Instruments & Artists — Set 5

Correct Answer: A. Rudra Veena

Ustad Asad Ali Khan was one of the last great masters of the Rudra Veena. This instrument is a large, ancient stringed instrument with two gourds connected by a wooden tube. It is primarily used in the Dhrupad style of music.

Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan

The Kamaicha is a bowed instrument used by the Manganiyar community of Rajasthan. It is carved from a single piece of mango wood and has a large circular soundbox. It is considered one of the most sophisticated folk instruments in the world.

Correct Answer: A. Sarod

Pandit Buddhadev Das Gupta was an outstanding Sarod player representing the Shahjahanpur Gharana. He was also a trained mechanical engineer who balanced his professional career with music. His style was noted for its technical precision and adherence to traditional Raga forms.

Correct Answer: D. Snake charmers

The Pungi is a folk wind instrument made of a dried gourd and two bamboo pipes. It is famously used by Jogi communities for snake charming across the Indian subcontinent. Legend says that the Shehnai was developed as a more refined version of the Pungi.

Correct Answer: C. Sitar

Anoushka Shankar is a world-renowned Sitar player and composer, and the daughter of Pandit Ravi Shankar. She has carried forward her father's legacy while also exploring contemporary and world music. She has been nominated for several Grammy Awards throughout her career.

Correct Answer: C. Sitar

The Sitar is classified as a Tat Vadya because it produces sound through the vibration of plucked strings. Instruments in this category usually have a resonator and a neck. Other examples include the Sarod, Veena, and Violin.

Correct Answer: A. Tabla

Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan was a highly skilled Tabla player from the Delhi Gharana. He was known for his versatility in both solo performances and accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists. He was a regular performer on national television and radio.

Correct Answer: D. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt

Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt created the Mohan Veena by adding drone and sympathetic strings to a Western guitar. He won a Grammy Award for his album 'A Meeting by the River' using this instrument. It is played with a metal slide, similar to a Hawaiian guitar but with Indian techniques.

Correct Answer: C. Flute

T.R. Mahalingam, popularly known as 'Mali', was a legendary Flute player in the Carnatic tradition. He was a child prodigy who revolutionized the fingering and blowing techniques of the Carnatic flute. He is considered the guru of many modern flute maestros.

Correct Answer: C. Rabab

The modern Sarod evolved from the Afghan Rabab, which was brought to India by migrating soldiers and musicians. Innovations by Indian masters added more strings and a metal fingerboard to the original design. It remains a cornerstone of the North Indian classical tradition.