Raga Puriya Dhanashri - Alap, Jod & Jhala

Raga Puriya Dhanashri – Alap, Jod & Jhala is a Hindustani classical music recording by santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma. The performance captures the three foundational stages of a raga exposition: Alap, Jod, and Jhala. Shivkumar Sharma executes the piece on the santoor, a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer originating from the Kashmir region. The recording presents the raga Puriya Dhanashri, a late-afternoon raga classified under the Poorvi thaat, characterized by its somber yet meditative mood and specific melodic contours.

The release date and label for this recording are not specified in the available context. The duration of the performance is 25 minutes and 7 seconds. The Alap section introduces the raga’s core notes and mood without rhythmic accompaniment. Shivkumar Sharma gradually expands the melodic framework, emphasizing the interplay between the shuddha and komal (natural and flat) forms of the re (second) and dha (sixth) notes. The Jod section introduces a slow, steady pulse, marking the transition toward rhythmic structure. The Jhala section accelerates the tempo, showcasing rapid strokes and intricate patterns on the santoor, culminating in a climactic resolution.

Shivkumar Sharma, born in 1938 in Jammu, is a pioneering figure in the adaptation of the santoor for Hindustani classical music. He elevated the instrument from its traditional folk context to a concert platform, developing a distinct playing style and expanding its technical possibilities. His contributions to Indian classical music include numerous performances, recordings, and collaborations with artists such as Hariprasad Chaurasia and Brij Bhushan Kabra. The recording of Raga Puriya Dhanashri – Alap, Jod & Jhala exemplifies his command over raga development and improvisational skill.