Question

Which of the following musical instruments is an ideophone instrument?

• A. Naagswaram
• B. Isaraaj
• C. Dakka
• D. Jayghanta

Hint:

"Ghana Vadya" translates to solid instruments like bells, gongs, and cymbals. Looking at the options, the suffix "-ghanta" directly indicates a metallic bell, which is an ideophone.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The standard *Natya Shastra* taxonomy classifies all musical instruments into four groups:
• Tata Vadya: Stringed instruments (Chordophones)
• Avanaddha Vadya: Membranous drums (Membranophones)
• Sushira Vadya: Wind-blown instruments (Aerophones)
• Ghana Vadya: Solid metal or wood instruments that do not require tuning (Ideophones)

Step 1: Analyze the given options based on the four categories.
Let us classify each instrument into its respective category:
• Naagswaram: Played by blowing air through a reed \(\rightarrow\) *Sushira Vadya* (Wind)
• Isaraaj (Esraj): Played using strings and a bow \(\rightarrow\) *Tata Vadya* (String)
• Dakka: A traditional drum with a leather membrane \(\rightarrow\) *Avanaddha Vadya* (Percussion)
• Jayghanta: A solid metallic plate or bell struck with a mallet \(\rightarrow\) *Ghana Vadya* (Solid)

Step 2: Identify the ideophone.
Because the Jayghanta is a solid metallic instrument that produces sound through the vibration of its body without strings or membranes, it is classified as a *Ghana Vadya*, which corresponds to an ideophone.