Instruments & Artists — Set 2

Correct Answer: D. Flute

• **Flute** = This is classified as a Sushira Vadya because it produces sound through the vibration of air. • **Sushira Vadya** — This category includes instruments that require the player to blow air into them to create sound. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tabla: A percussion instrument (Avnaddha Vadya); Sitar: A plucked string instrument (Tat Vadya); Violin: A bowed string instrument (Tat Vadya).

Correct Answer: A. Sarod

• **Sarod** = Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was a legendary player of this instrument, crucial in bringing Indian classical music to the Western world. • **Maihar Gharana** — He belonged to this prominent musical lineage, founded by his father, Allauddin Khan. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sitar: A plucked string instrument, played by Ravi Shankar or Vilayat Khan; Violin: A bowed string instrument, not Ali Akbar Khan's primary; Sarangi: A bowed string instrument, played by Ustad Sultan Khan.

Correct Answer: A. Earthen pot

• **Earthen pot** = The Ghatam is essentially this, a clay percussion instrument resembling a large water pot. • **Carnatic classical music** — It is a vital part of the percussion ensemble in this South Indian music tradition. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Brass cymbal: A pair of clashing metal plates, used differently; Bamboo stick: Used in some folk music but not for the Ghatam; Stringed lute: A string instrument, entirely different from the Ghatam.

Correct Answer: C. Ghatam

• **Ghatam** = T.H. Vinayakram, also known as Vikku Vinayakram, is a world-renowned master of this earthen pot percussion instrument. • **'Planet Drum'** — He won a Grammy Award as part of this global fusion group, bringing the clay pot to global stages. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sarangi: A bowed string instrument; Tabla: A pair of hand drums; Mridangam: A double-sided barrel drum, primarily used in Carnatic music.

Correct Answer: D. Sitar

• **Sitar** = Ustad Vilayat Khan was one of the greatest players of this plucked string instrument of the 20th century. • **'Gayaki Ang'** — He developed this unique style of playing, which mimics the nuances of the human voice on the Sitar. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tabla: A percussion instrument, not associated with Vilayat Khan; Flute: A wind instrument, not his primary instrument; Sarangi: A bowed string instrument, played by artists like Sultan Khan.

Correct Answer: C. Violin

• **Violin** = Lalgudi Jayaraman was a maestro of this instrument in the Carnatic music tradition, also known for his compositions. • **18th century** — The violin was adapted into Indian music from the West during this period. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Mridangam: This is a percussion instrument, not a stringed one Lalgudi Jayaraman was known for; Flute: A wind instrument, not associated with Lalgudi Jayaraman; Veena: An ancient Indian string instrument, but Lalgudi Jayaraman's primary instrument was the violin.

Correct Answer: A. Dhrupad

• **Dhrupad** = The Pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped, two-headed drum primarily used to accompany this oldest form of Hindustani music. • **Oldest form** — Dhrupad is considered this in Hindustani music, complementing its somber nature with the Pakhawaj. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Ghazal: This is a poetic form often accompanied by harmonium and tabla, not pakhawaj; Khayal: A more modern form of Hindustani classical music, primarily accompanied by tabla; Thumri: A semi-classical genre, typically accompanied by tabla and harmonium.

Correct Answer: D. Manjira

• **Manjira** = This instrument is classified as a Ghana Vadya because it is made of solid metal and produces sound when struck together. • **Solid metal** — Manjiras are made of this material and produce sound upon impact, not requiring tuning. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tabla: This is an Avanaddha Vadya (membranophone); Sitar: This is a Tat Vadya (stringed instrument); Flute: This is a Sushira Vadya (wind instrument).

Correct Answer: A. Violin

• **Violin** = M.S. Gopalakrishnan was a unique violinist renowned for his mastery in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical traditions. • **Padma Bhushan** — M.S. Gopalakrishnan was a recipient of this prestigious award, recognizing his significant contribution to music. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sarod: A plucked string instrument not associated with M.S. Gopalakrishnan; Sitar: A prominent string instrument, but not M.S. Gopalakrishnan's specialty; Santoor: A hammered dulcimer, not the instrument M.S. Gopalakrishnan was famous for.

Correct Answer: C. Three

• **Three** = A standard Sarangi typically has this number of main playing strings, made of gut. • **30 to 40** — A Sarangi also features this number of sympathetic metal strings, adding to its complex sound. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Seven: Sarangi typically has three main strings, not seven; One: Ektara has one string, not Sarangi; Ten: While some instruments might have ten strings, it's not the standard number for Sarangi's main playing strings.