Instruments & Artists — Set 8

Correct Answer: C. Esraj

• **Esraj** = This bowed instrument, combining elements of Sitar and Sarangi, was Rabindranath Tagore's favorite for Rabindra Sangeet. • **Rabindra Sangeet** — The Esraj was extensively used by Rabindranath Tagore to provide melodic accompaniment to his compositions in this musical genre. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sitar]: While a prominent Indian instrument, it was not as extensively used by Tagore as the Esraj for his compositions; [Violin]: Violin is a Western instrument, though sometimes adapted, not Tagore's primary choice; [Tabla]: Tabla is a percussion instrument, used for rhythm, not melodic accompaniment.

Correct Answer: C. Wood

• **Wood** = The body of a Shehnai is traditionally crafted from wood, often Burma teak. • **Burma teak** — This specific type of wood is commonly used for making the body of a Shehnai, contributing to its unique sound. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Metal]: While Shehnai has a metal bell, its main body is not metal; [Bamboo]: Bamboo is used for instruments like the flute, not Shehnai; [Plastic]: Plastic is not a traditional material for classical Indian instruments like the Shehnai.

Correct Answer: B. Nagaswaram

• **Nagaswaram** = The Thavil, a South Indian barrel drum, is typically played to accompany this loud wind instrument. • **South Indian temple music** — The Thavil and Nagaswaram are a staple combination in this cultural and religious context, often heard in traditional weddings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Shehnai]: Shehnai is typically accompanied by Tabla or Dholak in North India; [Flute]: Flute, especially the Carnatic flute, is often accompanied by Mridangam; [Harmonium]: Harmonium is usually accompanied by Tabla or used as a solo instrument.

Correct Answer: C. Sitar

• **Sitar** = Ustad Vilayat Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar were two of the most influential maestros of this stringed instrument. • **20th century** — These two maestros were pivotal in defining and popularizing the Sitar's modern approach during this century. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sarangi]: Sarangi is associated with artists like Sultan Khan; [Violin]: Violin is associated with artists like L. Subramaniam in Indian classical music; [Tabla]: Tabla is associated with percussionists like Zakir Hussain.

Correct Answer: A. Shehnai

• **Shehnai** = This instrument is classified as a 'Sushira Vadya' because its sound is produced by blowing air through its reed. • **Sushira Vadya** — This is the ancient Indian classification term for wind instruments, meaning 'hollow instruments'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Santoor]: Santoor is a 'Tat Vadya' (stringed instrument) or 'Ghana Vadya' (idiophone, struck); [Mridangam]: Mridangam is an 'Avanaddha Vadya' (percussion instrument); [Violin]: Violin is a 'Tat Vadya' (stringed instrument).

Correct Answer: A. Violin

• **Violin** = T.N. Krishnan was one of the most respected violinists in the Carnatic classical tradition. • **Padma Vibhushan** — T.N. Krishnan received this prestigious award for his profound contributions to Carnatic music. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sitar: a plucked string instrument commonly used in Hindustani classical music; Santoor: a hammered dulcimer, not the instrument T.N. Krishnan was known for; Sarod: a fretless string instrument, distinct from the violin.

Correct Answer: A. 100

• **Santoor** = This hammered dulcimer is one of the few Indian classical instruments that is struck rather than plucked or bowed. • **100** — The ancient Shata-tantri Veena had 100 strings, and modern Santoors typically feature between 72 and 100 strings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: 21: not a traditional or common number of strings for a Santoor; 7: often associated with the main strings of a Sitar or frets of a Veena; 72: while 72 strings are common in modern Santoors, 100 represents the upper range and the traditional reference to the Shata-tantri Veena.

Correct Answer: B. Mridangam

• **Mridangam** = This is considered the primary and most versatile drum in Carnatic music, also known as the 'King of Drums' in the South Indian musical system. • **Sanskrit** — The name 'Mridangam' comes from Sanskrit words meaning 'clay' and 'body', reflecting its traditional construction. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Tabla: a popular drum in North Indian Hindustani music, not primarily associated with the South Indian system as 'King of Drums'; Chenda: a cylindrical percussion instrument prominent in Kerala's temple arts; Ghatam: a clay pot instrument used as a secondary percussion in Carnatic music.

Correct Answer: C. Sarod

• **Sarod** = Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash are prominent sixth-generation players of this fretless string instrument. • **Sixth-generation** — Amaan and Ayaan belong to the sixth generation of Sarod players in their illustrious family lineage. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Santoor: a hammered dulcimer, distinct from the Sarod; Sitar: a plucked string instrument with frets; Tabla: a pair of hand drums, which is a percussion instrument, not a string instrument.

Correct Answer: B. Nails/Cuticles

• **Nails/Cuticles** = The Sarangi is traditionally played by sliding the fingernails or cuticles against the strings, a unique technique for achieving smooth melodic glides. • **'Meend'** — This term refers to the characteristic smooth slides between notes, which are made possible by the unique playing technique of the Sarangi. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Palm: the palm is not used for pressing strings on a Sarangi; Thumb: while the thumb might support the instrument, it's not the primary part for pressing strings; Fingertips: commonly used for pressing strings on instruments like violin or sitar, but not for the Sarangi's distinctive technique.