Raga Nand

Raga Nand is a recording of Hindustani classical vocal music performed by Mallikarjun Mansur, a prominent exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. The track features a khayal composition set in Raga Nand, a rare and melodically intricate raga associated with the late-night hours. Mansur renders the performance in the traditional vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) tempos, accompanied by tabla and tanpura.

The recording spans 14 minutes and 50 seconds. The exact release year and label remain undocumented in widely accessible sources, though Mansur’s renditions of lesser-known ragas like Nand were typically captured during live concerts or studio sessions in the 1960s–1980s, a period marking his peak artistic activity. The composition adheres to the structural conventions of khayal, with an alaap introduction followed by systematic elaboration of the raga’s phrases (bol-banaav) and rhythmic improvisations (taans).

Mansur’s interpretation of Raga Nand emphasizes the raga’s characteristic use of komal re (flattened second) and shuddha ma (pure fourth), creating a contemplative and introspective mood. The recording exemplifies his mastery of meend (glissando) and gamak (ornamentation), techniques central to the Jaipur-Atrauli style. While specific track details such as accompanying artists or the precise recording venue are not verified, the performance aligns with Mansur’s broader discography of exploring unconventional ragas.

The work holds significance as part of Mansur’s contributions to preserving and popularizing lesser-performed ragas within the Hindustani tradition. His renditions often served as reference points for students and connoisseurs studying the Jaipur-Atrauli repertoire. No commercial album or compilation exclusively dedicated to this recording is confirmed, though it may appear in archival collections or posthumous releases of his live performances.