Instruments & Artists — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Surbahar

• **Surbahar** = Annapurna Devi was a legendary master of this rare instrument, also known as the bass sitar. • **Allauddin Khan** — Annapurna Devi was the daughter of this legendary musician, from whom she inherited her musical prowess. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sarangi: A bowed string instrument, not Annapurna Devi's specialty; Violin: A bowed string instrument of Western origin, not her instrument; Sitar: While similar, Surbahar is a distinct, larger instrument, and Annapurna Devi was known for Surbahar.

Correct Answer: D. Mridangam

• **Mridangam** = Palghat Mani Iyer is considered one of the greatest players of this percussion instrument in Carnatic music history. • **Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship** — He was the first mridangist to receive this prestigious recognition, highlighting his revolutionary contributions. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Pakhawaj: This instrument is mainly used in Hindustani music, not Carnatic percussion; Kanjira: A smaller frame drum used in Carnatic music, but Mridangam was Palghat Mani Iyer's primary instrument; Tabla: A pair of drums primarily used in Hindustani music, not Carnatic percussion.

Correct Answer: C. Veena

• **Veena** = This instrument is often informally referred to as the 'National Instrument of India' due to its ancient roots and significance. • **Vedic literature** — The Veena is mentioned in these ancient texts, highlighting its deep historical and cultural importance. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Shehnai: A wind instrument primarily used in North Indian classical and folk music, not considered the 'National Instrument'; Sitar: A popular string instrument, but not as ancient or symbolically significant as the Veena; Flute: A wind instrument, important in Indian music but not holding the same 'national instrument' status.

Correct Answer: B. Folk and Baul singers

• **Ektara** = This simple stringed instrument, literally meaning 'one string', is most commonly used by folk and Baul singers. • **One string** — The Ektara consists of this single component, providing a basic drone and rhythmic pulse. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Classical singers: They primarily use complex instruments like tanpura, sitar, or sarod for classical music; Orchestral conductors: They direct orchestras and do not typically play instruments like ektara; Rock musicians: They use electric guitars, drums, and other modern instruments, not ektara.

Correct Answer: C. Avanaddha Vadya

• **Avanaddha Vadya** = The Nagada falls into this category of instruments, characterized by a membrane or skin covering that produces sound when struck. • **Pairs** — Nagadas are traditionally played in these groups, often with heavy wooden sticks. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Ghana Vadya: These are solid instruments that produce sound by striking themselves, unlike Nagada; Sushira Vadya: These are wind instruments, unlike the Nagada which is percussion; Tat Vadya: These are stringed instruments, which the Nagada is not.

Correct Answer: B. Sarangi

• **Sarangi** = Ustad Bundu Khan was a highly influential exponent of this bowed instrument in the 20th century. • **20th century** — Ustad Bundu Khan significantly elevated the Sarangi's status as a solo concert instrument during this period. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Dilruba: A bowed string instrument similar to Esraj, but Sarangi was Bundu Khan's instrument; Esraj: Another bowed string instrument, popular in Bengal, not Bundu Khan's specialty; Violin: A Western bowed instrument, not the traditional Indian instrument Bundu Khan mastered.

Correct Answer: D. Dholak

• **Dholak** = This double-sided drum is widely used in folk and light classical music across North India. • **Uttar Pradesh** — The Dholak is particularly common in the rural music traditions of this state and Punjab. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Mridangam: This is a prominent Carnatic percussion instrument, distinct from the Dholak; Kanjira: A South Indian frame drum, not the double-sided drum described; Ghatam: A South Indian clay pot percussion instrument, not a double-sided drum.

Correct Answer: D. Flute

• **Flute** = Pandit Pannalal Ghosh is credited with making this instrument suitable for Indian classical music, especially the larger bamboo version. • **Seventh hole** — Pannalal Ghosh added this to the flute, allowing for more complex melodic movements in classical renditions. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sitar: A plucked string instrument, not the instrument Pannalal Ghosh popularized for classical music; Violin: A bowed string instrument, not the instrument Pannalal Ghosh revolutionized; Harmonium: A free-reed instrument, not the instrument Pannalal Ghosh adapted for classical music.

Correct Answer: A. Bengal

• **Bengal** = The instrument 'Esraj' is most commonly found in the music traditions of this Eastern Indian region. • **Rabindranath Tagore** — This legendary polymath famously used the Esraj in his Rabindra Sangeet compositions. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kerala: Known for instruments like Edakka and Chenda, not Esraj; Rajasthan: Known for folk instruments like Sarangi and Kamaicha, but Esraj is primarily associated with Bengal; Tamil Nadu: Known for Carnatic instruments like Veena and Mridangam, not Esraj.

Correct Answer: B. Sarangi

• **Sarangi** = Ustad Sabri Khan was a world-renowned maestro of this bowed instrument, belonging to the Sainia Gharana. • **Sainia Gharana** — Ustad Sabri Khan belonged to this musical lineage, known for its distinct style and contributions to Hindustani classical music. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sarod: A plucked string instrument, not the instrument Ustad Sabri Khan mastered; Shehnai: A wind instrument, not Ustad Sabri Khan's specialty; Tabla: A percussion instrument, not the bowed instrument Ustad Sabri Khan was famous for.