Nadaswaram - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   What is Nadaswaram?

a. A Musical Instrument
b. A musical play
c. A place
d. A singing style
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: A Musical Instrument

Explanation:

  • The nadaswaram, nagaswaram, nadhaswaram or nathaswaram, is a double reed wind instrument. It is a traditional classical instrument originated in Tamil Nadu and also used in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala (India).
  • This instrument is "among the world's loudest non-brass acoustic instruments".
  • It is a wind instrument similar to the North Indian shehnai but much longer, with a hardwood body and a large flaring bell made of wood or metal.
  • In Tamil culture, the nadaswaram is considered to be very auspicious, and it is a key musical instrument played in almost all Hindu weddings and temples of the South Indian tradition.
  • Nadaswaram is referred in many ancient Tamil texts. Silappatikaram refers to an instrument called "vangiyam". The structure of this instrument matches that of Nadaswaram. Since there are seven holes played with seven fingers this was also called as "Ezhil".