Raga Mian Ki Todi - Khyal In Ektal & Teental (Danga Patah Dum Live)

Gangubai Hangal performed Raga Mian Ki Todi – Khyal in Ektal & Teental (Danga Patah Dum Live) as the opening track of the 2013 archival release Masterworks From The NCPA Archives. The recording captures a live rendition lasting 49 minutes and 28 seconds. Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd. issued the performance on compact disc.

The track showcases Hangal’s interpretation of Raga Mian Ki Todi, a complex morning raga in the Todi thaat. She employs the khyal form, a classical vocal genre emphasizing improvisation within a fixed melodic framework. The composition Danga Patah Dum serves as the thematic center, rendered in both Ektal (12-beat cycle) and Teental (16-beat cycle). The performance reflects the Kirana gharana style, known for its emphasis on sustained notes and intricate taans.

The album Masterworks From The NCPA Archives compiles recordings from the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai. Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd. released the collection on February 20, 2013. The label sourced the material from NCPA’s archival concerts, though specific event dates for this track remain undocumented in publicly available sources. The CD format preserves the acoustic nuances of Hangal’s vocal technique, accompanied by traditional instrumental support typical of Hindustani classical concerts.

Gangubai Hangal (1913–2009) stands as a defining figure in 20th-century Hindustani vocal music. Her contributions to the Kirana gharana and her role in popularizing rare ragas earned her the Padma Bhushan (1971) and Padma Vibhushan (2002). This recording exemplifies her mature artistry, characterized by deep emotional expression and technical precision.