Sri Kalahastisa (Huseni) : 'You take the form of air among the five elements and shed effulgence. Gnanaprasunambika is your consort. Thy abode is Dakshina Kailas (Kalahasti) worshipped by hunter Kannappan. (Dikshitar has sung on each of the Panchabhoota kshetras.) |
Answers - 2
What are the ragas employed by Muthuswami Dikshitar in his Dasavathara
ragamalika?
Nattai, Gowlai, Sri, Arabhi, Varali, Kedaram,
Vasantha, Surati, Sourashtram, Madhyamavathi
What is the difference between Gottuvadyam and veena?
Gottuvadyam has no frets and will have resonant
strings. Gottuvadyam is not kept on the lap.
What are the different positions in which the veena is held while playing?
Urdhva - i.e., upright position (vertical)
On the lap (horizontal)
What are the two positions in which the tambura is held while playing?
Urdhva - i.e., upright position (vertical)
On the lap (horizontal)
Over the shoulder (diagonal)
When is the Panchama string not used when playing the tambura?
For the Panchama Varjya ragas. i.e., ragas
which do not have Panchama swara. eg. Abhogi, Vasantha
What is the method adapted in the tambura to make the sound to be heard
for a longer duration?
The bridge is provided with a thread, which
when moved makes the string to vibrate for a longer duration.
What is the purpose of the bead in the tambura?
To increase the sruti ( only to increase &
not to decrease)
Why are the shapes of the modern tambura changed?
For convenience during travel, without affecting
the volume.
What are the metals used for the South Indian musical intruments?
Steel, brass, stainless steel, gold, silver
or (gold + silver)
What is the principle to be adopted to make the instruments give the
maximum sound?
There should be minimal contact of the instrument
with other external surfaces.
In the Miraj (North Indian tambura), how are the strings plucked?
The stem in the Miraj tambura is broader and
hence the strings are plucked with two fingers. The middle finger is used
to pluck the first string & index finger is used to pluck the others.
What is the duration given for the 4 strings in the tambura?
Pa - 2, SaSa - 1-1, Mandhra Shadjam - 3
What is the difference between the North Indian & South Indian tambura?
The North Indian tambura has a gourd for the
kudam, whereas in the South Indian tamburas, it is hollowed out from the
wood. South Indian tambura is made from jack wood.
How do you differentiate between higher sruti and lower sruti tambura?
Higher sruti tambura has a shorter width &
thinner strings. The lower sruti tambura has a greater width with thicker
strings.
In which position does the tambura player pluck the string?
At the midway between the Meru (near the top
peg) & the bridge at the bottom (near the beads)