Project Work: Music & History MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers Class IX Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035), Unit: Internal Assessment, specifically focused on the Project Work topic: Development of music during the medieval period. Test your knowledge on historical treatises, key figures like Amir Khusrau and Tansen, and the evolution of musical forms. Submit your answers to check your score and download the PDF answer key.
Overview: Development of Music in the Medieval Period
The medieval period in Indian history (roughly 12th to 18th century) was a transformative era for Indian Classical Music. This period witnessed the synthesis of ancient Indian musical traditions with Persian and Islamic influences, leading to the distinct bifurcation of Indian music into Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) systems. The patronage of Mughal emperors and regional kings played a vital role in nurturing this art form.
Key Developments and Contributions
- Persian Influence: The arrival of Islamic rulers brought Persian music, scales (Maqams), and instruments, which blended with the existing Vedic traditions.
- Amir Khusrau (1253-1325): A pivotal figure who is credited with inventing the Sitar and Tabla. He introduced styles like Tarana and Qawwali and created new Ragas by mixing Persian and Indian melodies.
- Raja Man Singh Tomar: The ruler of Gwalior who played a major role in the development and popularization of the Dhrupad style of singing. He also commissioned the treatise Man Kutuhal.
- Mughal Patronage: The reign of Akbar is considered the Golden Age of music, with Tansen being one of the nine gems (Navaratnas) in his court.
Important Treatises
| Treatise | Author | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sangeet Ratnakara | Sharangadeva | Written in the 13th century, it is the definitive text connecting ancient and medieval music. |
| Sangeet Parijat | Pt. Ahobal | Described the placement of notes on the string of the Veena for the first time. |
| Ain-i-Akbari | Abul Fazl | Contains detailed accounts of music and musicians in Akbar’s court. |
Quick Revision Points
- The Bhakti Movement used music (Bhajans, Kirtans) as a medium for devotion, making music accessible to the common masses.
- The Raga-Ragini system of classification became popular during this time, associating ragas with seasons, times, and deities.
- The ancient Prabandha form of music gradually evolved into the Dhrupad style.
- Tansen is known for composing many Ragas, such as Miyan Ki Malhar and Miyan Ki Todi.
Extra Practice Questions
- Who wrote the treatise ‘Swaramelakalanidhi’? (Answer: Ramamatya)
- Which city was a major center for Dhrupad music under the Tomars? (Answer: Gwalior)
- What is the name of the musical instrument associated with Meerabai? (Answer: Ektara)
- Which Mughal emperor was known to be an accomplished Veena player? (Answer: Aurangzeb – though he later banned music, he was skilled; widely accepted answer for Veena player is also Samudragupta in ancient times, but in Mughal context, instruments flourished under Akbar/Shah Jahan).
- The separation of Hindustani and Carnatic music became distinct around which century? (Answer: 13th-14th Century)
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