Bhadrachala Ramadasa MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers the Theory Unit 1 for Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument) (Code 032). It focuses on the life, contributions, and devotional compositions of Bhadrachala Ramadasa. Test your knowledge on his role in the Bhakti movement and download the answer key PDF for revision.
About Bhadrachala Ramadasa (Kancharla Gopanna)
Bhadrachala Ramadasa, born as Kancharla Gopanna, was a prominent 17th-century composer of Carnatic music and a fervent devotee of Lord Rama. He lived in the village of Nelakondapalli in the Khammam district of present-day Telangana. His life is a testament to unwavering devotion and the power of Bhakti.
Key Contributions & Life Events
- Temple Construction: While working as a Tahsildar (revenue official) under the Qutb Shahi King Tanisha, Gopanna used the tax revenue to construct the famous Rama temple at Bhadrachalam.
- Imprisonment: Accused of misusing state funds, he was imprisoned in the Golconda Fort for 12 years. It was during this time that he composed some of his most moving songs, pleading for Lord Rama’s intervention.
- Divine Intervention: Legend says that Lord Rama and Lakshmana appeared before King Tanisha in the guise of servants and paid the debt in gold coins (Ramadaasu/Rama Mada) to secure Gopanna’s release.
Musical Style and Compositions
Ramadasa is considered a vaggeyakara (composer) who bridged the gap between purely devotional folk songs and classical Carnatic music. He composed in Telugu and Sanskrit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Famous Works | Dasarathi Satakam, Keerthanas |
| Mudra (Signature) | Ramadasa / Bhadrachala |
| Language | Predominantly Telugu, some Sanskrit |
| Influence | Inspired the Trinity of Carnatic Music (Tyagaraja, etc.) |
Significance in Carnatic Music
Ramadasa’s songs are known for their lyrical simplicity and deep emotional appeal (Bhakti Rasa). He popularized the concept of singing directly to the deity as a friend or master. Saint Tyagaraja praised Ramadasa in his own compositions, acknowledging him as a great devotee.
Quick Revision Points
- Original Name: Kancharla Gopanna.
- Deity: Lord Rama of Bhadrachalam.
- Period: 17th Century.
- Famous Song: “Paluke Bangaramayana” (Ananda Bhairavi raga).
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.