Quiz Answers

 

1


There are two types of musical systems - Harmonic and Melodic. Which type of system is Carnatic music?

Melodic

 

2

How many basic notes are there in the Harmonic systems and how many basic notes are there n the Melodic system?

Seven

 

3

What is the fundamental difference in the frequency of notes between a harmonic and a Melodic system?

In Harmonic system, the notes are of fixed frequency intervals while in a melodic system, the notes are of relative frquency.

 

5

In total, how many full and half-notes are there in Carnatic Music?

Seven and five or total of 12 or with Vivadi swaras total of 16.

 

8

What is a raga? Give at least two characteristics of a raga?

Combinations of swaras with a predetermined up (avarhoanam) and down (arahoanam) scale.

6

Which type of notation does Indian music use - Staff notation or script notation?

Script Notation

12

What is a varja ragam?

Omitting one or two swarams either in arohanam or avarohanam

10

What are the two types of ragas?

Janya and Janaka ragas

9

Why two ragas with the same basic notes (e.g. Kalyani or Sankarabharanam) do not sound similar?

Because one of the basic note might vary in its relative frequency (e.g. pradhimadyamam versus Sudhamadyamam)

7

What is the difference between a swara and a note?

Swarams are produced by a human voice (relative to a base note) while notes are mechanical and of fixed frequency intervals.

 

11

What is the fundamental difference between the two types of ragas?

One is the parent (Janaka) and the other is the child born out of that raga (Janya)

 

4

What is an octave?

Doubling the pitch of a swara by a factor of 2.

 

13

What is a vakra ragam?

Order of the swaras that different from the order in which they appear in the parent scale.

15

How is a thala different from a rhythm?

A rhythm is basic beat while a thala is a set of beats set to a cyclical order count with a beginning and an end.

16

In a Sulapdi Saptha scheme of thalas, how many thalas are available?

Thirty five

14

At least two examples of a ghana raga?

Nattai, Gowlai, Arabhi, Kedaram, Narayana Gowla, Baouli, Ritigowla

17


What is a jati? How would you differentiate thisra jati from Kanta jati?

Jati denotes how a laghu count is structured. For example, Tisra Jati will have one hit and two finger counts for a total of three aksharas while kanta jati will have one hit and four counts for a total of five..

19


What is Venkatamukhi's greatest contribution to music theory?

Codified the raga scheme

18

If you know the know the jati and name of a thala, would you be able to compute the aksharas for the thala? If so,how many aksharas or units does Kanta Jati Triputa thala have?

9 aksharas

20


According to the Melakarta scheme, how many parent or Janaka ragas are there?

Seventy two

 

25


Can a Janya raga or a child raga be born from a raga that is not listed as one of the ragas in the Melakarta scheme? Why or why not?

No. A janya raga evolves out of a janaka raga using some of the swaras from the parent and the Melakarta scheme includes all possiible parent ragas and therefore, a janya raga has to be born out of one of these ragas.

22

What is one principle requirement of Janaka ragas?

All seven swarams must be present and they should appear in the same order and occur only once.

23

What does sampoornam mean when applied to Melakarta ragas?

All seven notes are present in the up and down scales of a raga.

21

Why are the Janaka ragas divided into two groups? What differentiates the two groups?

They are classified on the basis of whether the madhyama (middle) swaram is either a pradhimadhyamam or suddha madhyamam.

24

What do we mean by Katapayadi scheme? What is this scheme used for?

According to the Katapayadi scheme, the first two letters of a raga will lead one to identify the melakarta to which it belongs.

 

30

What is the difference between a thana varnam and a pada varnam?

In taana varnam, sahityam and lyrics are used only in the Pallavi, anupallavi, and charnam. Pada varnam does not have this restrcition.

28

What is the difference in characteristic between a varnam and a Geetham?

Geetham: is a simple musical form without the complexities of Pallavai, Anupallavi, Charanam . A varnam has pallavi, anupallavi, charanam, muktayi swarams, etc.

26

What are musical forms? Why do we need them? Give at least two different musical forms in Carnatic music

They are structures for various compositions and renderings and have preset grammar and structure. Geetham, Varnam are examples of musical forms.

27

What is the difference between abhyasa ganam and Sabha ganam?

Abhyasa Ganam or those useful for the purposes of learning and practicing music and Sabha Ganam, those useful for the purposes of performing such as, in a concert or public gathering.

29


What are the two types of varnams?

Thana Varnam and Pada varnam

 

34

Give an example of a musical form that focused on bhakthi or devotion?

Keerthana

32

What are maguda swarams in a ragamalikai?

In a ragamalika, each unit is set to a different ragam and at the end of each unit, it is denoted by Chitta Swarams set in the same raga as that of the Pallavi. This type of signature is called Maguda Swarams.

35

Identify one composer from each of the following periods - pre-triniti, triniti, and post-triniti.

Pre-Triniti: Oothukadu Venkata Subbier;

Triniti: Saint Thygaraja

Post-Triniti: Papanasam Sivan

31

Provide a characteristic that is common and a characteristic that is different between a kirtana and a kriti.

Both have a common structure - pallavi, anupallavi, and charanam; Kritis are more computationally strucutred.

 

33

What differentiates a thillana from a regular kriti?

Thillanas invariably contain lyrics and jatis. Rarely kritis contain jatis.

 

36

Who wrote the Thevara Padhikams and what type of musical form does it belong to?

Thirunavukkarasu. Musical form is Virutham.

 

38

How many systems of Indian music existed before the 10th century?

One (Carnatic music although it was not called by this name).

 

40

How many Azhvars were there?

Sixty three

 

37

Can you cite one or two reasons why South Indian classical music was called Carnatic music?

Carnatic refers to ancient, traditional and also to also something that is learnt and appreciated by sitting near.

 

39

There were three composers from the seventh century who were pioneers of the bhakthi movement. Can you cite two of those three composers?

Appar,
Sundarar, and Thirugnana-
Ssambandar

 

45

What is the tamil equivalent of a raga?

PaNN

42

In what language was 4,000 Divya Prabhandam written?

Tamil

41

Who was responsible for compling the 4000-Divya Prabhandam?

Nadhamuni Azhvar

43

Can you name the only female Azhvars among the Azhvars?

Sri Andal

44

Who composed the Thiruvachakam and TiruvempAvai?

Manicka-vAchagar

 

50

What distinguishes Arunagirinathar's compositions (in terms of theme or messages) from some of the earlier composers?

He propounded all philosophies and did not discriminate between Saivism and Vaishnavism

 

47

Who wrote the Geetha Govindam?

Jayadeva

 

49

Who wrote the Thiruppugazh?

Arunagirinathar

 

46

What was the contribution of Jayadeva; name the set of his famous compositions?

He wrote a famous musical play called Geetha Govindam and the set of eight famous group of compositions are called Ashtapathi

 

48

What is the primary theme of the Geetha Govindam compositions?

Unity of the individual soul with the universal soul (Radha and Krishna)

 

51

Which pre-trinity composer is credited with providing the compositional structure into pallavi, anupallavi, and charanam?

Sri Annamacharya

 

53

What is madhura bhakthi?

A devotional worship where the devotee assumes himself or herself to be a sweet heart of the Lord and consider the Lord as the beloved Hero.

 

52

Which composer, although born in a Saivite family of Advaitic followers, wrote most of his compositions about Vishnu and on the Vishishtadvaitic concept of prapatti?

Saint Thygaraja Swami

 

56

Who wrote the Kshetrayya Pancharathnams?

Kshetrajna or Kshetrayya

 

54

List one or more great contributions of the Poet Annamacharya?

DolAyAm, shrIman nArAyaNa,

 

57

Who is the author of Krishna Leela Tharangini?

Narayana Theertha

 

55

Name a composer who is called the father of padams (more than one composer is credited with this title)?

Muthuthandavar

 

59

Can you name a composer who was accused of misusing tax collections to build a temple for Sri Rama?

Bhadrachala Ramadasa

 

58

Who wrote the musical operas, Parijatha Abaharanam and Haribhakthi Sundarnavam?

Narayana Theertha

 

60

Name a great composer who was also a Minister of Education.

Sarangapani

 

65

Which composer is popularly known as the Tanavarna margadarsi?

Pachimariyam Adiappa

 

63

Can you name a popular varnam written by Pachimiriyam Adiyappa?

Viriboni Varnam

 

64

Who is the composer of Rama Nataka Keerthanaigal?

Arunachala Kavirayar

 

62

What is the greatest contribution of Sri Purandaradasa to Carnatic Music?

Codified or systematized the teaching of music and it is his contributions that allows every student to go through the hierarchical process of learning music starting from Sarali Varisai, Janta Varisai, Thattu Varisai, etc

 

61

Which composer is called the Pitha Maha (Great Father) of Carnatic Music?

Sri Purandaradasa

 

66

At least name one composer who took up Sanyasa (relinquished family life) at a young age.

Narayana Theeertha

 

70

Can you name one or two composers who also lived during the period the Trinities lived?

Oothukadu Venkata Subbier

 

68

Who are the Trinities of Carnatic Music?

Saint Thyagaraja, Syama Sastri and Muthuswamy Dikshitar

 

67

Who is Venkata Kavi and what were some of his great accomplishments and contributions?

His most significant contributions include: Kamakshi Navavarna kritis, Saptaratnas (similar to Pancharathnas of Saint Thyagaraja), and even couple of operas

 

69

In which century did the Trinities live and compose music?

Eighteenth century

 

71

Who was the guru of Syama Sastri?

Pachimariyam Adiappa

72

What is Syama Sastri's greatest contribution?

Composing the Swarajatis.

73

Name one or two of Syama Sastri's swarajatis?

Kamakshi Anudinamu (Bharivai), Kamakshi Ni Padayugame (Yadukula Kambhoji), and Rave Himagiri Kumari (Todi).

91

Which is the only composer for who an Aradhana is celebrated each year in Thiruvayaru?

Saint Thyagaraja

74

On the thala front, can you cite one or more noteworthy contributions made by Syama Sastri?

Demonstratting the viloma style of chapu thalam

75

Name a disciple of Syama Sastri.

Subbaraya Sastri

76

What is the mudra or signature generally used by Syama Sastri?

Syama Krishna Sodhari

77

Which one of the trinities was the youngest among the three by age?

Muthuswamy Dishitar

78

Which one of the Trinities was proficient in both Carnatic and Hindustani music styles?

Muthuswamy Dikshitar

79

What is a sthala kriti?

A composition in praise of the Lord/Goddess of a holy town or cityy (Thirupathi, Lalgudi, Srirangam)

80

What is Manipravalam?

A single composition with lyrics in more than one language.

81

Can you name one or more sthalas where Dikshitar composed songs in praise of the local deity?

Ekambaranathar in Kancheepuram, Shiva of Vaitheeswaran Koil, Meenakshi of Madurai

82

What is the mudra or signature used by Dikshitar?

Sri Guru Guha

94

Who is Subbarama Dikshitar?

Nephew of Muthuswamy Dishitar.

83

What are VAra kritis? Who composed theses kritis?

Vara kritis is in praise of each day of a week. Dishitar composed such songs.

84

What are Navavarna kritis? Who composed these kritis?

Navavarna kritis are nine kritis include the seven vara kritis and two additional kritis in priase of two planets. Dikshitar composed the navavarna kritis.

85

Can you name two Navavarna kritis?

Examples of Navavarna kritis: Budham asrayami (Natakurunji), Brihaspate (Atana), Angarakam, Surya Murthe.

86

Who composed the popular kriti Vathapi Ganapthim in Hamsadvani?

Muthuswamy Dikshitar

87

What is the name of Saint Thyagaraja's guru?

Sonti Venkatramana

88

Name the two operas that Saint Thyagaraja wrote.

Nowka Charitham and Prahlada Bakthi Vijayam

89

Which of the trinities is known as the avatara purusha?

Saint Thygaraja

102

Which composer used the signature or mudra, kavikunjaradasa?

Koteeswara Iyer

90

What differentiates Saint Thyagaraja's compositions from most other composers? I am referring to the message in his compositions.

Thyagaraja Swami was the first composer whose compositions dealt with human beings - their problems, society's ills and the consequent belief in wrong values. His teachings were ecumenical and catholic and opposed the narrow belifes and biases of human beings because of caste, religion, and origin.

107

Name a post-trinity composers who was also a Ph.D in music?

Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar

 

93

Who is Baluswamy Dikshitar?

Brother of composer Muthuswamy Dishitar

95

What is the greatest contribution of Subbarama Dikshitar?

Compser of many varnams and the authors of the theory of music titled, Sangeetha Smparadaya Pradarshini.

98

Which composer received the title of Maha or Great composer even at the tender age of 12?

Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer.

99

In which musical aspect was Vaidyanatha Iyer most known for?

Ragam, Thanam, and Pallavi

100

Which composer was known as Chinna Thyagaraja Swami?

Patnam Subramania Iyer

101

Can you name the composer of the famous kriti, Raghuvamsasudha in Kadanakuthoohalam.

Patnam Subramania Iyer

103

Which composer was also a king or belonged to the royal family? Hint: there is more than one composer who fits this category.

Swati Tirunal Maharaja of Kerala; Mysore Maharaja - Jayachamrajendra Wodayar

96

Who wrote Sangeeta Sampradaya Pradarsini?

Subbarama Dishitar

104

What was the childhood name of the composer, Swathi Thirunal?

Bala Rama Verma

106

Which composer used the signature or mudra, Padmanabha?

Swati Tirunal Maharaja

108

Which composer also served in the royal court of Swathi Thirunal Maharaja?

Harikesanallur Muthia Bhagavathar.

92

Can you name one or twopost-triniti composers?

Papanasam Sivann, Ambujam Krishna, Lalgudi Jeyaraman

117

Give one basic difference between Western and Indian Music systems?

Western music system is based on the harmonic system of fixed frequency intervals and a major and a minor scale. Indian music - both carnatic and hindustani music schools - are based on the melodic system of relative frequency notes system and have several scales.

115

Whos composed the popular kritis, Kapali in Mohanam or KAna KaNNkodi vendum in Kamboji?

Sri Papanasam Sivan

109

What was Harikesanallur Muthia Bhagavathar's compositions known for?

His compositions were full of artistic intricacies and thala complexity that was unparalleled

110

Name a royal composer from the State of Mysore.

Maharaja Jayachamrajendra Wodayar

111

Can you name a kriti composed by Jayachamrajendra Wodeyar?

Srijalandhara (Gambheeranata) and Mahaganapatim (Amritavahini).

133

Who wrote the Sangita Ratnakara?

Saranga Deva

112

Can you name a post-triniti composer who was proficient in both carnatic and hindustani music styles?

Mysore Vasudevachar

114

Name the composer who is known as modern day Thyagaraja?

Sri Papanasam Sivan

105

Can you name two great compositions of Swathi Thirunal?

Bhavayami Raghuramam (Ragamalika), Bhajabhajamaanasa (Sindhu Bhairavi), Chalamela (Sankarabharanam). Devadeva Kalayami (Mayamalava Gaula), and Gopalakapahimam (Bhoopalam).

 

130

There are five important Shiva temples in which the lingas represent the five elements. A song has been composed in praise of each. Name at least one or more off the temple towns where these temples are located and the collective groups of kritis and who composed them.

Panchalinga Kritis: Literally means five compositions, each in praise of one Shiva Lingam. In Hindu mythology, Shiva Lingams are used to represent the five forces of nature – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Atmosphere. The great composer, Muthuswamy Dikshitar composed these songs in praise of each lingam that represents one of these forces . The lingams are worshipped as Earth in Kancheepuram; Water in Thiruvanaikkaval; Fire in Thiruvannamalai; Air in Kalahasti, and Atmosphere in Chidambaram.

 

147

As you know there are seven basic swaras.  These swaras are further divided by micro tones or intervals.  How many total swaras do they now make including the intervals?  

Twenty Two

116

Which composer has also composed many songs for the Tamil cinema field?

Papanasam Sivan

 

118

Name a great composer who was an editor of a Tamil magazine, Swadesamitran?

Subramania Bharathi

 

97

What is the primary content of Sangeeta Sampradaya Pradarsini?

A great theory and reference manual on Carnatic Music.

 

119

Name a great composer who wrote many compositions to raise the national spirit among the Indians and to fight the British regime?

Subramania Bharathi

 

120

Thyagaraja Swami was one of the great trinities who wrote many of his composition highlighting the ills of the society and offered messages to improve oneself. Name a great modern day composer who followed a similar objective and wrote compositions on women's rights, freedom from caste and religious biases.

Sri Subramania Bharathi

 

121

What is the principle deity on whom Papanasam Sivan wrote many of his compositions?

Sri Kapaleeswarar

 

122

Which poet was arrested and put in prison for some of his songs and writings?

Subramania Bharathi

 

123

What is a simple definition of bhajans?

Devotional music set for group singing.

 

124

Who wrote the Natyasastra? What is the content of this book?

Bharatha. The Natyasastra describes the instruments that should accompany a dance and in particular, explains the technique of playing Veena, the ancient string instrument.

 

125

Which instrument is called a mangala vadyam or a sacred musical instrument?

The Nadaswaram

 

113

Name a post-triniti composer who has composed songs using each of the 35 thalas from the Sulapdi Saptha thala scheme?

Mysore Vasudevachar

 

127

Name the ragas, in the right order, used in the Pancharathna kritis?

Nattai, Gowlai, Arabhi, Varalai and Sri

 

128

What are utsava sampradaya kritis?

A group of songs that describe the pooja ritual, marriage ceremony of God (Utsava Sampradaya Kritis of Saint Thygagaraja).

 

129

Forms of Raga also developed in Tamil literature independent of its development among the carnatic musicians? What is the Tamil equivalent of the word Raga?

PaNN

 

141

What is a Vivadi swara?

If between two swara, there is only one sruti (conflicting), they are called Vivadi Swaras.

 

131

Name the four vedas?

RgVeda, Sama Veda, Atharvana Veda, and Yajur veda.

 

136

Name two Lalgudi pancharathnams along with the ragas in which they were composed.

Isa Pahimam (Kalyani), Deva Sthree tapa Thirtha (Madhyamavathi), Lalithe sri pravriddhe (Bhairavi), Mahitha Pravriddha (Kambodi), Gati nee vani (Thodi)

 

132

What are some of Sama Veda's contribution to Indian music system?

Sama literally means “to be level or in unison.” It also means a song. Sama Veda is credited with contributing the following to the Indian music:

· Music scale
· Principles of aesthetics such as melody, creativity, etc.
· Principles of thala or rhythms and timing
· Notations or writing the music.

 

144

Define Marga Sangeetham

Sacred music that pleases the Gods.

 

135

Name at least three stahals or temple towns in which Thyagaraja Swami composed songs in praise of the local deity.

Srirangam, Lalgudi, and Thirupathi

 

138

List two Kovur Pancharathnams along with the names of the ragas in which they were composed.

Sundareswaruni (Sankarabharanam), Eva Sudha (Sahana), Kori Sevimpa rAre (Karharapriya), Nammi Vachina (Kalyani), Sambho Mahadeva (Panthuvarali).

 

139

What is a Vadi Swara?

An important or a predominant note in a raga. This note will repeated several times and emphasized during the rendering of a raga.

 

170

What was the movement against the influence of Buddhism that also had a profound influence in Indian music development?

The Bhakthi movement started by the Saivites and the Vaishnavites.

 

146 

Can you name the book that was called the fifth Veda and that was written by Saint Bharatha

Bhartha Natya Sastra

 

140

What is a Samvadi swara?

If two notes are related to each other as Sa or Shadjam and Pa or Panchamam, they are called samvadi swaras; consonance of the fifth or the fourth note. For example, Shadja and Suddha Madhyama, Suddha Rishabha and Suddha Dhaivata, Suddha Gandhara and Suddha Nishadha, Sadaharana Gandhara and Kaisiki Nishada, Antara Gandhara and Kakali Nishada, Suddha Rishaba and Prati Madhyama are samvadi swaras (Prof. Sambamurthy).

 

137

Name one kriti that Sri Thygaraja Swami composed in the temple town of Thirupathi in praise of the Lord of Thirupathi. Also mention the name of the raga in which the song was composed.

Sri Venkateswara., Thera dheeaga radha (Gowli Bantu)

 

143

During the Vedic period, Indian music was divided into two groups.  Name the two groups.

Marga Sangeetham and Desi Sangeetham

 

145

Define Desi Sangeetham

Music intended for the ordinary humans.

 

142

How was Indian music called in the Vedic days?

Samagana

 

148 

India’s greatest contribution to classical music is the Raga concept.  Which was the first Indian text to discuss Raga?

Brihaddesi (9th Century) written by Maatanga.

 

134

Name a great musicologist who was also an Accountant General by profession.

Saranga Deva

 

126

Who wrote the navaratna malika or songs that were collectively ccalled garland of nine gems?

Sri Syama Sastri

 

150

As you know, some ragas (for example in the arohana) contain seven notes, while others may contain either six or five notes in the ascending or descending scales.  How are these three classifications called?  

Sampoorna, audava, and shadava.

 

 

151

Who wrote the Geetha Govinda?

Jaya Deva

 

152

Name the first great musicologist of India with an Islamic origin.

Amir Khusro (1234)

 

153

Name the person who is supposed to have invented the musical instrument “Sitar.”

Amir Khusro

 

168

What is Avanaddha?

Avanaddha means to be covered and hence refers to instruments such as drums.

 

173

What is the Peria Puranam?

The 12th Thirumurai is called the 'thiruth thoNdar purANam' (popularly known as 'periya purANam' ) and it  chronicles the life history of the nAyanmArs

 

154

What does the word “Sitar” mean?

Originated from the words Sher and Tar which means three-stringed.

 

155

Who is a Vaggeykara?

A composer who is also an accomplished musician and poet.

 

156

Can you name at least two Vageyakaras from Carnatic music?

Thyagaraja Swami, Purandaradasa, Jeyadeva, Haridas

 

162

Name a composer who was very well known for composing both padams and Javalis.

Ksetrajna or Varadayya

 

157

Name the poet who began composing songs even before he turned sixteen years of age.  Hint: He lived in Andhra Pradesh.

Sri Annamacharya

 

158

Who wrote the book Singaramanjari?

Sri Annamacharya

 

160

What are padams?

Often set to dances; allegorical and with sringara or love themes.

 

165

Name the person who is credited with introducing the Western violin to Indian music.

Balu Dishitar (brother of Muthuswamy Dikshitar)

 

161

What are Javalis?

Also set to dances; but faster than padams in their tempo.

 

169

What is Sushira?

Sushira means hollow; refers to wind instruments such as the flute.

 

149

What does the word Raga refer to? 

That which pleases the mind.

 

166

What do the words “Tata” “Avanaddha” “Sushira” and “Vadya” refer to?

How Saint Bharatha classified instruments.

 

172

What is Thirumurai and what do they contain?

ThirumuRai: Works of 27 great saints, collectively referred to as 'thirumuRai'. (Saints include: Sambandhar, Appar, Sundarar, MANikkavAsakar, ThirumUlar, and others). Contains: 12 volumes and 18,000 songs in Tamil.

 

163

The Vedas use different names for Veenas.  Can you name one or more of these?

Bana Veena, Kanda Veena and Godha Veena

 

159

Name the violinist who, for his accomplishments, received an ivory violin from the Maharaja of Travancore.

Sri Vadivelu

 

167

What is Tata?

Tata means stretched; instruments made of stretched jute or other strings.

 

164

What do the names Teenava and Nadi refer to?

Vedic flutes

 

171

What are Thevarams?

Ancient Tamil hymns in parise of Lord Shiva and composed by the 63 Saivite Nayanmars. Composed between 600 and 900 Ads.