Ragas and Scales
This foundational raga is often the first raga taught to beginner Carnatic vocalists.
What is Mayamalavagowla?
Which three composers defined the "Golden Era" of Carnatic music in the 18th and 19th centuries?
Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri
This tala has 3 beats and is often taught to beginners along with Adi Tala.
What is Rupaka Tala?
In the song "Ganapati Talinai", which Deity does the word "Ganapati" refer to?
Carnatic Music originated from which part of India?
South: Primarily Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh
This is the parent raga of Hindolam.
What is Natabhairavi?
The song "Alaipayude" was written by this composer.
Who was Ootukadu Venkatasubbaiyar?
How many beats are in Jhampa Tala?
10 beats
Which Deity does the word "Shankara" in Carnatic kritis refer to?
Lord Shiva
Which composer was known as the "Father of Carnatic music"?
Purandara Dasa
What is the name of the 72 parent raga system in Carnatic music?
Melakarta system
This composer composed the "Pancharatna Kritis".
Who is Tyagaraja?
This Tala has 7 beats, and is structured as (3+2+2).
What is Triputa Tala?
What is the main message in the song 'Nagumomu Ganaleni'?
A plea from the composer to Lord Rama, asking for protection and relief.
Which composer of the Carnatic Trinity (Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, or Syama Sastri) composed mainly in Sanskrit?
Muthuswami Dikshitar
This raga is unique for its "zig-zag" melodic progression.
What is Ananda Bhairavi?
This composer was known for writing "Rama Natakam", a musical drama based on Ramayana.
Who was Arunachala Kavi?
What is the full angas structure of Adi Tala?
8 beats: A Laghu followed by two Dhrutams (4+2+2)
In the song "Himagiri Thanaye", what does the word "thanaye" mean?
Daughter/Child
This Carnatic Violin maestro was the first to introduce the violin into Carnatic concerts.
Who was Baluswami Dikshitar?
Identify the raga from this swara phase:
S R1 G2 M1 P D1 N2 S
Todi
This composer is known for his set of compositions centered around Goddess Kamakshi, most of which are written in Telugu and Sanskrit.
Who was Syama Sastri?
This Chapu Tala has 5 beats grouped as 2+3 and is one of the most common uneven talas in Carnatic music.
What is Khanda Chapu?
In the kriti "Marugelara O Raghava", Tyagaraja asks why the Lord doesn't respond to his devotion. What emotional theme does this composition present?
Devotional longing/yearning for God
This percussionist is known as the "God of Ghatam".
Who is Vikku Vinayakram?