How many 'Alankars' are mentioned in Brihaddeshi ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Brihaddeshi, a significant ancient text on Indian classical music, is attributed to the sage Matanga Muni. This text is crucial in the history of Indian music as it marks the transition from the ancient Vedic music to the more structured classical music forms. One of the key aspects discussed in Brihaddeshi is the concept of 'Alankars' or musical ornaments, which are essential for embellishing and enhancing the beauty of musical compositions.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (33 Alankars):**
   - Brihaddeshi is known for its detailed exploration of musical theory, including the classification and description of various Alankars. The text mentions 33 Alankars, which are specific techniques used to decorate and embellish musical notes and phrases. These Alankars are integral to the performance and interpretation of Indian classical music, providing musicians with a framework to express creativity and emotion. The number 33 is significant as it reflects the comprehensive nature of Brihaddeshi in covering a wide range of musical embellishments, making it a foundational text for understanding the evolution of Alankars in Indian music.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1 (19 Alankars):** While 19 is a plausible number for a different context or text, it does not align with the specific enumeration provided in Brihaddeshi. The text is more extensive in its coverage of Alankars, and 19 would not capture the full range of ornaments discussed by Matanga Muni.
   - **Option 3 (63 Alankars):** This number exceeds the actual count of Alankars mentioned in Brihaddeshi. While later texts or interpretations might expand on the concept of Alankars, Brihaddeshi itself specifically identifies 33, making 63 an inaccurate representation of the original text.
   - **Option 4 (68 Alankars):** Similar to Option 3, 68 is an inflated number that does not correspond to the content of Brihaddeshi. The text's focus is on 33 Alankars, and any higher number would likely include additional interpretations or expansions not present in the original work.

In conclusion, Option 2 is the correct answer because Brihaddeshi explicitly mentions 33 Alankars, reflecting its comprehensive approach to musical ornamentation. The other options do not accurately represent the content of the text and therefore are incorrect.