RAS question
Algoza, a distinctive instrument played by Langa musicians, is a:
Correct answer: (B) Pair of bamboo flutes played simultaneously using circular breathing.
Algoza is a pair of bamboo or wooden duct flutes played together, with circular breathing used to keep the sound continuous.
Explanation
Algoza is not a percussion or string instrument; it is a wind instrument built as a pair of flutes. The Horniman Museum and Gardens collection record for object 2006.463 describes it as “a pair of algoza duct flutes” and notes a bamboo sample for the instrument. Two flutes are played simultaneously in Algoza performance. The playing technique is also decisive: the same record says both instruments are blown at the same time and that circular breathing is used to produce a continuous sound. One flute carries the melody while the other sustains the drone, which is why the instrument has the fuller, layered sound associated with Langa performance.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) A bell instrument is struck or rung, whereas Algoza is a pair of duct flutes blown by the player.
- (C) A single-string instrument belongs to the string family, but Algoza is a wind instrument made of two flutes.
- (D) A large drum is a percussion instrument, while Algoza produces sound through simultaneous blowing and circular breathing.
Concept
Rajasthan folk-music instruments are classified by sound production. Instruments like Algoza identify communities, performance traditions and the basic wind-string-percussion distinction.