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Question

Pandit Kishan Maharaj of Benaras Gharana was a _______ player.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

tabla

Understanding Pandit Kishan Maharaj and His Instrument

The question asks about the primary instrument played by Pandit Kishan Maharaj, a renowned musician associated with the Benaras Gharana.

Pandit Kishan Maharaj (1923 – 2008) was one of the most celebrated tabla players of India. He belonged to the illustrious Benaras Gharana of tabla playing, which has its unique style and repertoire. His contributions to Indian classical music, particularly in the field of tabla, were immense.

Let's look at the provided options and determine which one matches Pandit Kishan Maharaj's expertise:

  • santoor: The santoor is a stringed instrument played with mallets. Famous santoor players include Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Pandit Kishan Maharaj was not a santoor player.
  • flute: The flute is a wind instrument. Renowned Indian flutists include Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Pandit Kishan Maharaj did not play the flute.
  • sarangi: The sarangi is a bowed string instrument often used to accompany vocalists or as a solo instrument. Famous sarangi players include Pandit Ram Narayan. Pandit Kishan Maharaj was not a sarangi player.
  • tabla: The tabla is a pair of drums (bayan and dayan) used in Indian classical music. Pandit Kishan Maharaj was a maestro of the tabla, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Benaras Gharana.

Based on his well-known musical career and association with the Benaras Gharana, Pandit Kishan Maharaj was undeniably a tabla player.

Artist Associated Gharana (if applicable) Primary Instrument
Pandit Kishan Maharaj Benaras Gharana Tabla

Therefore, the instrument played by Pandit Kishan Maharaj of Benaras Gharana was the tabla.

Revision Table: Pandit Kishan Maharaj Instrument

Key Personality Musical Instrument
Pandit Kishan Maharaj Tabla

Additional Information: Benaras Gharana and Tabla Masters

The Benaras Gharana is one of the six recognized styles or schools of tabla playing (the others being Delhi, Ajrara, Lucknow, Farukhabad, and Punjab). It was founded by Pandit Ram Sahai in the late 18th/early 19th century.

Key characteristics of the Benaras Gharana include:

  • Emphasis on a balanced sound between the dayan (treble drum) and bayan (bass drum).
  • Rich repertoire of compositions, including various types of relas, gats, tukras, and parans.
  • Strong foundation in pakhawaj techniques, incorporated into tabla playing.
  • A focus on powerful and resonant strokes.

Pandit Kishan Maharaj was a prominent torchbearer of this gharana, known for his technical brilliance, powerful sound, and deep musicality. His lineage continues to contribute significantly to the world of tabla.

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