkar renders the raga in the khayal style, a genre characterized by improvisational elaboration (alap) followed by structured rhythmic development (bandish). The composition adheres to the grammatical and aesthetic conventions of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, of which Kerkar was a prominent exponent. The recording captures her vocal technique, marked by controlled meend (glissando), intricate taan patterns, and a restrained yet expressive delivery.

The 20th Century Baithak Series compiles archival performances by leading Hindustani classical artists. Sangeet Kendra, the producing label, specializes in preserving and disseminating recordings of traditional Indian music. The series title references the baithak tradition, an intimate concert setting where artists perform for connoisseurs in a chamber-like environment.

No accompanying instrumentalists or percussionists are credited in the available documentation for this track. The recording focuses solely on Kerkar’s vocal rendition, with harmonic support likely provided by a tanpura (though specifics on drone instrumentation are unverified). The tala (rhythmic cycle) employed in the performance is not explicitly noted in the source material.

Kesarbai Kerkar (1892–1977) was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1953) and the Padma Bhushan (1969), recognizing her contributions to Hindustani classical music. Her interpretations of rare ragas, including Khat, remain influential in the khayal repertoire. The 20th Century Baithak Series release date is not specified, but the compilation aligns with posthumous archival projects from the late 20th century.