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)
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.