Project File: Knowledge of One Percussion Artist MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This is a multiple-choice quiz for Class IX, Subject: Hindustani Music Percussion Instruments (Code 036), as part of the Internal Assessment. The quiz focuses on the profile and contribution of a renowned percussion artist. Please attempt all questions, submit your answers, and then download the PDF of your answer sheet.
About the Artist: Ustad Zakir Hussain
This quiz focuses on the life and work of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a world-renowned tabla virtuoso, composer, and percussionist. He is considered a chief architect of the contemporary world music movement. His exceptional talent and innovative collaborations have brought Indian classical music to a global stage.
Early Life and Lineage
Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India. He is the son of the legendary tabla player, Ustad Alla Rakha. A child prodigy, Zakir began his training under his father at a very young age. He started touring by the age of twelve, quickly gaining fame for his technical brilliance and soulful performances.
Key Contributions and Musical Style
- Innovation in Tabla Playing: He expanded the traditional repertoire of the tabla, incorporating complex rhythmic patterns and collaborating with a wide range of musical genres.
- World Music Pioneer: Ustad Zakir Hussain was a founding member of several influential world music groups, including ‘Shakti’ with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, and the ‘Planet Drum’ project with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead.
- Collaborations: He has collaborated with a diverse array of artists from Yo-Yo Ma and George Harrison to Van Morrison, showcasing the versatility of the tabla.
- Composer: He has composed music for numerous films, including “In Custody” and “The Mystic Masseur,” and has also scored music for ballets and orchestras.
Notable Awards and Recognitions
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s contribution to music has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. A few key honors are:
| Award | Year | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Vibhushan | 2023 | Government of India |
| Padma Bhushan | 2002 | Government of India |
| Padma Shri | 1988 | Government of India |
| Grammy Award (Multiple) | 1992, 2009, etc. | The Recording Academy |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | 1990 | Sangeet Natak Akademi |
Quick Revision Points
- Artist: Ustad Zakir Hussain
- Instrument: Tabla
- Father and Guru: Ustad Alla Rakha
- Gharana: Punjab Gharana
- Key Projects: Shakti, Planet Drum, Diga Rhythm Band
- Highest Civilian Award: Padma Vibhushan (2023)
Extra Practice Questions
- Describe the role of Ustad Zakir Hussain in the ‘Shakti’ fusion band.
- Name two international artists with whom Ustad Zakir Hussain has collaborated.
- What is the significance of the Punjab Gharana in tabla playing?
- Explain how Ustad Zakir Hussain has acted as a cultural ambassador for Indian music.
- List three awards conferred upon Ustad Zakir Hussain by the Government of India.
Content created and reviewed by the CBSE Quiz Editorial Team based on the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE syllabus. Our goal is to help students practice concepts clearly, confidently, and exam-ready through well-structured MCQs and revision content.