Sushir Vadya Explained in Indian Classical Music
Indian classical music categorizes instruments into four primary groups based on their sound production mechanism. One of these important categories is Sushir Vadya.
Understanding the Category: Sushir Vadya
Sushir Vadya refers to aerophones, which are essentially wind instruments. In these instruments, sound is generated when a column of air vibrates. This vibration is usually initiated by blowing air into or across an opening on the instrument. Common examples include flutes and reed instruments.
Analysis of Provided Options
Let's examine each option given in the question to determine its classification within Indian musical instrument categories:
- Tappu: This is a percussion instrument, generally a type of frame drum. It belongs to the Avanaddha Vadya category (instruments played by striking or beating).
- Ghatam: The Ghatam is a large clay pot that functions as a percussion instrument. It is also classified under Avanaddha Vadya, where sound is produced by striking its surface.
- Cymbal: Cymbals are percussion instruments made of metal plates that produce sound when struck together. They fall into the Ghana Vadya category (solid instruments or idiophones).
- Shehnai: The Shehnai is a prominent Indian wind instrument, specifically a double-reed instrument. Sound is created by blowing air, which makes the reeds vibrate and sets the air column within the instrument into vibration. Consequently, the Shehnai is a classic example of a Sushir Vadya.
Instrument Classification Summary
The following table summarizes the classification of the instruments mentioned:
| Instrument | Classification | How Sound is Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Tappu | Avanaddha Vadya (Percussion) | By striking or beating the drum surface. |
| Ghatam | Avanaddha Vadya (Percussion) | By striking the earthen pot. |
| Cymbal | Ghana Vadya (Idiophone) | By striking the metal plates together. |
| Shehnai | Sushir Vadya (Wind Instrument) | By blowing air, causing reed and air column vibration. |
Final Identification
Based on this analysis, the Shehnai is the instrument among the given options that fits the description of a Sushir Vadya.
Important Questions from GK- Art & Culture
- Which materials are used in the Santoor instruments of Jammu and Kashmir?
- The Santoor is classified as which type of musical instrument?
- The Sun Temple at Modhera is built in which of the following architectural styles?
Gundiyali, a village known for its traditional craft practices especially pottery, is located in which Indian state?
An instrument is made of one piece of wood, the spherical bowl extending into a neck and fingerboard; the resonator covered with leather and the upper portion with wood. Name this musical instrument.
