Indian Music MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

Sushir vadya is related to flute

Answer:

The correct answer is option 'B': Tappa.

Origin and Folk Songs of Camel Riders:
The Tappa originated from the folk songs of the camel riders of Northwest India. The camel riders were nomadic people who traveled long distances on camels and entertained themselves by singing songs. These songs were known as Tappa and were characterized by their lively and rhythmic nature.

Legitimacy at the Mughal Court:
However, the Tappa gained legitimacy as a semi-classical vocal specialty once it was introduced to the Mughal court of Emperor Mohammed Shah. The Mughal court was known for its patronage of arts and music, and the introduction of Tappa to the court elevated its status as a respected form of vocal music.

Characteristics of Tappa:
Tappa is known for its intricate and fast-paced melodies. It is sung in a lively and energetic manner, often with accompanying instruments such as the tabla and harmonium. The lyrics of Tappa are usually in Punjabi or Urdu and often revolve around themes of love, nature, and social issues.

Evolution and Popularity:
Over time, Tappa evolved and incorporated elements of classical music, making it a unique blend of folk and classical styles. It became popular not only in the Mughal court but also among the general public. Today, Tappa is performed by professional musicians and is considered an important genre in the Indian classical music tradition.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Tappa originated from the folk songs of the camel riders of Northwest India and gained legitimacy as a semi-classical vocal specialty when it was introduced to the Mughal court. Its lively melodies, fast-paced rhythms, and themes of love and nature make Tappa a unique and popular genre in Indian classical music.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal are associated with Kirana Gharana.

The Kirana Gharana is one of the most prominent and influential schools (Gharana) of Hindustani classical music. It is known for its distinctive style and emphasis on melody, with a focus on the development and exploration of the raga (melodic structure) in its purest form.

About Pandit Bhimsen Joshi:
- Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists of the 20th century. He was born in 1922 in Gadag, Karnataka, and was trained in the Kirana Gharana style of music.
- Joshi's singing style was characterized by his powerful and emotive voice, his mastery over complex taans (fast melodic patterns), and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his renditions.
- He was known for his renditions of khayal, a popular form of Hindustani classical music, which helped establish him as one of the leading vocalists of his time.
- Joshi received numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2008. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy of musical excellence.

About Gangubai Hangal:
- Gangubai Hangal was a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist, born in 1913 in Dharwad, Karnataka. She also belonged to the Kirana Gharana and trained under Sawai Gandharva, a prominent disciple of the legendary Ustad Abdul Karim Khan.
- Hangal was known for her soulful and emotive renditions, often exploring the depths of emotions through her music. She had a deep understanding of ragas and was particularly known for her renditions of thumri and bhajans.
- Despite facing several challenges as a female artist in a male-dominated field, Hangal persevered and became one of the leading female vocalists of her time.
- Like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal received several awards and honors during her lifetime, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India. She passed away in 2009, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of Hindustani classical music.

Conclusion:
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal, both hailing from Karnataka, were stalwarts of the Kirana Gharana. Their contributions to Hindustani classical music have been immense, and their musical legacies continue to inspire generations of musicians.

Tillana in Carnatic Classical Music
Tillana is a popular form of composition in Carnatic classical music. It is usually performed as an energetic and rhythmic piece, often serving as an introductory item in concerts. Tillana is known for its fast-paced tempo, intricate rhythmic patterns, and lively melodies. It is typically performed towards the end of a concert, after the main compositions like varnam, kriti, and ragam-tanam-pallavi.

Khyal and Pallavi
Khyal and Pallavi are two different forms of composition in Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, respectively. They have distinct characteristics and serve different purposes in their respective musical traditions.

- Khyal: Khyal is a popular form of composition in Hindustani music. It is characterized by its improvisational nature and the use of intricate melodic patterns. Khyal compositions are usually performed in a free rhythm style, allowing the artist to explore the nuances of the raga and showcase their skill in improvisation. It often includes bol-baant (syllables used to depict rhythms) and taans (fast melodic passages).

- Pallavi: Pallavi is a form of composition in Carnatic music. It is the central and most important part of the ragam-tanam-pallavi (RTP) format. Pallavi is characterized by its melodic elaboration, rhythmic complexity, and exploration of the raga's nuances. It is often performed in a slow tempo, allowing the artist to showcase their mastery over the raga through imaginative improvisations. Pallavi is typically preceded by alapana (melodic exploration of the raga) and followed by tanam (rhythmic exploration of the raga).

Tanam and Raga Alapana
Tanam and raga alapana are both forms of melodic exploration in Carnatic classical music. While they are related, they have distinct characteristics and serve different purposes.

- Raga Alapana: Raga alapana is the melodic exploration of a raga in Carnatic music. It is a free-flowing improvisation where the artist explores the various nuances, phrases, and characteristics of the chosen raga. Raga alapana is usually performed before the main composition (such as kriti or pallavi) and sets the mood and framework for the composition. It does not have a fixed rhythm or pulse and allows the artist to showcase their creativity and knowledge of the raga.

- Tanam: Tanam is a rhythmic exploration of the raga in Carnatic music. It is usually performed after the raga alapana and before the pallavi in the RTP format. Tanam is characterized by its rhythmic flow, intricate patterns, and use of syllables like ta, nam, and tom to depict the rhythmic structure. Unlike raga alapana, tanam incorporates a rhythmic element and is often performed in a medium to fast tempo. It showcases the artist's ability to navigate the raga's rhythmic complexities while maintaining the melodic integrity.

Conclusion
Based on the explanations above, the correct statements are:
1. Tillana usually finds a place in Carnatic classical music concerts as an introductory piece.
3. Tanam is a branch of raga alapana which shows the rhythmic flow of music.

Therefore,

Malik Family and Darbhanga Gharana
The Malik family is primarily associated with the Darbhanga Gharana, a significant lineage in the realm of Hindustani classical music. This gharana is renowned for its contributions to vocal music, particularly in the genres of dhrupad and khayal.
Historical Background
- The Darbhanga Gharana originated in the town of Darbhanga in Bihar, India.
- It has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century, contributing to the development of classical music in the region.
Key Features of Darbhanga Gharana
- Vocal Techniques: The gharana emphasizes intricate vocal techniques, focusing on clarity and precision.
- Repertoire: It showcases a diverse repertoire, including traditional forms like dhrupad, thumri, and bhajan.
Influence of the Malik Family
- The Malik family has produced several notable musicians who have upheld and propagated the traditions of the Darbhanga Gharana.
- Their contribution to the gharana has helped preserve its unique style and has influenced many contemporary artists.
Conclusion
The Malik family's association with the Darbhanga Gharana highlights their pivotal role in the preservation and evolution of Hindustani classical music. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians, ensuring that the rich traditions of the gharana remain alive and vibrant.

The correct answer is option 'C': 2 Only.

Explanation:
1. The first statement is incorrect. The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) is not specifically focused on music, but on all forms of performing arts including music, dance, and theatre. It is the apex body for the promotion and preservation of these performing arts in India. The SNA was established in 1952 and operates as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its objectives include the recognition and encouragement of exceptional talent, the preservation and documentation of traditional forms of performing arts, and the promotion of cultural exchange between different regions and communities within India.

2. The second statement is correct. The Sangeet Natak Akademi set up the National School of Drama (NSD). The NSD was established in 1959 and is one of the foremost institutions for theatre education and training in India. It offers a three-year full-time diploma course in dramatic arts, which covers various aspects of theatre including acting, direction, design, and other related fields. The NSD has produced many renowned theatre practitioners and has contributed significantly to the growth and development of Indian theatre.

In conclusion, the Sangeet Natak Akademi functions as the apex body for promoting and preserving all forms of performing arts in India, and it did establish the National School of Drama. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal are renowned figures in the realm of Hindustani classical music, specifically associated with the Kirana Gharana.
What is the Kirana Gharana?
- The Kirana Gharana is one of the prominent gharanas (schools) of Hindustani classical music.
- It is known for its emphasis on the beauty of melody and the intricate use of ragas.
- The gharana’s style often incorporates a deep emotional expression, focusing on the nuances of vocal rendition.
Contribution of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
- Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (1922-2011) was a legendary vocalist celebrated for his powerful voice and emotive renditions.
- He brought a unique flavor to the Kirana Gharana by blending traditional forms with his innovative approach.
- His performances were characterized by a deep understanding of ragas, along with improvisational skills.
Contribution of Gangubai Hangal
- Gangubai Hangal (1913-2009) was another stalwart of the Kirana Gharana, known for her distinct style and commitment to classical music.
- She was one of the first women to gain prominence in Hindustani classical music, paving the way for future generations.
- Her renditions often featured traditional compositions, showcasing her mastery over the art.
Conclusion
- Both musicians have significantly contributed to the legacy of the Kirana Gharana, making it an influential force in the classical music landscape.
- Their dedication and artistry continue to inspire aspiring musicians and music lovers alike.
This rich heritage of the Kirana Gharana is what firmly places both Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal within its esteemed ranks.

Introduction:
Amir Khusrau was a prominent 13th-century Persian poet, musician, and scholar who lived during the Delhi Sultanate. He made significant contributions in the fields of literature, music, and culture. Let's analyze each statement to determine its correctness.

Statement 1: He introduced new musical ragas - Ghora and Sanam.
The first statement is incorrect. Amir Khusrau did introduce several new musical ragas, but Ghora and Sanam are not among them. Some of the ragas he introduced include Yaman Kalyan, Sarparda, and Zilaf. He is considered the father of Qawwali, a form of devotional music that blends Persian and Indian elements.

Statement 2: He created a new style of Persian poetry called Sabaq-i-Hindi.
The second statement is incorrect. Amir Khusrau did not create a new style of Persian poetry called Sabaq-i-Hindi. However, he was known for his mastery of Persian poetry and his ability to blend Persian and Indian literary traditions. He is credited with popularizing the ghazal form of poetry in the Indian subcontinent.

Statement 3: He authored the work Tughlaqnama.
The third statement is correct. Amir Khusrau authored the work Tughlaqnama, a historical account of the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq. It provides valuable insights into the political and cultural climate of the time and is considered one of the most important historical texts from the Delhi Sultanate period.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, only statement 3 is correct. Amir Khusrau did not introduce the ragas Ghora and Sanam, nor did he create a style of Persian poetry called Sabaq-i-Hindi. However, he did author the work Tughlaqnama, which is an important historical text.

Natya Shastra:
- Natya Shastra is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, including music, dance, and drama. It was written by Bharata Muni, and it is believed to have been composed around 200 BCE to 200 CE.
- The Natya Shastra provides a comprehensive guide to the various styles and aspects of music in ancient India. It discusses the different types of musical instruments, the theory of sound, and the classification of ragas (melodic modes).
- The treatise also explains the concept of tala (rhythm) and provides detailed instructions on vocal techniques and musical ornamentation.
- The Natya Shastra is considered one of the most important texts on Indian music and has greatly influenced the development of classical music in the country.

Brihaddeshi:
- Brihaddeshi is another treatise on music written by Matanga, a musicologist who lived around the 7th century CE.
- This text is primarily focused on the classification of ragas and describes various melodic structures and ornamentation techniques.
- Brihaddeshi also introduces the concept of raga-ragini system, which is a framework for organizing the ragas into families based on their melodic characteristics.
- The treatise also provides guidelines for the performance of different types of music, including vocal and instrumental music.

Panchabhoota:
- Panchabhoota is not a treatise on music but is rather a concept in ancient Indian philosophy.
- According to this concept, everything in the universe is composed of five elements or "panchabhootas" - earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
- While the Panchabhoota concept is not directly related to the study of music, it does form the basis of certain Indian music theories that associate different ragas with specific elements.

Based on the information provided, the correct answer is option 'A' (1 and 3 only). The Natya Shastra and Brihaddeshi were both written to expound the various styles and aspects of music in ancient India. The Brihat Samhita is a treatise on astrology and does not specifically focus on music. The Panchabhoota concept, while important in Indian philosophy, is not directly related to the study of music.