Raga Lakshana: Hamsadhvani MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This Carnatic Music (Vocal) quiz for Class IX covers Theory Unit III on Raga Lakshana. Focus areas include the Arohana and Avarohana, key phrases, and identity points of Raga Hamsadhvani. Test your knowledge, submit your answers to see the score, and download the PDF solution for your records.
Raga Hamsadhvani: Detailed Overview
Raga Hamsadhvani is one of the most popular and auspicious ragas in Carnatic music. It is widely used to begin concerts because of its bright, energetic, and pleasing quality. Below are the essential theoretical details required for Class IX students.
1. Mela and Classification
Hamsadhvani is a Janya raga derived from the 29th Melakarta raga, Dheerasankarabharanam. Since it takes the same swaras as its parent but omits certain notes, it is classified as an Upanga raga.
2. Arohana and Avarohana
It is an Audava-Audava raga, meaning it has five notes in the ascent and five notes in the descent.
- Arohana: S R2 G3 P N3 S
- Avarohana: S N3 P G3 R2 S
3. Swaras (Notes)
The raga uses the following specific notes:
- Shadja (S)
- Chatusruti Rishabha (R2)
- Antara Gandhara (G3)
- Panchama (P)
- Kakali Nishada (N3)
Varja Swaras: The notes Madhyama (M) and Dhaivata (D) are completely absent (Varja) in this raga.
4. Key Features and Identity
- Inventor: The raga was created by Ramaswamy Dikshitar (father of Muthuswami Dikshitar).
- Rasa: It evokes Veera (valour) and creates a happy, auspicious atmosphere. It is very suitable for the beginning of a performance.
- Sancharas: It allows for extensive elaboration despite having only five notes. The note Gandhara (G) and Nishada (N) are often elongated (Nyasa swaras).
- Popular Compositions: Vatapi Ganapatim (Muthuswami Dikshitar), Raghunayaka (Tyagaraja), and Gajavadana (Purandaradasa).
Quick Revision Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parent Mela | 29th Dheerasankarabharanam |
| Type | Audava (Pentatonic) |
| Missing Notes | Ma, Dha |
| Time | Start of concert / All times |
Practice Questions
- Why is Hamsadhvani called an Upanga raga?
- Write the Arohana and Avarohana of Hamsadhvani in notation.
- Name two popular Kritis composed in Raga Hamsadhvani.
- Who is credited with the invention of this raga?
- Identify the Varja swaras in Hamsadhvani.
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