Instruments & Artists — Set 4

Correct Answer: D. Carnatic

The Kanjira is a small tambourine-like drum used in the Carnatic music system of South India. It consists of a wooden frame covered with the skin of a monitor lizard (now replaced by synthetic or goat skin). It is known for its remarkable ability to produce deep bass tones despite its small size.

Correct Answer: C. U. Srinivas

Uppalapu Srinivas, known as Mandolin Srinivas, was a child prodigy who adapted the Western mandolin for Carnatic music. He modified the instrument to suit the microtonal slides and glides of Indian melodies. He was awarded the Padma Shri at a very young age.

Correct Answer: C. Seven

The correct answer is 'Seven'. The Saraswati Veena has four main melodic strings and three drone/rhythm strings (talam strings). It is held horizontally across the lap and played by plucking the strings with plectrums. It is the most important melodic instrument in the Carnatic music tradition.

Correct Answer: A. Sarod

Acharya Allauddin Khan was a multi-instrumentalist but is most famous for his mastery of the Sarod. He founded the Maihar Gharana and was the guru of Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan. He is considered one of the most influential teachers in the history of Indian classical music.

Correct Answer: A. Chenda

The Chenda is a cylindrical drum from Kerala used prominently in Kathakali dance and Thayambaka performances. It produces a loud, piercing sound and is usually hung vertically from the player's neck. It is played with two sticks or a combination of stick and hand.

Correct Answer: D. Violin

Both V.G. Jog and Dr. N. Rajan are legendary masters of the Violin in the Hindustani classical style. Dr. N. Rajan is particularly known for her flawless execution of the 'Gayaki Ang'. The violin has become a major solo instrument in North Indian music thanks to their efforts.

Correct Answer: D. Providing a constant drone

The Tanpura is a long-necked plucked string instrument that does not play a melody but creates a continuous harmonic drone. This drone provides the reference pitch (Sa) for the vocalist or lead instrumentalist. It is essential for maintaining the tonal atmosphere of a Raga.

Correct Answer: B. Veena

S. Balachander was a legendary self-taught maestro of the Saraswati Veena. He was known for his highly individualistic and bold style of playing. He was also a noted filmmaker and actor in the South Indian film industry.

Correct Answer: A. Sitar and Sarangi

The Dilruba features the long neck and frets of a Sitar but is played with a bow like a Sarangi. It has a skin-covered soundbox that gives it a resonant, vocal-like quality. It is very similar to the Esraj but has a slightly larger body.

Correct Answer: B. Shivkumar Sharma

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is the most famous Santoor player who brought the instrument into the mainstream of Hindustani music. He collaborated with flute maestro Hariprasad Chaurasia for many iconic film scores. The Santoor is traditionally associated with the Sufiana Mausiqi of Kashmir.