Multiple choice general knowledge

What is meant by Gamaka?

  1. Singing one or two lines of a song repeatedly

  2. Expanding the raga with syllables like tha, nam, thom, aa, nom, na etc.

  3. Variation of pitch of a note, using oscillations between adjacent and distant notes

  4. Manipulating the pallavi line in complex melodic and rhythmic ways
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Gamaka is the unique ornamentation in Carnatic music where a note is rendered with oscillations between adjacent notes or distant notes, creating a continuous variation of pitch. It is distinct from repeating lines (pallavi manipulation) or rhythmic syllables (tala solkattu).

Keep practicing — related questions