Free Online Music Carnatic Lessons Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Who is considered to be the founder of Carnatic music?
- Shri Thyagaraja
- Shri Bobbili Keshavayya
- Shri Purandara Dasa (Correct answer)
- Shri Annamacharya
Correct answer: Shri Purandara Dasa
Shri Purandara Dasa is widely revered as the 'Pitamaha' or 'Father' of Carnatic music. He systematized the teaching methodology, introduced the basic exercises (sarali varisai, janta varisai), and composed numerous kritis and devotional songs. His contributions laid the foundational framework for the Carnatic music system as it is known today.
Question 2: Who wrote "Endaro Mahanubhavulu andariki Vandanamulu," a famous kriti?
- Shri Thyagaraja (Correct answer)
- Shri Muttuswami Dikshit
- Shri Annamacharya
- Shri Bhadrachala Ramadasu
Correct answer: Shri Thyagaraja
Shri Thyagaraja, one of the Trinity of Carnatic music, composed the famous kriti 'Endaro Mahanubhavulu andariki Vandanamulu.' This revered composition is a tribute to all great souls and is celebrated for its profound philosophical message and musical brilliance. His kritis are central to the Carnatic repertoire.
Question 3: Who is Lord Shri Venkateshwara Swamy's worshiper?
- Shri Venkateswara Sastry
- Shri Thyagaraja
- Shri Shyama Shastry
- Shri Annamacharya (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Shri Annamacharya
Shri Annamacharya was a prolific composer and poet who dedicated his life to worshipping Lord Shri Venkateshwara Swamy of Tirumala. He composed thousands of sankeertanas (devotional songs) in praise of the deity, making him one of the earliest and most significant contributors to Carnatic music. His works are still widely performed and cherished.
Question 4: Which basic raga is the first one that beginners in the Carnatic Music system are taught?
- Yaman Kalyani
- Hindola
- Mayamalavagoula (Correct answer)
- Hamsadhwani
Correct answer: Mayamalavagoula
Mayamalavagoula is traditionally the first basic raga taught to beginners in the Carnatic music system. Its symmetrical scale and clear intervals make it ideal for learning fundamental exercises like sarali varisai and janta varisai. This raga provides a solid foundation for understanding the structure and nuances of Carnatic ragas.
Question 5: Whose initial composition was the Desh ragam version of Rama Namame Tudi?
- Thanjavur Sankara Iyer (Correct answer)
- Oothukadu Venkata Kavi
- Thyagaraja
- Annamacharya
Correct answer: Thanjavur Sankara Iyer
Thanjavur Sankara Iyer is widely recognized as the composer of the Desh ragam version of 'Rama Namame Tudi.' This specific rendition is a significant contribution to the Carnatic music repertoire. His authorship distinguishes this particular kriti from other compositions or different melodic settings of similar devotional phrases.
Question 6: What was M.S. Subbulakshmi's debut film role?
- Sevasadan (Correct answer)
- Savithiri
- Sakuntalai
- Meera
Correct answer: Sevasadan
The legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi made her debut in the film industry with the 1938 Tamil movie 'Sevasadan.' She played the lead role of Sumangali in this social drama. This film marked her entry into acting before she fully dedicated her life to her illustrious musical career.
Question 7: The sole song Shyama Shastri ever wrote is in the raga Kalgada. What song is this?
- Nannu brovu
- Parvathi Ninnu Ne (Correct answer)
- Ninnu vina
- Samayamu Emarake
Correct answer: Parvathi Ninnu Ne
Shyama Shastri, one of the revered Trinity of Carnatic music, composed numerous kritis throughout his career. However, 'Parvathi Ninnu Ne' is specifically identified as his sole composition in the raga Kalgada. This kriti showcases his unique melodic genius within this particular raga, making it a distinct piece in his vast body of work.
Free Online Music Carnatic Lessons Question and Answers
Who is considered to be the founder of Carnatic music?