Question

Select the Pakhawaj players :
A. Pandit Gaurishankar Iyer
B. Pandit Parvat Singh
C. Pandit Lalmani Mishra
D. Pandit Ramshankar Das
E. Pandit Bhalchandra Bhagvat
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A and C Only
• B. B and D Only
• C. C and E Only
• D. B and E Only

Hint:

Pandit Parvat Singh and Pandit Ramshankar Das (Pagaldas) are two massive pillars of the North Indian Pakhawaj tradition. In contrast, Pandit Lalmani Mishra is famous for his work with the stringed *Vichitra Veena*.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Musicians are categorized based on their specialization in specific classical instruments. Identifying prominent historical and modern exponents of the double-headed barrel drum (Pakhawaj) separates them from stringed or vocal maestros.

Step 1: Evaluate each artist by their specialized instrument.
Let us review the instrument specializations for the given options:
• A. Pandit Gaurishankar: Associated with Carnatic classical percussion or specialized instrumentation.
• B. Pandit Parvat Singh: A legendary historical virtuoso of the Pakhawaj who belonged to the esteemed Kudau Singh lineage.
• C. Pandit Lalmani Mishra: A world-renowned instrumentalist celebrated for his mastery over the stringed *Vichitra Veena*.
• D. Pandit Ramshankar Das (popularly known as Pagaldasji of Ayodhya): One of the most famous 20th-century exponents and composers of the Pakhawaj.

Step 2: Select the correct pair.
Since Pandit Parvat Singh (B) and Pandit Ramshankar Das (D) are both iconic masters of the Pakhawaj instrument, the correct combination is "B and D Only," matching option (2).