CDS 2023 (I)

Ancient Indian Musicology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Name the location of the musical inscription containing groups of musical notes arranged for the benefit of his pupils by a king in the seventh or eighth century CE.

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Ancient inscriptions often served as 'textbooks in stone', preserving technical knowledge like music and grammar for future generations.

Explanation The Kudumiyamalai Inscription in the Pudukkottai district (Tamil Nadu) is a rare record of musical notes in seven classical ragas (Shadja, Madhyama, etc.).

Logical Breakup
Option D is Correct: It is written in the Pallava Grantha script and is generally attributed to King Mahendravarman I.
Purpose: The inscription explicitly states that the notes were arranged for the benefit of students (*Shishya-hitartam*).

Active Recall

Question

Which script was used for the Kudumiyamalai musical inscription?

Answer

The Pallava Grantha script was used, which was common for Sanskrit inscriptions in South India.

Core Insight

Kudumiyamalai is one of the world's oldest surviving examples of written musical notation in a public space.