Raga-Marwa Alap, Jod, Jhala And Ghat In Madhyalaya-Teental

Jotin Bhattacharya (1974) is a studio album by sitarist Jotin Bhattacharya, released on 12\" vinyl under the His Master’s Voice label. The recording dates remain undocumented, but the album appeared in 1974 as part of the label’s classical music catalog. The release features a single extended track titled Raga-Marwa Alap, Jod, Jhala And Ghat In Madhyalaya-Teental, occupying side A of the vinyl.

The composition centers on Raga Marwa, a morning raga in the Marwa thaat characterized by its use of komal re (flattened second) and tivra ma (sharp fourth). Bhattacharya structures the performance in the traditional alap-jod-jhala format, beginning with a slow, meditative alap that explores the raga’s melodic contours without rhythmic accompaniment. The jod section introduces rhythmic pulse, while the jhala accelerates into rapid strumming patterns. The piece concludes with a ghat (rhythmic composition) set in Madhyalaya Teental, a 16-beat cycle played at medium tempo.

The album serves as a documented example of Bhattacharya’s approach to the Maihar gharana, though specific production details—such as accompanying artists, recording location, or mastering engineers—are not publicly verified. The vinyl format was standard for Indian classical releases of the era, and His Master’s Voice distributed the record as part of its EALP series, which specialized in extended-play classical works. No reissues or digital remasters of this recording have been confirmed as of the latest available sources.

Bhattacharya, a disciple of Allauddin Khan, was known for his adherence to the gayaki ang (vocal-style phrasing) on the sitar. This album reflects that tradition, emphasizing lyrical development over technical virtuosity. The absence of tabla in the alap sections aligns with the gharana’s emphasis on solo exploration before rhythmic engagement. Further contextual details about the session musicians or alternate takes remain unrecorded in accessible archives.