Instruments & Artists — Set 7

Correct Answer: A. M.S. Subbulakshmi

• **M.S. Subbulakshmi** = She was the first musician to receive India's highest civilian award. • **1998** — This is the year M.S. Subbulakshmi was awarded the Bharat Ratna. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Ravi Shankar]: He received the Bharat Ratna in 1999, after M.S. Subbulakshmi; [Lata Mangeshkar]: She received the Bharat Ratna in 2001, after M.S. Subbulakshmi; [Bismillah Khan]: He received the Bharat Ratna in 2001, after M.S. Subbulakshmi.

Correct Answer: D. Kathakali

• **Kathakali** = This classical dance-drama is known for its elaborate costumes and intense facial expressions. • **Kerala** — This South Indian state is the origin place of the Kathakali classical dance form. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Bharatanatyam]: This dance form originates from Tamil Nadu; [Kuchipudi]: This dance form originates from Andhra Pradesh; [Odissi]: This dance form originates from Odisha.

Correct Answer: A. Veena

• **Veena** = The Sitar is believed to have been adapted from this ancient Indian string instrument. • **13th-century** — Amir Khusrau, a poet and musician from this century, is often credited with the early development of the Sitar. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Rabab]: Rabab is a related string instrument but not the primary precursor from which Sitar was adapted; [Violin]: The Violin is a bowed string instrument of Western origin and not directly involved in the Sitar's development; [Sarangi]: The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument distinct from the Sitar's lineage.

Correct Answer: B. Kathak

• **Kathak** = Pandit Birju Maharaj was a legendary exponent and a leading figure of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of this classical dance form. • **1986** — Pandit Birju Maharaj was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in this year for his immense contribution to the arts. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sattriya]: This classical dance form originates from Assam; [Manipuri]: This classical dance form originates from Manipur; [Mohiniyattam]: This classical dance form originates from Kerala.

Correct Answer: D. Sarangi

• **Sarangi** = This instrument is a bowed string instrument, known for its ability to mimic the subtle inflections of human singing. • **North Indian musical tradition** — The Sarangi is central to this musical tradition, often accompanying vocalists. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sitar]: Sitar is a plucked string instrument; [Sarod]: Sarod is a plucked string instrument, played with a plectrum; [Santoor]: Santoor is a hammered dulcimer, played by striking strings with mallets.

Correct Answer: B. Maihar Gharana

• **Maihar Gharana** = Ustad Allauddin Khan founded this prominent music school, known for its instrumentalists. • **Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan** — These legendary musicians were among the notable students produced by Ustad Allauddin Khan's Maihar Gharana. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kirana Gharana]: Primarily known for vocal music, founded by Abdul Karim Khan; [Jaipur Gharana]: Known for its unique style in vocal Hindustani classical music, associated with Alladiya Khan; [Gwalior Gharana]: One of the oldest Hindustani vocal gharanas, associated with Nathu Khan.

Correct Answer: B. Dayan

• **Dayan** = This is the smaller, wooden drum of the Tabla, played with the right hand, providing primary melodic tones. • **Teak or rosewood** — The Dayan is typically made from these types of wood, contributing to its distinct sound. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Dhapa]: This is not a standard term for a Tabla drum part; [Bayan]: This is the larger, metallic drum of the Tabla, played with the left hand; [Chari]: This refers to a specific tuning technique or part of other drums, not a Tabla drum name.

Correct Answer: B. Odissi

• **Odissi** = Samyukta Panigrahi was a key figure in the revival and global promotion of this classical dance form. • **First Odia woman** — Samyukta Panigrahi holds the distinction of being the first Odia woman to embrace this ancient tradition in the modern era. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Bharatanatyam]: This dance form is associated with Rukmini Devi Arundale's revival efforts; [Kathak]: This dance form is associated with figures like Birju Maharaj; [Kuchipudi]: This dance form is associated with gurus like Vempati Chinna Satyam.

Correct Answer: C. Ektara

• **Ektara** = This simple one-stringed instrument is a hallmark of the Baul folk singers, providing drone and rhythmic accompaniment. • **One-stringed instrument** — The Ektara is distinctive for having a single string, representing the simplicity of the Baul tradition. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Veena]: Veena is a multi-stringed classical instrument, not typically associated with Baul singers; [Sarod]: Sarod is a multi-stringed classical instrument, not typically associated with Baul singers; [Sitar]: Sitar is a multi-stringed classical instrument, not typically associated with Baul singers.

Correct Answer: A. Odissi

• **Odissi** = Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was the primary architect of the modern revival of this classical dance form. • **First person from Odisha** — Kelucharan Mohapatra holds the distinction of being the first person from Odisha to receive the Padma Vibhushan. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sattriya]: This dance form is associated with Srimanta Sankardeva; [Mohiniyattam]: This dance form is associated with Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma; [Kathakali]: This dance form is associated with artist like Kalamandalam Gopi.