Instruments & Artists — Set 3
Arts & Culture · वाद्य यंत्र और कलाकार · Questions 21–30 of 80
The famous musician Annapurna Devi was a master of which rare instrument?
Correct Answer: C. Surbahar
Annapurna Devi was a legendary master of the Surbahar, also known as the bass sitar. She was the daughter of Allauddin Khan and the first wife of Ravi Shankar. The Surbahar is larger than a sitar and produces much deeper, lingering tones.
Palghat Mani Iyer was a legendary maestro of which percussion instrument?
Correct Answer: D. Mridangam
Palghat Mani Iyer is considered one of the greatest Mridangam players in the history of Carnatic music. He revolutionized the role of the Mridangam from a mere rhythmic support to a primary artistic voice. He was the first mridangist to receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.
Which instrument is often referred to as the 'National Instrument of India' informally due to its ancient roots?
Correct Answer: C. Veena
The Veena is regarded as one of the most ancient and sacred instruments, mentioned in Vedic literature. It has served as the foundation for the Indian musical system for millennia. It is symbolically linked to Saraswati, the Goddess of music and wisdom.
The 'Ektara' is a simple stringed instrument most commonly used by?
Correct Answer: B. Folk and Baul singers
The Ektara consists of a single string and is a staple for Baul singers of Bengal and wandering monks. It is used to provide a basic drone and rhythmic pulse for devotional songs. The name literally translates to 'one string' in Sanskrit and Bengali.
In which category of instruments does the 'Nagada' (large kettle drum) fall?
Correct Answer: C. Avanaddha Vadya
The Nagada is an Avanaddha Vadya, meaning a percussion instrument with a membrane or skin covering. It is traditionally used in folk performances, processions, and temples. Nagadas are usually played in pairs with heavy wooden sticks.
Ustad Bundu Khan was a famous exponent of which bowed instrument?
Correct Answer: B. Sarangi
Ustad Bundu Khan was a highly influential Sarangi player of the 20th century. He was credited with elevating the Sarangi's status as a solo concert instrument. The Sarangi is hollowed out from a single block of wood, usually toon wood.
Which of the following is a double-sided drum used in folk and light classical music across North India?
Correct Answer: D. Dholak
The Dholak is a very popular folk drum played during weddings, qawwalis, and bhajan sessions. Unlike the Mridangam, it has a simpler construction and is often played by hand or with a small stick on one side. It is common in the rural music traditions of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Pandit Pannalal Ghosh is credited with making which instrument suitable for Indian classical music?
Correct Answer: D. Flute
Pannalal Ghosh was the first to introduce the large, deep-toned bamboo flute into the Hindustani classical tradition. He added a seventh hole to the instrument to allow for more complex melodic movements. Before him, the flute was mostly considered a folk or pastoral instrument.
The instrument 'Esraj' is most commonly found in the music traditions of which region?
Correct Answer: A. Bengal
The Esraj is a stringed instrument primarily used in Bengal and for Sikh devotional music. It is a hybrid instrument with the neck of a Sitar and the skin-covered body of a Sarangi. It was famously used by Rabindranath Tagore in his Rabindra Sangeet compositions.
Ustad Sabri Khan was a world-renowned maestro of which instrument?
Correct Answer: B. Sarangi
Ustad Sabri Khan belonged to the Sainia Gharana and was a master of the Sarangi. He performed in many international concerts, making the instrument famous worldwide. The Sarangi is considered one of the most difficult Indian instruments to master.