Instruments & Artists — Set 4

Correct Answer: D. Carnatic

• **Carnatic** = The Kanjira is a small tambourine-like drum primarily used in the Carnatic music system of South India. • **monitor lizard skin** — Traditionally, the Kanjira's wooden frame was covered with monitor lizard skin, now often replaced by synthetic or goat skin. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Folk only]: Kanjira is part of classical Carnatic music, not exclusively folk; [Hindustani]: It is not primarily associated with Hindustani classical music; [Western]: It is an indigenous Indian instrument, not Western.

Correct Answer: C. U. Srinivas

• **U. Srinivas** = Uppalapu Srinivas, known as Mandolin Srinivas, was a child prodigy who adapted the Western mandolin for Carnatic music. • **Padma Shri** — He was awarded the Padma Shri at a very young age, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian classical music. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [N. Rajan]: A renowned violinist; [V.G. Jog]: A distinguished violinist; [Kala Ramnath]: A famous violinist.

Correct Answer: C. Seven

• **Seven** = The Saraswati Veena typically has seven strings in total: four main melodic strings and three drone/rhythm strings. • **four main melodic strings** — These strings are used for playing the primary melody, while the remaining three provide drone and rhythmic support. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Twelve]: Incorrect number of strings for a Saraswati Veena; [Twenty-one]: Incorrect number of strings, more common in a Rudra Veena or some sitars; [Four]: Incorrect number, this only accounts for the main melodic strings, not the drone strings.

Correct Answer: A. Sarod

• **Sarod** = Acharya Allauddin Khan, father of Ali Akbar Khan, was a multi-instrumentalist most famous for his mastery of the Sarod. • **Maihar Gharana** — He founded the Maihar Gharana, a prominent school of Hindustani classical music, and was the guru of many legendary musicians. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Violin]: While a multi-instrumentalist, he is not primarily known for the violin; [Tabla]: A percussion instrument, not his primary association; [Sitar]: Although a guru to Ravi Shankar, the sitar was not his primary instrument of fame.

Correct Answer: A. Chenda

• **Chenda** = The Chenda is a cylindrical drum from Kerala, prominently used in temple festivals, Kathakali dance, and Thayambaka performances. • **two sticks** — The Chenda is played with two sticks, or a combination of one stick and one hand, to produce its loud, piercing sound. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kanjira]: A frame drum from Carnatic tradition, played with fingers/palm, not sticks; [Mridangam]: A barrel-shaped drum, primarily played with hands, not sticks; [Ghatam]: A clay pot percussion instrument, played with hands and fingers, not sticks.

Correct Answer: D. Violin

• **Violin** = V.G. Jog and N. Rajan are distinguished exponents of the Violin in the Hindustani classical style of music. • **'Gayaki Ang'** — Dr. N. Rajan is particularly known for her flawless execution of the 'Gayaki Ang', mimicking vocal style on the violin. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sitar]: Associated with artists like Ravi Shankar; [Flute]: Associated with artists like Hariprasad Chaurasia; [Sarangi]: Associated with artists like Sultan Khan.

Correct Answer: D. Providing a constant drone

• **Providing a constant drone** = The Tanpura is primarily used in a concert to create a continuous harmonic drone, which provides the reference pitch. • **reference pitch (Sa)** — This drone establishes the fundamental tonal center, or Sa, essential for the vocalist or lead instrumentalist to maintain intonation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Rhythm support]: While it has a subtle rhythmic quality, its primary role is not rhythmic support; [Lead solo performance]: It is a background accompaniment instrument, never a lead solo instrument; [Providing melody]: It does not play specific melodies or notes, only sustains a harmonic drone.

Correct Answer: B. Veena

• **Veena** = S. Balachander was a legendary self-taught maestro of the Saraswati Veena, known for his highly individualistic playing style. • **filmmaker and actor** — Beyond music, he was also a noted filmmaker and actor in the South Indian film industry, showcasing his multifaceted talent. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Mridangam]: A percussion instrument, not a string instrument like Veena; [Sitar]: A plucked string instrument common in Hindustani music, not his primary instrument; [Violin]: A bowed string instrument, not associated with Balachander.

Correct Answer: A. Sitar and Sarangi

• **Sitar and Sarangi** = The Dilruba is a stringed instrument that features the long neck and frets of a Sitar but is played with a bow like a Sarangi. • **skin-covered soundbox** — It has a distinct skin-covered soundbox which contributes to its resonant, vocal-like quality. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Tabla and Pakhawaj]: Both are percussion instruments; [Santoor and Flute]: One is a hammered dulcimer, the other a wind instrument; [Violin and Veena]: While both string instruments, the Dilruba's specific construction is a blend of Sitar and Sarangi features.

Correct Answer: B. Shivkumar Sharma

• **Shivkumar Sharma** = Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is the most famous Santoor player who significantly popularized the instrument in Hindustani classical music. • **Sufiana Mausiqi of Kashmir** — The Santoor is traditionally associated with the Sufiana Mausiqi of Kashmir, where it originated as a folk instrument. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Zakir Hussain]: A world-renowned Tabla maestro; [Amjad Ali Khan]: A legendary Sarod maestro; [Hariprasad Chaurasia]: A celebrated Flute maestro.