Statement
A. Shruti is helpful in making the Swar effective.
B. Shruti does not necessarily have 'Ranjakta' independently.

Question

Statement 
A. Shruti is helpful in making the Swar effective. 
B. Shruti does not necessarily have 'Ranjakta' independently.

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:
This option claims that "Only A is correct." Statement A, "Shruti is helpful in making the Swar effective," is fundamentally accurate. A *Swar* (the established musical note) is defined as a *Shruti* (microtone) that is selected and used in a melodic context to create aesthetic pleasure (*Ranjakta*). The effectiveness of any *Swar* in a Raga—its emotional weight, precision, and nuance—is entirely dependent on the existence and use of the 22 microtones. Movements like *Meend* (glide) and *Gamak* (ornamentation) are executed by traversing or resting on subtle *Shrutis*, which enhances the *Swar's* power and beauty. Statement B, "Shruti does not necessarily have 'Ranjakta' independently," is considered incorrect because in classical theory, the *Swar* itself is a *Shruti* that is *Ranjak* (pleasing). While not all 22 *Shrutis* are *Swars*, their collective existence forms the aesthetic foundation. Thus, arguing that *Shruti* is not intrinsically linked to *Ranjakta* is considered a theoretical flaw, making B false and A the only correct statement.

The incorrect option is 1:
This option claims that "A and B both are correct." This is an incorrect composite choice because Statement B is considered wrong in the analytical framework of this examination. Although *Shrutis* are subtle divisions, their role is to facilitate the *Ranjakta* of a *Swar*. The statement that a *Shruti* "does not necessarily have 'Ranjakta'" is rejected because the 22 *Shrutis* are the very basis of the melodic and aesthetic appeal in the music system. The moment a *Shruti* is established as a *Swar*, it is *Ranjak*, and the whole system exists to serve musical pleasure, thus invalidating the negative premise of Statement B.

The incorrect option is 2:
This option asserts that "Only B is correct," which is factually inaccurate. Statement A, regarding the necessity of *Shruti* for the effectiveness of a *Swar*, is a foundational principle. The microtonal intervals provided by the *Shrutis* are the only reason a *Swar* can be performed with the fine shading and character required in Indian classical music. Furthermore, B is deemed incorrect as its premise contradicts the fundamental definition that a *Swar* is a selected *Ranjak* (pleasing) *Shruti*. Since A is correct and B is incorrect, Option 2 is unsound.

The incorrect option is 4:
This option states that "A and B both are wrong." This is fundamentally incorrect because Statement A is absolutely true. *Shrutis* are the smallest perceptible divisions of the octave and provide the precise pitch locations for *Swars*. The ability to render *Gamaks* and glides, which are essential to the Raga's effectiveness, relies on the subtle gradations between *Shrutis*. Therefore, since Statement A is correct, the assertion that both statements are wrong cannot be accepted.