Instruments & Artists — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Ravanahatha

The Ravanahatha is an ancient bowed string instrument used by folk musicians in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It consists of a coconut shell resonator and a bamboo neck. It is believed to be one of the ancestors of the modern violin.

Correct Answer: D. Rudra Veena

Ustad Bahauddin Dagar is a prominent representative of the Dagar family, known for the Dhrupad style. He plays the Rudra Veena, a large and complex string instrument. His family has kept this ancient tradition alive for many generations.

Correct Answer: A. South India

The correct answer is 'South India'. The Nagaswaram is one of the world's loudest non-brass wind instruments, primarily used in Carnatic weddings and temples. It is made of a dark wood called Aacha and has a large flared bell. It is usually played in pairs accompanied by the Thavil drum.

Correct Answer: D. Ravi Shankar

Pandit Ravi Shankar earned this title through his collaborations with artists like George Harrison of the Beatles and Yehudi Menuhin. He introduced the complexities of Indian music to global pop and classical audiences. His performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 was a historic milestone.

Correct Answer: B. Tamil Nadu

The Udukai is a traditional percussion instrument from Tamil Nadu, similar to the Damaru. It is played with the hand while the tension is varied by squeezing a cloth band in the middle. It is often used in folk songs and at local village temples.

Correct Answer: D. Saxophone

Kadri Gopalnath was a pioneer who successfully adapted the Western Saxophone for Carnatic classical music. He spent years mastering the gamakas (ornamentations) of Indian music on the instrument. He was awarded the Padma Shri for this unique contribution.

Correct Answer: C. Sufi and Folk

The Daff is a large frame drum used in Persian and Sufi music, as well as Indian folk traditions. It is often played during spiritual gatherings and festivals like Eid. It is played with the fingers and palms, producing a range of rhythmic textures.

Correct Answer: C. Shehnai

Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan was a celebrated Shehnai player from Kolkata. He was one of the few artists who achieved national fame on the Shehnai after Bismillah Khan. He performed at many prestigious music festivals across India and abroad.

Correct Answer: C. Sufiana Mausiqi

The Santoor is the primary melodic instrument in the Sufiana Mausiqi (Sufi music) of the Kashmir Valley. It was originally used to accompany the chanting of Sufi poetry. Its transition to Hindustani classical music occurred in the mid-20th century.

Correct Answer: A. Tabla

Pandit Kishan Maharaj was a legendary Tabla player of the Benares Gharana. He was known for his powerful playing style and his ability to play with a wide variety of musicians. He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2002.