Which of the following musicians is a renowned Indian Sarod player celebrated in classical music concerts?

Introduction / Context:

This question checks knowledge of Indian classical music and the instruments associated with legendary performers. Different maestros are strongly identified with specific instruments, and exams often test these associations. The Sarod is a prominent string instrument in Hindustani classical music, and one particular musician stands out worldwide as its leading exponent.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The instrument under focus is the Sarod.
• The question asks for a renowned Sarod player from the list provided.
• All options are names of famous Indian classical musicians but linked to different instruments.
• We assume only one of them is correctly associated primarily with the Sarod.

Concept / Approach:

The central concept is matching maestros with their signature instruments. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is internationally known as a master Sarod player and has given numerous concerts, recordings and lecture demonstrations based on that instrument. Zakir Hussain is connected with the Tabla, Hariprasad Chaurasia with the Bansuri or flute, Ram Narain with the Sarangi, and Shivkumar Sharma with the Santoor. Knowing this mapping allows quick identification of the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

As verification, think of music festival posters, recordings and awards where Amjad Ali Khan is always introduced as a Sarod maestro. By contrast, Zakir Hussain is introduced as a Tabla virtuoso and Hariprasad Chaurasia as a flute maestro. The consistent branding of these artists across media and performances confirms that Amjad Ali Khan is the Sarod specialist among them.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Zakir Hussain: A world famous Tabla player, not known as a Sarod specialist.

Hariprasad Chaurasia: A celebrated Bansuri or flute player, associated with wind instruments rather than the Sarod.

Ram Narain: A renowned Sarangi player, a bowed string instrument different from the plucked Sarod.

Shivkumar Sharma: Famous for bringing the Santoor, a hammered string instrument, into classical concert halls, not for Sarod performance.

Common Pitfalls:

Many candidates recognise only a few big names and then guess the instrument, which leads to confusion between Tabla, Sarod and other string instruments. Another pitfall is assuming that any classical musician can be linked with any string instrument. Creating a mental table that pairs each maestro with one main instrument is a powerful strategy to avoid these errors.

Final Answer:

The renowned Indian Sarod player mentioned in the options is Amjad Ali Khan.