UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 1
Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music ?
Correct answer: Option D
History
Options
- (a) Nat Bhairavi
- (b) Kamavardhini
- (c) Hanumatodi
- (d) Dheera Shankarabharanam
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (D) — Dheera Shankarabharanam
Explanation
- Raga Bilawal is the foundational raga of Hindustani music using the Shuddha Swaras (natural notes): Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa, corresponding to the Western C major scale.
- In Carnatic music, the equivalent Melakarta raga with all Shuddha Swaras is Dheera Shankarabharanam (29th Melakarta).
- Nat Bhairavi corresponds to Asavari thaat, Hanumatodi corresponds to Bhairavi thaat, and Kamavardhini corresponds to Marwa thaat in Hindustani music.
Statement Analysis
- a. Nat Bhairavi: Incorrect. Nat Bhairavi is the Carnatic equivalent of Raga Asavari (Kafi thaat by some accounts) or Bhairavi, not Bilawal.
- b. Kamavardhini: Incorrect. Kamavardhini (Pantuvarali) corresponds to Purvi or Marwa thaat in Hindustani music.
- c. Hanumatodi: Incorrect. Hanumatodi corresponds to Bhairavi thaat in Hindustani music.
- d. Dheera Shankarabharanam: Correct. It uses all natural (Shuddha) notes, exactly like Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music.