Raga Outline: Sankarabharanam MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This quiz covers the Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument) Practical Topic 3 on Raga Sankarabharanam. It tests knowledge of the brief outline, swara positions, typical phrases, and theoretical background of this fundamental raga. Please read each question carefully, select the best answer, and click Submit to view your score and detailed explanations. You can also download the answer key as a PDF.

Overview of Raga Sankarabharanam

Sankarabharanam (often referred to as Dheera Sankarabharanam) is one of the most popular and fundamental ragas in Carnatic music. It serves as a major reference point for understanding the concept of notes and intervals.

Key Characteristics

  • Melakarta Number: It is the 29th Melakarta raga in the 72 Melakarta scheme.
  • Chakra: It belongs to the 5th Chakra, known as the Bana Chakra.
  • Type: It is a Sampurna-Sampurna raga, meaning it has all seven notes (swaras) in both ascending (Arohana) and descending (Avarohana) scales.
  • Equivalent:
    • Hindustani Music: Raga Bilaval
    • Western Music: Major Scale (C Major)

Swara Positions (Notes)

The swaras used in Sankarabharanam are:

Swara Full Name Notation
Shadjam Sadja S
Rishabham Chatusruthi Rishabha R2
Gandharam Antara Gandhara G3
Madhyamam Shuddha Madhyama M1
Panchamam Panchama P
Dhaivatam Chatusruthi Dhaivata D2
Nishadam Kakali Nishada N3

Quick Revision Points

  • Arohana: S R2 G3 M1 P D2 N3 S
  • Avarohana: S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S
  • Mood: It is a majestic raga (Raja Raga) evoking Vira (valour) and Shanta (peace). It is capable of portraying a wide range of emotions.
  • Gamaka: While the notes align with the keyboard major scale, the beauty of Sankarabharanam in Carnatic music comes from its specific gamakas (oscillations), especially on M1, N3, and R2.