UPSC Prelims 2000 Q21: Art & Culture – Music
The Raga which is sung early in the morning is
- (a) Todi
- (b) Darbari
- (c) Bhopali
- (d) Bhimpalasi
Answer: (a) Todi
Explanation
The raga sung early in the morning
| Raga | Time of singing |
|---|---|
| Todi | Morning (second quarter of the day) |
| Bhimpalasi | Afternoon |
| Bhopali (Bhoop) | Evening, early night |
| Darbari (Kanada) | Late night |
Hindustani music links each raga to a time of day (the samay of the raga).
Todi is a morning raga.
Bhimpalasi is sung in the afternoon, Bhopali in the early night, and Darbari Kanada, said to have been shaped by Tansen for Akbar's court, late at night.
Answer: (a) Todi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Todi is a morning raga.
- (b) Incorrect. Darbari Kanada is a late-night raga.
- (c) Incorrect. Bhopali is sung in the evening or early night.
- (d) Incorrect. Bhimpalasi is an afternoon raga.
Key point
Dawn ragas: Bhairav, Lalit; rainy-season ragas: Megh, Malhar; spring: Basant, Bahar.
Remember
Raga sung early in the morning: Todi.
Common mistakes
- Picking Bhopali because it sounds bright and simple.
- Thinking Darbari is a court raga sung in the morning.
- Not knowing the time theory of ragas.
Exam tip
Todi morning, Bhimpalasi afternoon, Bhopali evening, Darbari night.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art (Fine Arts), unit on Indian music
- Nitin Singhania — Indian Art and Culture, chapter 'Indian Music' (time theory of ragas)