Comprehension

Percussive Musical Instruments of India 
India is very rich in the number and variety of musical instruments. From time immemorial, musical instruments have been connected with various Gods and goddesses according to mythol ogy. Musical Instruments have been classified into Thata, Avanadha, Ghana and Sushira. We came across this classification first in Natyashastra. Thata variety, is an instrument with strings and played by plucking or bowing. The instruments like Veena, Sitar, violin, Sarangi etc. come under this category. The Avandha variety are instruments with skin-covered heads, and are played by beating on both sides or one side. Mridangam, Pakhawaj, Tabla etc. come under this category. Ghana vadyas are those made with metal content. Manjira, Ghatom etc. are some of the examples of Ghana Vadya. Sushira Vadya are those instruments with holes and make the sound by blowing air through the holes. Flute, Nagaswaram, Saxophone, Clarinet are some of the examples.

Question: 1

In which musical text, four varieties of instruments are mentioned first?

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For questions asking about the origin or first mention of a concept, scan the text for keywords like "first," "origin," or "source." The answer is usually located very close to these words.
Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Purana
  • Natyashastra
  • Brihaddesi
  • Sangita Ratnakara
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Comprehension:
The inquiry seeks the ancient text that first documented the four-part instrument categorization, as per the given excerpt.
Step 2: Elaboration:
The excerpt outlines four instrument types: Thata, Avanadha, Ghana, and Sushira.
The subsequent sentence unequivocally states: "We came across this classification first in Natyashastra."
Step 3: Conclusion:
According to the passage's direct assertion, the Natyashastra is the earliest source of this classification.
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Question: 2

Goddess Saraswati is associated with which instrument?

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Some comprehension-based exams include questions that require you to connect the passage's topic with your general knowledge. If the answer isn't directly in the text, use the context to guide your thinking.
Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Violin
  • Flute
  • Veena
  • Mridangam
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Conceptualization:
The query seeks to identify the musical instrument linked to Goddess Saraswati. This question assesses general knowledge of Indian culture and mythology, prompted by the passage's references to instruments and deities.

Step 2: Elaboration:
The text notes that "musical instruments have been connected with various Gods and goddesses according to mythology."
Although the specific deity-instrument pairings are not detailed, this establishes the background.
Common knowledge dictates that Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity of knowledge, music, arts, speech, wisdom, and education, is conventionally portrayed holding a Veena.
The passage also lists the Veena as an instance of a 'Thata' instrument.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Drawing from widespread mythological and cultural representations, Goddess Saraswati is associated with the Veena.

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Question: 3

Mridangam comes in which category of instrument?

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When a passage defines several categories and then provides examples, the questions will almost certainly test your ability to match the examples to the correct categories. Pay close attention to the lists of examples.
Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Thata
  • Avanadha
  • Ghana
  • Sushira
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Objective Identification:
The query seeks to identify the classification of the Mridangam as per the provided text.

Step 2: Analytical Breakdown:
The text describes the 'Avanadha' classification of instruments, defining them as instruments with skin-covered heads played by striking one or both sides. It then lists Mridangam, Pakhawaj, and Tabla as examples within this category.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The Mridangam is explicitly categorized under the Avanadha (or Avandha as written) classification.

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Question: 4

Select one Ghana Vadya from the following

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This is a process of elimination question. Even if you're unsure about one option, you can often find the correct answer by confirming which categories the other options belong to.
Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Mridangam
  • Pakhawaj
  • Ghatam
  • Tabla
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Comprehension Check:
The objective is to select an instrument categorized as 'Ghana Vadya' from the provided choices, based on the provided text.
Step 2: Analysis:
Identify the definition of 'Ghana Vadya' within the text: "Ghana vadyas are those made with metal content. Manjira, Ghatom etc. are some of the examples of Ghana Vadya."
Evaluate the given options:
- Mridangam, Pakhawaj, and Tabla are classified under 'Avanadha' instruments.
- Ghatam (referenced as 'Ghatom' in the text) is identified as a 'Ghana Vadya'.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Based on the passage, Ghatam is the sole instrument among the options that falls under the 'Ghana Vadya' classification.
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Question: 5

Select one Sushira vadya from the following.

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Always rely on the information given in the passage first. If an option is explicitly mentioned in the text as belonging to a certain category, it's a very strong candidate for the correct answer.
Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Manjira
  • Dilrooba
  • Violin
  • Nagaswaram
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Comprehension Check:
The objective is to select a wind instrument from the 'Sushira Vadya' classification among the provided choices.

Step 2: Elaboration:
Consult the provided text for the definition and illustrative examples of Sushira Vadya.
The text defines: "Sushira Vadya are those instruments with holes and make the sound by blowing air through the holes. Flute, Nagaswaram, Saxophone, Clarinet are some of the examples."
Now, let's evaluate the options:
- Manjira is classified as a 'Ghana Vadya'.
- Violin is categorized as a 'Thata' (string) instrument.
- Dilrooba is a string instrument played with a bow, thus belonging to the 'Thata' category, even if not explicitly stated.
- Nagaswaram is directly identified as an instance of 'Sushira Vadya'.

Step 3: Conclusion:
According to the direct information presented in the text, Nagaswaram is a Sushira Vadya.

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