Carnatic Music: A Test of Your Musical Knowledge

Test your knowledge of Carnatic music including ragas, talas, compositions, instruments, and performance traditions.

14 Questions Published

Questions

Question 1 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Which of the following is a prominent raga in Carnatic music?

  1. Hindustani
  2. Carnatic
  3. Todi
  4. Bhairavi
Question 2 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the term for the main melodic framework in Carnatic music?

  1. Raga
  2. Tala
  3. Svara
  4. Kriti
Question 3 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Which of these is a common tala (rhythmic cycle) in Carnatic music?

  1. Adi Tala
  2. Rupak Tala
  3. Jati Tala
  4. Mishra Chapu Tala
Question 4 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the term for a Carnatic music composition that typically includes a pallavi, anupallavi, and charanam?

  1. Varnam
  2. Kriti
  3. Padam
  4. Javali
Question 5 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Who is considered one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music?

  1. Tyagaraja
  2. Muthuswami Dikshitar
  3. Shyama Shastri
  4. Swati Tirunal
Question 6 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the term for a Carnatic music performance where multiple musicians collaborate to present a variety of compositions?

  1. Kutcheri
  2. Sangeetha Sabha
  3. Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi
  4. Thani Avartanam
Question 7 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Which of these is a common Carnatic music instrument?

  1. Veena
  2. Sitar
  3. Tabla
  4. Mridangam
Question 8 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the term for a Carnatic music vocalist who specializes in improvisational singing?

  1. Vidwan
  2. Vainika
  3. Ghatam Vidwan
  4. Manodharma Vidwan
Question 9 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Which of these is a common Carnatic music percussion instrument?

  1. Mridangam
  2. Tabla
  3. Dholak
  4. Pakhawaj
Question 10 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the term for a Carnatic music composition that typically features a slow tempo and meditative mood?

  1. Varnam
  2. Kriti
  3. Padam
  4. Bhajan
Question 11 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Which of these is a common Carnatic music dance form?

  1. Bharatanatyam
  2. Kathakali
  3. Kuchipudi
  4. Odissi
Question 12 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the term for a Carnatic music composition that typically features a fast tempo and lively rhythm?

  1. Varnam
  2. Kriti
  3. Javali
  4. Thillana
Question 13 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Which of these is a common Carnatic music instrument used for rhythmic accompaniment?

  1. Veena
  2. Sitar
  3. Tabla
  4. Ghatam
Question 14 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the term for a Carnatic music composition that typically features a complex structure and intricate melodic patterns?

  1. Varnam
  2. Kriti
  3. Padam
  4. Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi