Raga Lakshana: Mohanam MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Enhance your understanding of Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument) (Code 032) Theory Unit 2 with this focused quiz on Raga Lakshana: Mohanam. Covering essential topics like Arohana/avarohana and brief identity points, this quiz is designed to help students master the structural nuances of this raga. Attempt the 10 MCQs below, check your score instantly, and download the solution PDF for your exam revision.
About Raga Mohanam
Raga Mohanam is one of the most popular, pleasing, and auspicious ragas in Carnatic music. It is a symmetric pentatonic scale known for its universal appeal and is often one of the first ragas taught to beginners in the Geetham form.
1. Classification and Origin
- Parent Raga (Melakarta): Mohanam is a Janya (derivative) raga of the 28th Melakarta, Harikambhoji.
- Type: It is an Audava-Audava raga, meaning it has 5 notes in the Arohana (ascent) and 5 notes in the Avarohana (descent).
- Nature: It is an Upanga raga, as it takes only the notes present in its parent scale without any foreign notes.
2. Scale Structure (Arohana & Avarohana)
The scale of Mohanam omits the Madhyamam (M) and Nishadam (N). The structure is as follows:
| Sequence | Swaras (Solfa Syllables) |
|---|---|
| Arohana | S R2 G3 P D2 S |
| Avarohana | S D2 P G3 R2 S |
3. Swaras Used
- Shadjam (S)
- Chatusruti Rishabham (R2)
- Antara Gandharam (G3)
- Panchamam (P)
- Chatusruti Dhaivatam (D2)
Varjya Swaras (Absent Notes): Madhyamam (Ma) and Nishadam (Ni) are completely absent in this raga.
4. Key Identity Points
- Hindustani Equivalent: Raga Mohanam corresponds to Raga Bhopali in Hindustani music.
- Raga Bhava: It evokes Veera (valour), Sringara (love), and Shantha (peace) rasas. It is considered a very auspicious raga suitable for all occasions.
- Symmetrical Scale: The intervals between the notes are spaced in a way that creates a highly consonant and pleasant soundscape.
Quick Revision List
- Mela: 28 (Harikambhoji)
- Notes Count: 5 (Pentatonic)
- Missing Notes: Ma, Ni
- Distinctive Note: Antara Gandharam (G3) gives it a bright quality.
Extra Practice Questions
- Why is Mohanam called an Upanga raga? (Ans: Uses only parent scale notes)
- Which note acts as the Nyasa swara (ending note) frequently? (Ans: G3 and P often serve as resting points)
- Is Mohanam a Vakra raga? (Ans: No, it has a straight ascent and descent)
- Name a Geetham in Mohanam. (Ans: Vara Veena)
- Which raga is the Pratimadhyama equivalent of Mohanam? (Ans: This requires theoretical derivation, but Mohanam itself is Suddha Madhyama based parentage).
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