​Which musical instrument is played by Yella Venkateswara Rao, an Indian classical musician and percussionist?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Mridangam.

Explanation:

• Yella Venkateswara Rao is a renowned Indian classical musician and percussionist known for playing the Mridangam. He is celebrated for his exceptional rhythm skills and contributions to Carnatic music.
• He received Padma Shri (2008), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Thyagaraja Vamsi Award of Andhra Pradesh in 1993, and the Sangeethabhushan Award. 

Information Booster:

• Mridangam is a two-headed drum used predominantly in Carnatic music performances.
• It is considered the primary percussion instrument in South Indian classical music.
• Traditionally, the Mridangam is made from jackwood and features leather drumheads on both sides.
• The right side produces high-pitched tones, while the left side creates deeper bass sounds.

Additional Knowledge:

Nadaswaram:

• It is a wind instrument played in South Indian temples and auspicious ceremonies.
• Often referred to as the world's loudest non-brass instrument.

Pakhawaj:

• A barrel-shaped drum used in Hindustani classical music.
• It is the ancestor of the tabla and played in Dhrupad music.

Ghatam:

• A percussion instrument made of clay and used in Carnatic music.
• Played by tapping and stroking different parts of the pot to produce various tones.