Raga Lakshana: Hamsadhavani MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument) (Code 032), Theory Unit 2. It focuses on the topic Raga Lakshana: Hamsadhavani, specifically Arohana/avarohana and identity points. Please answer all questions, click Submit to check your score, and download the solution PDF for your records.
Overview of Raga Hamsadhavani
Hamsadhavani is a very popular and auspicious raga in Carnatic music. It is a Janya raga derived from the 29th Melakarta, Dheerasankarabharanam. It was created by Ramaswami Dikshitar, the father of Muthuswami Dikshitar.
This raga is an Audava-Audava raga, meaning it has five notes in the Arohana (ascending scale) and five notes in the Avarohana (descending scale).
Arohana and Avarohana
The scale of Hamsadhavani is as follows:
- Arohana: S R2 G3 P N3 S
- Avarohana: S N3 P G3 R2 S
The swaras used are Shadja (S), Chatusruti Rishabha (R2), Antara Gandhara (G3), Panchama (P), and Kakali Nishada (N3).
Identity Points
- Varjya Swaras: The notes Madhyama (M) and Dhaivata (D) are completely omitted.
- Nature: It is a bright, pleasing raga often sung at the beginning of a concert to invoke auspiciousness.
- Jiva Swaras: Gandhara (G) and Nishada (N) are considered the life-giving notes of this raga.
- Nyasa Swaras: P, G, and N often serve as resting notes (Nyasa).
Swara Table
| Swara | Full Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabha | Chatusruti Rishabha | R2 |
| Gandhara | Antara Gandhara | G3 |
| Nishada | Kakali Nishada | N3 |
Quick Revision List
- Parent Scale: Sankarabharanam (29th Melakarta)
- Type: Audava (Pentatonic)
- Creator: Ramaswami Dikshitar
- Missing Notes: Ma and Dha
- Mood: Vira (Valour) and Bhakti (Devotion), generally bright and energetic
Extra Practice Questions
- What is the Melakarta number of Sankarabharanam? (Answer: 29)
- Which two notes are omitted in Hamsadhavani? (Answer: Madhyama and Dhaivata)
- Name the creator of Hamsadhavani. (Answer: Ramaswami Dikshitar)
- Is Hamsadhavani a Sampurna raga or an Audava raga? (Answer: Audava)
- Which variation of Nishada is used in this raga? (Answer: Kakali Nishada)
