RAS question
The only folk instrument of Rajasthan in which small wooden pegs are used to regulate tension, similar to a Pakhawaj, is:
Correct answer: (C) Maadal of Rawals.
The Maadal of the Rawals is the Rajasthan folk percussion instrument that uses small wooden pegs to regulate membrane tension, in the manner of a Pakhawaj.
Explanation
The key distinction is a construction detail, not merely the instrument's community association. The Maadal used by the Rawal community is the only folk percussion instrument in Rajasthan that regulates membrane tension through small wooden pegs, comparable to the classical Pakhawaj. RajRAS, Folk Instruments identifies Raval ki Maandal with wooden blocks inserted to create tension, similar to a pakhavaj. Option C therefore fits both required features: the Rawal association and the peg-based tension mechanism. The instrument is also used in religious and ceremonial contexts, reinforcing its place as a culturally specific Rajasthan folk percussion instrument.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Dhak is wrong because it does not have wooden pegs as its identifying construction feature.
- (B) Deru is wrong because it does not use wooden pegs for tension regulation.
- (D) Tasa is wrong because it does not use wooden pegs, so it lacks the Pakhawaj-like tension mechanism.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan folk instruments through a material-and-construction clue rather than a broad community label. Such questions recur in RAS because art-and-culture MCQs often distinguish similar percussion instruments by playing context, community use and physical features.