Which of the following pairs of musical forms/artists and their characteristics is correctly matched?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Answer: Option (4) Rasoolan Devi – Slow, expressive; emphasizes mood over strict grammatical rules – is correct.
Explanation:
- Rasoolan Devi (1902–1974) was a highly distinguished classical vocalist of the Banaras Gharana, known primarily for her Thumri and Tappa renditions. The most defining characteristic of her singing was its emotional depth and expressiveness. Rather than becoming entangled in the rigid grammatical framework of a Raga, she placed greater emphasis on 'mood' (Mizaj) and 'emotion' (Bhaav). Her voice possessed a unique quality of repose and pathos that would instantly move the listener to a state of deep emotional absorption. She was a proponent of the 'Purab Ang' (Eastern style) of Thumri, in which the lyrics of the songs are embellished with a variety of emotional nuances.
Other Options:
- Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana: Although this Gharana is renowned for its *taans* (rapid vocal runs), it is primarily recognized for the purity and distinct *aakaar* (vocalization technique) of its *taans*—qualities often associated with the Gwalior Gharana. 'Rapid vocal patterns' and 'technical complexity' are generally considered more prominent characteristics of the Jaipur-Atrauli or Patiala Gharanas.
- Thumri (Banaras Style): Thumri is a distinct genre in its own right. It is not sung immediately following a *Khayal* or *Tarana*; rather, it is a semi-classical genre typically performed at the very end of a concert, following the conclusion of the *Khayal* performance.
- Tappa: Tappa and Thumri are two distinct musical genres. Tappa is characterized by its extremely rapid, intricate, and subtle *murkis* (grace notes), whereas Thumri is celebrated for its 'lyrical love songs.' Tappa is not a sub-genre or variant of Thumri.
Additional Points:
- Banaras Gharana: This Gharana is world-renowned for its mastery of Thumri, Chaiti, Kajri, and Tappa.
- Types of Thumri: There are primarily two distinct styles—'Purab Ang' (Banaras) and 'Punjab Ang' (Patiala).
- Other Artists: Girija Devi, Siddheshwari Devi, and Begum Akhtar have also been renowned vocalists of Thumri.
Potential Questions and Answers for Examinations
1. Question: Who is known as the 'Queen of Thumri'?
Answer: Girija Devi.
2. Question: From whose songs did the 'Tappa' vocal style originally evolve?
Answer: From the folk songs of the camel riders of North-West India (Punjab).
3. Question: Which *Gharana* (musical lineage) is famous for its 'Sapat Taans' (flat melodic runs)?
Answer: The Patiala Gharana.