Spiritual Death

Spiritual Death is a solo instrumental track by Indian sitarist Anoushka Shankar. The composition appears on her 2013 album Traces of You. The piece runs for 7 minutes and 46 seconds. EMI Virgin Records released the album in October 2013. Spiritual Death features Shankar performing on sitar, accompanied by minimal percussion and ambient textures.

Anoushka Shankar composed the track. The music blends Hindustani classical raga structures with contemporary electronic and ambient influences. The piece progresses through slow, meditative alap sections before transitioning into faster, rhythmic jhala passages. Percussionist Tanmoy Bose contributes tabla, while electronic producer Nitin Sawhney provides additional sound design elements.

The album Traces of You marked Shankar’s first release following the death of her father, sitar maestro Ravi Shankar. The track Spiritual Death reflects themes of loss and transcendence. EMI Virgin Records distributed the album in physical and digital formats. The label included the track on standard and deluxe editions of the release.

No official single or music video accompanied Spiritual Death. The track received attention for its fusion of traditional and modern sounds. Critics noted its emotional depth and technical precision. The composition remains a notable example of Shankar’s experimental approach to Indian classical music.