Raga Rageshwari

Ustad Vilayat Khan Plays Sitar (The Indian Musical Instrument) is a 1955 Indian classical music album by sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. The release presents a solo sitar performance in the 10" vinyl format. The album features traditional Hindustani classical compositions and showcases Khan’s distinctive gayaki ang (vocal-influenced) style of sitar playing.

The opening track, "Raga Rageshwari," occupies side A of the vinyl. Vilayat Khan performs the raga in a slow, meditative alap followed by a structured gat in teental (16-beat cycle). Raga Rageshwari, a rare and complex raga, blends elements of Raga Jaijaiwanti and Raga Khamaj. Khan’s interpretation emphasizes the raga’s melancholic and introspective mood through intricate meend (glissando) and gamak (ornamentation) techniques.

The album was released under the label HMV (His Master’s Voice) in India. The recording captures Vilayat Khan’s early virtuosity and contributes to the documentation of his evolving musical approach during the mid-20th century. Specific details about the recording session, accompanying musicians, or production personnel remain undocumented in available sources.