The correct answer is: b) Carnatic music.
The mridangam is a double-headed drum used in Carnatic music, a classical music tradition from South India. It is one of the most important instruments in Carnatic music, and is used to provide rhythmic accompaniment to the singing and playing of other instruments. The mridangam is made of wood and has two heads, which are covered with animal skin. The player strikes the heads with his hands to produce a variety of sounds. The mridangam is a very versatile instrument, and can be used to play a wide range of rhythms. It is also a very expressive instrument, and the player can use it to create a variety of moods and emotions.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Hindustani music is a classical music tradition from North India. The mridangam is not commonly used in Hindustani music.
- Folk music traditions are diverse and vary from region to region. The mridangam is used in some folk music traditions, but it is not as common as other instruments, such as the dholak.
- Western orchestral music is a genre of music that originated in Europe. The mridangam is not commonly used in Western orchestral music.