Sadharana/Sanchari Geetams (2) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
Test your knowledge on Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument), Code 032, Practical Topic 2 regarding Sadharana/Sanchari Geetams. This quiz covers the learning and rendering of 2 geetams. Answer the questions below and download the PDF solution for your reference.
Understanding Sadharana/Sanchari Geetams
In the curriculum for Class IX Carnatic Music (Melodic Instrument), the study of Geetams forms the foundation of Abhyasa Gana (practice music). Geetams are simple melodic compositions that introduce the student to the melodic structure of a Raga.
Key Concepts
- Definition: The term ‘Geetam’ literally means a song. It is the simplest musical form in Carnatic music created for students who have mastered the preliminary Swaravalis and Alankaras.
- Types: Geetams are broadly classified into two types:
- Sadharana (or Sanchari) Geetam: These are ordinary songs containing Sahitya (lyrics) praising God, nature, or music itself. They do not describe the technical aspects of the Raga.
- Lakshana Geetam: These compositions describe the grammatical and theoretical features (Lakshana) of the Raga in which they are composed.
- Structure: A Geetam is a continuous composition without divisions like Pallavi, Anupallavi, or Charanam. It is sung from beginning to end without break.
- Musical Features:
- It has a seamless unity of Dhatu (music) and Matu (lyrics).
- Each Swara typically corresponds to one syllable of the lyric.
- It is usually set in Madhyama Kala (medium tempo).
- There are no Sangatis (variations) or intricate gamakas in simple Geetams.
Famous Examples
| Song (Start) | Raga | Tala | Deity/Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Gananatha (Lambodara) | Malahari | Rupaka | Lord Ganesha |
| Kereya Neeranu | Malahari | Triputa | Social/Devotional |
| Vara Veena | Mohanam | Rupaka | Goddess Saraswati |
| Kamala Jadala | Kalyani | Triputa | Goddess Devi |
Practice Questions
- Who is known as the Pitamaha of Carnatic Music and composed many preliminary Geetams?
- Identify the Janya Raga of Mayamalavagowla often used for the first Geetam taught to students.
- Explain the difference between the tempo of a Geetam and a Varnam.
- Why are there no Pallavi or Anupallavi sections in a Sadharana Geetam?
- Name the 72 Melakarta Raga that corresponds to the scale of Mohanam (Janya).
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