Q1. What is the primary characteristic that makes the sarangi unique among Indian string instruments?
A. Its plucked strings similar to the sitar
B. Its ability to closely mimic the human voice with gamaks and meends
C. Its use of frets for precise notes
D. Its percussion-like resonance
Answer: B. Its ability to closely mimic the human voice with gamaks and meends
Q2. The classical sarangi is primarily associated with which musical tradition?
A. Carnatic music of South India
B. Western orchestral music
C. Hindustani classical music of North India
D. Nepali folk exclusively
Answer: C. Hindustani classical music of North India
Q3. How many main playing (melody) strings does the classical Indian sarangi typically have?
A. Four
B. Three
C. Six
D. One
Answer: B. Three
Q4. The sarangi is traditionally played by stopping the strings with which part of the left hand?
A. Fingernails or cuticles
B. Fingertips
C. Palm
D. Thumb only
Answer: A. Fingernails or cuticles
Q5. What material is commonly used to cover the belly (soundboard) of the sarangi?
A. Metal plate
B. Synthetic fabric
C. Parchment or goatskin
D. Wood only
Answer: C. Parchment or goatskin
Q6. The sarangi features numerous sympathetic strings (taraf) that do what?
A. Are bowed directly for melody
B. Vibrate in resonance to enrich the sound
C. Provide percussion effects
D. Act as drone strings only
Answer: B. Vibrate in resonance to enrich the sound
Q7. Typically, how many sympathetic strings does a classical sarangi have?
A. 4-6
B. 10-15
C. 30-40
D. Over 100
Answer: C. 30-40
Q8. The sarangi is held and played in which position?
A. Horizontally like a guitar
B. Upright like a cello on the floor
C. On the lap like a sitar
D. Vertically against the left shoulder
Answer: D. Vertically against the left shoulder
Q9. The bow (gaj) for the sarangi is held in which grip?
A. Overhand like a violin
B. Underhand grip
C. With both hands
D. Plucked without a bow
Answer: B. Underhand grip
Q10. Historically, the sarangi was most commonly used for what purpose in performances?
A. Solo percussion
B. Leading orchestral sections
C. Accompanying vocal music
D. Dance rhythm only
Answer: C. Accompanying vocal music
Q11. Which instrument largely replaced the sarangi as a vocal accompaniment in the 20th century?
A. Sitar
B. Tabla
C. Violin
D. Harmonium
Answer: D. Harmonium
Q12. Who is credited with elevating the sarangi to a prominent solo concert instrument?
A. Ustad Bundu Khan
B. Pandit Ram Narayan
C. Ustad Sultan Khan
D. Jhalak Man Gandarbha
Answer: B. Pandit Ram Narayan
Q13. The Nepali sarangi differs from the Indian classical sarangi by typically having how many strings?
A. Four strings, simpler folk construction
B. Three main strings
C. 35-40 sympathetic strings only
D. No sympathetic strings
Answer: A. Four strings, simpler folk construction
Q14. The Nepali sarangi is traditionally played by which community?
A. Brahmin priests
B. Court musicians of Mughal era
C. Gandharba or Gaine musicians
D. Western classical orchestras
Answer: C. Gandharba or Gaine musicians
Q15. What wood is commonly used to carve the body of a classical sarangi from a single block?
A. Bamboo
B. Tun (Indian cedar or toon)
C. Pine
D. Plastic composite
Answer: B. Tun (Indian cedar or toon)
Q16. The main playing strings of the sarangi are traditionally made of what material?
A. Gut (from goats or sheep)
B. Steel
C. Nylon
D. Horsehair
Answer: A. Gut (from goats or sheep)
Q17. Which famous vocalist was originally trained as a sarangi player before switching to singing?
A. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
B. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
C. M.S. Subbulakshmi
D. Kishori Amonkar
Answer: B. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Q18. The sarangi’s name is often interpreted to mean what?
A. Hundred colors (due to its expressive range)
B. Bowed lute
C. Folk drum
D. Wind reed
Answer: A. Hundred colors (due to its expressive range)
Q19. In sarangi playing, what are “meends”?
A. Sliding movements between notes
B. Rapid percussive strikes
C. Fixed drone tones
D. Sympathetic vibrations only
Answer: A. Sliding movements between notes
Q20. What are “gamaks”?
A. Tuning pegs
B. Straight plucked notes
C. Rhythmic cycles
D. Heavy shakes or ornamentations
Answer: D. Heavy shakes or ornamentations
Q21. Ustad Bundu Khan is regarded as one of the greatest sarangi players for his mastery in what?
A. Fusion with Western music
B. Vast knowledge of vocal compositions and sensitivity
C. Inventing the instrument
D. Folk Nepali styles only
Answer: B. Vast knowledge of vocal compositions and sensitivity
Q22. The sarangi bridge is typically made of what material?
A. Metal
B. Bamboo
C. Plastic
D. Bone or ivory
Answer: D. Bone or ivory
Q23. Why is the sarangi considered difficult to play and tune?
A. Too few strings
B. Numerous sympathetic strings and fretless technique
C. Electronic amplification required
D. Fixed equal temperament
Answer: B. Numerous sympathetic strings and fretless technique
Q24. In modern times, the sarangi has been used in what non-classical context?
A. Rock bands only
B. Opera exclusively
C. Film music and fusion
D. Jazz drums
Answer: C. Film music and fusion
Q25. Ustad Sultan Khan was renowned for playing sarangi along with what?
A. Tabla solos
B. Vocal renditions
C. Sitar duets
D. Flute accompaniment
Answer: B. Vocal renditions
