Muthuswamy Dikshitar MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Class IX Carnatic Music (Percussion) (Code 033) Theory Unit 2 quiz regarding the life and contributions of Muthuswamy Dikshitar. This test covers his compositional style, the concept of Vainika Gayana, his group Kritis, and his impact on Indian classical music. Attempt all 10 questions, check your score, and download the answer key PDF.
Overview of Muthuswamy Dikshitar
Muthuswamy Dikshitar (1775–1835) is the youngest of the Trinity of Carnatic Music. Born in Tiruvarur to Ramaswamy Dikshitar, he was a prolific composer known for his intellectual depth, mastery over Sanskrit, and the meditative quality of his music. His compositions are renowned for their slow tempo (Chowka Kala) and rich Raga Bhava, reflecting the style of Veena playing known as “Vainika Gayana”.
Key Contributions
- Signature (Mudra): He used the mudra Guruguha in his compositions.
- Language: Most of his compositions are in Sanskrit, showcasing high literary value and philosophical depth.
- Raga System: He followed the Venkatamakhin tradition (Asampurna Mela Paddhati) for classifying Ragas.
- Group Kritis: He is famous for composing sets of songs on specific themes or deities, such as the Kamalamba Navavarnam, Navagraha Kritis, and Panchalinga Sthalams.
- Western Influence: He composed “Nottuswara Sahityas,” which are Sanskrit lyrics set to Western major scale tunes.
Compositional Style
Dikshitar’s style is characterized by the grandeur of the Raga form. Unlike Tyagaraja’s emotion-laden Bhakti or Syama Sastri’s rhythmic intricacies, Dikshitar’s music is contemplative. He frequently used the “Madhyama Kala” (medium tempo) passages towards the end of his compositions, adding a distinct rhythmic texture.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu |
| Primary Deity | Lord Tyagaraja, Goddess Kamalamba |
| Musical Style | Vainika Style (Veena-like phrasing) |
| Significant Works | Navavarna Kritis, Vibhakti Kritis |
Quick Revision Points
- He lived at Ettayapuram in his final years.
- He popularized rare Ragas like Amritavarshini and Mangalakahishiki.
- His first composition was “Srinathadi Guruguho” in Raga Mayamalavagowla.
Extra Practice Questions
- 1. Which set of Kritis is dedicated to the nine planets? (Ans: Navagraha Kritis)
- 2. What is the musical term for the slow tempo preferred by Dikshitar? (Ans: Chowka Kala)
- 3. Which instrument’s technique is heavily reflected in his vocal style? (Ans: Veena)
- 4. Who was Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s father? (Ans: Ramaswamy Dikshitar)
- 5. In which town did he attain Samadhi? (Ans: Ettayapuram)
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