Raga Maru Bihag

Raga Maru Bihag is a khayal performance recorded by Indian classical vocalist Sanjeev Abhyankar for his 2008 album Khayal. Released on CD under the Saregama label, the track spans 29 minutes and 14 seconds as the opening piece of the album. The composition adheres to the Maru Bihag raga, a late-evening melody associated with the Kafi thaat in Hindustani classical tradition.

Abhyankar presents the raga in the vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) ektaal rhythmic cycles, accompanied by traditional instrumental support. The recording captures his interpretation of the khayal form, emphasizing alaap, jor, and taan expansions. The album title Khayal reflects its focus on the genre, though specific lyrical content or accompanying artists remain undocumented in available sources.

The 2008 release marked one of Abhyankar’s commercial studio recordings under Saregama, a label known for its catalog of Indian classical and devotional music. The CD format aligned with industry standards of the period, though later digital distributions may have altered accessibility. No additional metadata confirms live recording details, alternate takes, or reissues of this track.

Notable for its duration and structural depth, the performance exemplifies Abhyankar’s training in the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, characterized by intricate taan patterns and emotive phrasing. The absence of published liner notes or session documentation limits further technical or historical context for this specific recording.