Question

Indicate the Dance form in which the instrument Edakka is being used.

• A. Odissi
• B. Bharatanatyam
• C. Kathak
• D. Mohini Attam

Hint:

The Edakka is suspended over the left shoulder, struck gently with a slender wooden stick in the right hand, while the left hand squeezes the central lacing to alter the pitch of the drum.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept
The Edakka (or Idakka) is an hourglass-shaped, pressure-sensitive classical percussion instrument native to the state of Kerala in southern India.

Step 2: Acoustic Feature
Unlike standard drums, the Edakka is a unique "talking drum" where the tension of the drumheads can be dynamically varied while playing by squeezing the shoulder strap. This allows the percussionist to play actual musical notes and slide across different pitches.

Step 3: Classical Dance Integration
Edakka is an indispensable part of the traditional Sopana Sangeetham temple music and provides the central rhythmic accompaniment for classical dance forms native to Kerala, most notably Mohini Attam and Kathakali. It beautifully mimics the soft, undulating movements of the dancer.

Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the correct dance form associated with the Edakka is Mohini Attam, matching option (D). Final Answer: (D)