Ramji Upadhyaya was closely related and connected to the Mallik family of Darbhanga, and also hailed from a family with its own dhrupad tradition. He was one of the most formidable players I have ever heard play live. He had a masterful sense of lay, an enviable clarity of tone, and many fascinating compositions. Here, in chautal, he presents a beautiful unbroken opening sequence of badla hua theka, mohra, and paran.