Hindustani Music MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Hindustani Music - Download Free PDF

The Correct answer is Hindustani Classical Music.

Key Points

• Gangubai Hangal was a legendary figure in the field of Hindustani Classical Music.
• She was born in Karnataka in 1913 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of the Kirana Gharana.
• She primarily specialized in the Khyal style of Hindustani classical singing, which emphasizes improvisation and exploration of ragas.
• Her voice was known for its depth and richness, which were used to bring out the intricate nuances of ragas.
• Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan (1971) and the Padma Vibhushan (2002), which are among India's highest civilian honors.
• Gangubai Hangal performed at various prestigious music festivals and was instrumental in popularizing Hindustani classical music among newer generations.
• She also served as an inspiration for women in music, having overcome significant challenges, including social and cultural barriers, during her journey.

Additional Information

• Rabindra Sangeet
  • Rabindra Sangeet refers to the songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned poet, writer, and composer from Bengal.
  • It combines elements of Indian classical music with folk traditions and often carries deep philosophical or emotional themes.
  • Rabindra Sangeet is a distinct genre and is highly popular in Bengal and other parts of India.
• Sufi Music
  • Sufi Music is a form of devotional music that originates from the traditions of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam.
  • It often seeks to express spiritual longing and divine love through poetry and melodies.
  • Popular Sufi singers include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen.
• Ghazal Singing
  • Ghazal is a poetic form that originated in Persian literature and later flourished in South Asia.
  • Ghazal Singing involves the musical rendition of these poems, often focusing on themes of love, loss, and spirituality.
  • Famous Ghazal singers include Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan.

The correct answer is Karnataka.

Key Points

• Kumar Gandharva, the renowned Hindustani classical singer, was born on April 8, 1924, in Sulebhavi, a village near Belgaum in Karnataka, India.
• His birth name was Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkalimath, but he was popularly known by his stage name Kumar Gandharva.
• He is celebrated for his unique style and innovative approach to Hindustani classical music, deviating from traditional norms.
• Kumar Gandharva's contributions to music include the revival of traditional folk music and the introduction of new ragas.

Additional Information

• Hindustani Classical Music
  • Hindustani classical music is one of the two main sub-genres of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music.
  • It has its origins in the Vedic traditions and evolved over the centuries with influences from Persian and Mughal music.
  • Key components of Hindustani classical music include ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles).
  • Prominent figures in Hindustani classical music include Tansen, Ravi Shankar, and Bhimsen Joshi.
• Ragas
  • A raga is a melodic framework used in Indian classical music to evoke specific emotions or moods.
  • Each raga is characterized by a specific set of notes and a unique sequence of ascending and descending scales.
  • Ragas are typically performed at specific times of the day or seasons to enhance their emotional impact.
• Innovations by Kumar Gandharva
  • Kumar Gandharva is known for his unconventional renditions and interpretation of ragas.
  • He introduced new ragas such as 'Sanmati' and 'Durga Kalyan'.
  • He also focused on reviving traditional folk music and incorporating it into classical concerts.
• Legacy and Recognition
  • Kumar Gandharva received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1977 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990.
  • His legacy continues through his recordings, disciples, and the annual music festival 'Kumar Gandharva Samaroh' held in his honor.

The correct answer is Tansen.

Key Points

•  Tansen 
  • Birth year: 1506​
  • Birthplace: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
  • Name at birth: Ramtanu
  • 1586 is the death year.
  • Death Place: Agra
  • Vocalist, composer of music, and instrumentalist
  • Husseini is his spouse
  • Hamirsen, Suratsen, Tanras Khan, Saraswati Devi, and Bilas Khan are among the kids.
  • Mukund Mishra is the father.
  • Awards: Akbar bestowed upon him the title of "Miyan."
  • Tansen, regarded as India's best musician, is credited with inventing the classical music that predominates in the country's northern regions (Hindustani classical music). Tansen was a vocalist and musician who wrote a lot of ragas. He began as King Ram Chand of Rewa State's court singer. According to legend, after learning of his amazing musical abilities, Emperor Akbar transformed him into his own musician. He afterwards became one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The life of Tansen is associated with many legends. Some of the most common ones are his ability to create rain and fire by just using his musical skills. Whatever the legends may be, there is no denying the fact that he was the greatest among all musicians this country has ever produced.
• Tansen's Connection with Miracles
  • According to legend, the renowned singer was capable of working many miracles through his voice. According to a well-known narrative, Akbar's ministers came up with a scheme when they wanted to purposefully embarrass Tansen. The emperor was contacted by the ministers, who begged him to persuade Tansen to sing the Raga Deepak, a raga that was meant to start fire! Tansen was instructed to light the lamps by singing after Akbar, who was eager to see the miracle, ordered his slaves to set a number of them. When Tansen sang Raga Deepak, all of the lamps simultaneously lit up!
  • Tansen also performed other miracles, such as bringing rain by singing Raga Megh Malhar. According to legend, Tansen used this particular raga shortly after Raga Deepak. This is due to the fact that Raga Deepak raised the temperature while Raga Megh Malhar lowered it. Raga Deepak has been lost to time, however Raga Megh Malhar is still in existence now.

  • Tansen was renowned for using music to communicate with animals. A ferocious elephant is supposed to have once been brought into Akbar's court. All expectations were placed in Tansen because no one else could tame the animal. The elephant was calmed by the emperor's favourite singer's songs, and he also inspired Akbar to ride on it, which according to stories, Akbar did.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Tansen.

Key Points

•  Tansen 
  • Birth year: 1506​
  • Birthplace: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
  • Name at birth: Ramtanu
  • 1586 is the death year.
  • Death Place: Agra
  • Vocalist, composer of music, and instrumentalist
  • Husseini is his spouse
  • Hamirsen, Suratsen, Tanras Khan, Saraswati Devi, and Bilas Khan are among the kids.
  • Mukund Mishra is the father.
  • Awards: Akbar bestowed upon him the title of "Miyan."
  • Tansen, regarded as India's best musician, is credited with inventing the classical music that predominates in the country's northern regions (Hindustani classical music). Tansen was a vocalist and musician who wrote a lot of ragas. He began as King Ram Chand of Rewa State's court singer. According to legend, after learning of his amazing musical abilities, Emperor Akbar transformed him into his own musician. He afterwards became one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The life of Tansen is associated with many legends. Some of the most common ones are his ability to create rain and fire by just using his musical skills. Whatever the legends may be, there is no denying the fact that he was the greatest among all musicians this country has ever produced.
• Tansen's Connection with Miracles
  • According to legend, the renowned singer was capable of working many miracles through his voice. According to a well-known narrative, Akbar's ministers came up with a scheme when they wanted to purposefully embarrass Tansen. The emperor was contacted by the ministers, who begged him to persuade Tansen to sing the Raga Deepak, a raga that was meant to start fire! Tansen was instructed to light the lamps by singing after Akbar, who was eager to see the miracle, ordered his slaves to set a number of them. When Tansen sang Raga Deepak, all of the lamps simultaneously lit up!
  • Tansen also performed other miracles, such as bringing rain by singing Raga Megh Malhar. According to legend, Tansen used this particular raga shortly after Raga Deepak. This is due to the fact that Raga Deepak raised the temperature while Raga Megh Malhar lowered it. Raga Deepak has been lost to time, however Raga Megh Malhar is still in existence now.

  • Tansen was renowned for using music to communicate with animals. A ferocious elephant is supposed to have once been brought into Akbar's court. All expectations were placed in Tansen because no one else could tame the animal. The elephant was calmed by the emperor's favourite singer's songs, and he also inspired Akbar to ride on it, which according to stories, Akbar did.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Tansen.

Key Points

•  Tansen 
  • Birth year: 1506​
  • Birthplace: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
  • Name at birth: Ramtanu
  • 1586 is the death year.
  • Death Place: Agra
  • Vocalist, composer of music, and instrumentalist
  • Husseini is his spouse
  • Hamirsen, Suratsen, Tanras Khan, Saraswati Devi, and Bilas Khan are among the kids.
  • Mukund Mishra is the father.
  • Awards: Akbar bestowed upon him the title of "Miyan."
  • Tansen, regarded as India's best musician, is credited with inventing the classical music that predominates in the country's northern regions (Hindustani classical music). Tansen was a vocalist and musician who wrote a lot of ragas. He began as King Ram Chand of Rewa State's court singer. According to legend, after learning of his amazing musical abilities, Emperor Akbar transformed him into his own musician. He afterwards became one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The life of Tansen is associated with many legends. Some of the most common ones are his ability to create rain and fire by just using his musical skills. Whatever the legends may be, there is no denying the fact that he was the greatest among all musicians this country has ever produced.
• Tansen's Connection with Miracles
  • According to legend, the renowned singer was capable of working many miracles through his voice. According to a well-known narrative, Akbar's ministers came up with a scheme when they wanted to purposefully embarrass Tansen. The emperor was contacted by the ministers, who begged him to persuade Tansen to sing the Raga Deepak, a raga that was meant to start fire! Tansen was instructed to light the lamps by singing after Akbar, who was eager to see the miracle, ordered his slaves to set a number of them. When Tansen sang Raga Deepak, all of the lamps simultaneously lit up!
  • Tansen also performed other miracles, such as bringing rain by singing Raga Megh Malhar. According to legend, Tansen used this particular raga shortly after Raga Deepak. This is due to the fact that Raga Deepak raised the temperature while Raga Megh Malhar lowered it. Raga Deepak has been lost to time, however Raga Megh Malhar is still in existence now.

  • Tansen was renowned for using music to communicate with animals. A ferocious elephant is supposed to have once been brought into Akbar's court. All expectations were placed in Tansen because no one else could tame the animal. The elephant was calmed by the emperor's favourite singer's songs, and he also inspired Akbar to ride on it, which according to stories, Akbar did.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Karnataka.

Key Points

• Kumar Gandharva, the renowned Hindustani classical singer, was born on April 8, 1924, in Sulebhavi, a village near Belgaum in Karnataka, India.
• His birth name was Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkalimath, but he was popularly known by his stage name Kumar Gandharva.
• He is celebrated for his unique style and innovative approach to Hindustani classical music, deviating from traditional norms.
• Kumar Gandharva's contributions to music include the revival of traditional folk music and the introduction of new ragas.

Additional Information

• Hindustani Classical Music
  • Hindustani classical music is one of the two main sub-genres of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music.
  • It has its origins in the Vedic traditions and evolved over the centuries with influences from Persian and Mughal music.
  • Key components of Hindustani classical music include ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles).
  • Prominent figures in Hindustani classical music include Tansen, Ravi Shankar, and Bhimsen Joshi.
• Ragas
  • A raga is a melodic framework used in Indian classical music to evoke specific emotions or moods.
  • Each raga is characterized by a specific set of notes and a unique sequence of ascending and descending scales.
  • Ragas are typically performed at specific times of the day or seasons to enhance their emotional impact.
• Innovations by Kumar Gandharva
  • Kumar Gandharva is known for his unconventional renditions and interpretation of ragas.
  • He introduced new ragas such as 'Sanmati' and 'Durga Kalyan'.
  • He also focused on reviving traditional folk music and incorporating it into classical concerts.
• Legacy and Recognition
  • Kumar Gandharva received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1977 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990.
  • His legacy continues through his recordings, disciples, and the annual music festival 'Kumar Gandharva Samaroh' held in his honor.

The Correct answer is Hindustani Classical Music.

Key Points

• Gangubai Hangal was a legendary figure in the field of Hindustani Classical Music.
• She was born in Karnataka in 1913 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of the Kirana Gharana.
• She primarily specialized in the Khyal style of Hindustani classical singing, which emphasizes improvisation and exploration of ragas.
• Her voice was known for its depth and richness, which were used to bring out the intricate nuances of ragas.
• Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan (1971) and the Padma Vibhushan (2002), which are among India's highest civilian honors.
• Gangubai Hangal performed at various prestigious music festivals and was instrumental in popularizing Hindustani classical music among newer generations.
• She also served as an inspiration for women in music, having overcome significant challenges, including social and cultural barriers, during her journey.

Additional Information

• Rabindra Sangeet
  • Rabindra Sangeet refers to the songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned poet, writer, and composer from Bengal.
  • It combines elements of Indian classical music with folk traditions and often carries deep philosophical or emotional themes.
  • Rabindra Sangeet is a distinct genre and is highly popular in Bengal and other parts of India.
• Sufi Music
  • Sufi Music is a form of devotional music that originates from the traditions of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam.
  • It often seeks to express spiritual longing and divine love through poetry and melodies.
  • Popular Sufi singers include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen.
• Ghazal Singing
  • Ghazal is a poetic form that originated in Persian literature and later flourished in South Asia.
  • Ghazal Singing involves the musical rendition of these poems, often focusing on themes of love, loss, and spirituality.
  • Famous Ghazal singers include Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan.