Raga Outline: Hamsadhvani MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Test your knowledge on Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument) Unit Practical Topic 3. This quiz covers the brief outline of Raga Hamsadhvani, its swara positions, parent raga, and typical phrases. Complete the quiz, view your score, and download the answer PDF for your records.
About Raga Hamsadhvani
Hamsadhvani is one of the most popular and auspicious ragas in Carnatic music. It is an Audava-Audava raga, meaning it has five notes in the ascent (Arohana) and five notes in the descent (Avarohana). It is a Janya (derived) raga of the 29th Melakarta, Dheerasankarabharanam.
Key Characteristics
- Creator: It is believed to have been created by Ramaswami Dikshitar (father of the Trinity composer Muthuswami Dikshitar).
- Structure: Upanga Raga (uses only swaras from its parent scale).
- Varjya Swaras: The notes Madhyama (M) and Dhaivata (D) are completely omitted.
- Mood: Veera (valour) and Bhakti (devotion). It is widely used for opening pieces in concerts (Varnams, Kritis).
Swara Positions
The swaras used in Hamsadhvani are:
| Swara | Type / Position | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Shadja | – | S |
| Rishabha | Chatusruti Rishabha | R2 |
| Gandhara | Antara Gandhara | G3 |
| Panchama | – | P |
| Nishada | Kakali Nishada | N3 |
Arohana and Avarohana
Arohana: S R2 G3 P N3 S
Avarohana: S N3 P G3 R2 S
Important Features
- Jeeva Swaras: Ga, Ni, and Pa are the life-giving notes.
- Nyasa Swaras: Pa is a very strong resting note (Nyasa).
- Graha Swaras: S, G, and P often serve as starting notes for phrases.
- Typical Phrases: G P N S | R G P N | P N S R G.
Quick Revision Points
- Hamsadhvani implies “Sound of Swans”.
- Parent scale: Shankarabharanam (29th Melakarta).
- Popular composition: Vatapi Ganapatim by Muthuswami Dikshitar.
- Time of singing: Typically evening, but acceptable at all times (Sarvakalika).
Extra Practice Questions
- 1. Which two swaras are omitted in Hamsadhvani? (Answer: Madhyama and Dhaivata)
- 2. Who is the credited creator of Raga Hamsadhvani? (Answer: Ramaswami Dikshitar)
- 3. Is Hamsadhvani a Bhashanga or Upanga raga? (Answer: Upanga)
- 4. What is the Melakarta number of its parent raga? (Answer: 29)
- 5. Name a popular Kriti in this raga. (Answer: Vatapi Ganapatim, Raghunayaka, etc.)
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.