Sikh Sacred tradition of Sikh Religion, Gurmat Sangeet,¹ , is the combination of two words ‘Gurmat’  and ‘Sangeet’,². Gurmat means the principles, tenants and sermons given by the Guru and ‘Sangeet’ means music. Thus the music tradition based on  principles and tenants of the Sikh Gurus is known as Gurmat Sangeet.

          The founder of the Sikh religion Guru Nanak Dev ji, all the other nine Gurus and their followers contributed in the development of this tradition. Musical recital of hymns Shabad Keertan³  is presented in Gurmat Sangeet.   

          In Sikh religion, Shabad Keertan has a fundamental significance and central place in the presentations of Gurmat Sangeet, which has been developed through centuries. Gurmat Sangeet tradition adopts the principles of Shabad Keertan enshrined in the scriptures of Shabad Guru, Shri Guru Granth Sahib, in their original form.

          The compilation of Guru Granth Sahib is based on music, which has been classified in 31 different Ragas. The basic constitution of the musical recitation of hymns has been established on the basis of this Granth. In the Holy Scripture, signs and indications used are as follows:

Sudhang¹⁰ etc. have been very prominently mentioned on each devotional composition. These musical sigs, symbols and other indications remain active in understanding the constitution of Bani in composing the music; and in presenting the verses in musical form.

          Gurmat Sangeet is a Raga-based tradition. According to the Sikh code, the Raga based recital of Gurbani is known as Kirtan. There are 31 ragas and 31 Raga forms are  inscribed in Guru Granth Sahib. These Holy verses are sung in Classical and Folk singing styles.

          The symbol of Rahao in Guru Granth Sahib is the indicator of Sathai¹¹ or Tek (refrain). The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc, as mentioned in Bani indicate the stanza break of the verses. Similarly different sounds, other musical indications, sign and symbols provide guidelines for composing the music. This way Gurmat Sangeet follows principles and patterns of Hymn-singing, first section, called ‘Shaan,’¹² ,In this an instrumental prelude based on Ragas is played with different stringed and percussion instruments.

          In the second section of music composition is Manglacharan, ¹³, which isthe appreciation of the God Almighty and the Gurus it is sung as an invocation.

          In the third section Hymns are sung according to the prescribed raagas and other traditional compositions.

          In the fourth section, Pauri¹⁴,  Gaayan, or singing of the folk verses taken from the Vaars¹⁵ of Guru Granth Sahib is done. A complete session of musical presentation is called ‘Shabad Kirtan Chauki’¹⁶ or Kirtan Chauki’. From time to time, various Kirtan Chaukis got evolved in the Gurudwaras for singing of hymns on different occasions i.e. Asa di Vaar Chauki,¹⁷ Sodar di Kirtan Chauki,¹⁸ Basant Kirtan Chauki,  , Anand Kaaraj di Kirtan Chauki,¹⁹ and Akaal Chalane di Kirtan Chauki²⁰ related to Death Ceremony Chauki etc.

          Gurmat Sangeet also developed Along with the evolution and development of Sikh religion. various Ragi singers had been continuously contributed to its development Right from Guru Nanak Dev ji’s accompanist Rabaabi Kirtanie ²¹Bhai Mardana,. The singers of Raga based Kirtan of the bani of Sri Guru Granth Sabhib have been directed to shun ego, greed, selfishness and to sing with devotion, dedication and calmness.

          Different stringed and percussion instruments have been used in Shabad Kirtan tradition since the Guru period. In the present times, Harmonium²² and Tabla²³,  are commonly used; and along with this, the original instruments of Gurmat Sangeet are also being revived in the tradition effectively.

          In the present times Gurmat Sangeet has got academic recognition as a basic subject. This subject has been introduced in schools, colleges and universities and research is also being pursued in the field of Gurmat Sangeet. Apart from the various audio-visual publications and book- publications, this subject is being recognized world-wide through different websites and is emerging as an independent and basic music tradition. Online teaching of this subject is a start of new era in the development of Gurmat Sangeet.

1. Who Originated Gurmat Sangeet ?
          I.   Sri Guru Amardas ji  
          II.  Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji   
          III. Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji
          IV. Sri Guru Arjan dev ji

2. How many raagas have been inscribed in Guru Granth Sahib?
          I.19              II. 60
          III. 31          IV. 22

3. How many Raaga types are inscribed in Guru Granth Sahib?
          I. 62             II.10
          III. 31          IV. 22

4. What does Rahao, mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib symbolize?
          I. Sanchari          II. Aabhog
          III. Antra             IV. Sathai

5. Which of the following is performed practically in Gurmat Sangeet ?
          I. Folk songs        II. Shabad kirtan
          III. Gazal               IV. Bhajan

6.       How many Stages of Kirtan Chauki are there in Gurmat sangeet?
          I. Ten      II. Four     III.  Five    IV. Two

7.       Which is the fourth stage of Kirtan Chauki in Gurmat Sangeet ?
          I. Shaan     II. Manglacharan     III.  Pauri     IV. Shabad gayan.

8.       The Ancestors of Bhai Mardana belong to which type of Keertankars ?
          I.  Senia keertanie       II.  Rababi keertanie
          III.  Keertanie              IV. Ustad Keertanie

9.       In Modern Period String Instruments have been replaced by which Instrument ?
          I.  Jaltrang  II.  Harmonium   III.  Flute   IV.  Pakhavaz

10      What do you mean by ‘Jatti’
           I. Playing mode of a sitar    II. Hand motions
           III.  Gaayan mode                 IV. Playing mode of a Jodi