'Mahuri' is a traditional wind instrument of which state?

Explanation

The mahuri (also spelt mohuri) is a traditional double-reed wind instrument of Odisha. It is similar to the shehnai and is played at temples, weddings, festivals and processions, and in traditional dance and theatre.

The mahuri has a conical wooden body, a metal bell at the end, finger holes, and a double reed through which the player blows. It produces a loud, piercing and festive sound. It has a special place in the rituals of the Jagannath temple at Puri, where it is played during daily worship and festivals, and it is an important instrument in the music of the Rath Yatra. It is also used in the music of the Chhau dance, especially Mayurbhanj Chhau, where it plays the melody along with drums such as the dhol, dhumsa and nagara. It accompanies Odissi music in some traditional performances and is used in the folk music of the state, such as Desia Nata and Prahlad Nataka.

Odisha has a rich musical heritage. Odissi music, the classical music of Odisha, has its own ragas and compositions, many based on the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva, the 12th century poet. The Odissi dance, the Gotipua dance and the Mayurbhanj Chhau are its famous dance forms. Other traditional instruments of Odisha include the mardala (the drum of Odissi), the ghanta (bell), the gini (small cymbals), the dhol and the changu (frame drum).

In the Indian classification of instruments, the mahuri is a sushira vadya (wind instrument). Similar double-reed instruments include the shehnai of North India and the nadaswaram of South India.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Assam is known for the pepa (buffalo-horn pipe) and the gogona.
• ✗Kerala is known for the kuzhal and the kombu in its temple ensembles.
• ✗Punjab is known for the algoza and the tumbi.