UPSC CSE Prelims
Hindustani Music Tradition Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Hindustani Music Tradition with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the :
Detailed Explanation:
Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992) was one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists from Karnataka and is best known as a leading exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.
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He received advanced training under Ustad Manji Khan and Ustad Bhurji Khan, sons of the gharana's founder Ustad Alladiya Khan.
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He was renowned for his mastery over rare and complex ragas.
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Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
| Gharana | Why Incorrect? |
|---|---|
| Agra Gharana | Known for powerful voice culture and rhythmic complexity, but not associated with Mallikarjun Mansur. |
| Gwalior Gharana | Mansur initially trained in this style but later became a Jaipur-Atrauli exponent. |
| Patiala Gharana | Famous for Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and intricate taans; unrelated to Mansur. |
| Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana | Mallikarjun Mansur's principal gharana. ✅ |
Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ustad Alladiya Khan |
| Type | Hindustani Classical Music |
| Speciality | Rare ragas, complex layakari, intricate taans |
| Famous Exponent | Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur |
| Style | Open-throated singing and sophisticated raga presentation |
Important Facts
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The Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana is one of the most respected gharanas of Hindustani music.
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It is particularly known for preserving and performing rare (Jod and Sankirna) ragas.
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Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur played a major role in popularizing this tradition across India.
The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ Option 4 (Lahore)
Vishnu Digambar Paluskar founded the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Lahore in 1901. His objective was to make Hindustani classical music accessible to common people through formal institutional education.
✅ Statement I is Correct: The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya was established in Lahore in 1901.
✅ Statement II is Correct: Paluskar broke the traditional gharana-based exclusivity and promoted systematic music education for all sections of society.
❌ Delhi, Gwalior and Ujjain are Incorrect: Although Gandharva Mahavidyalaya later expanded to other cities, the first institution was established in Lahore.
Short Notes: Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
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Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (1872–1931) was a pioneer of Hindustani classical music.
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He founded the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in 1901 at Lahore.
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The institution promoted formal music education outside the hereditary gharana system.
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Paluskar played a major role in popularizing classical music among the masses.
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He standardized music teaching through structured curricula and notation.
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The Gandharva Mahavidyalaya movement later spread to many Indian cities.
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He is regarded as one of the architects of modern Hindustani music education.
With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?
- Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
- Dhrupad is primarily devotional and spiritual music.
- Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Dhrupad originated in ancient times from Samaveda chanting and developed in temples during the 12th–15th centuries, well before the Mughal period. It was later patronized by Rajput and Mughal courts but did not originate there.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Dhrupad is primarily devotional and spiritual music, traditionally sung in temples before deities, emphasizing meditation and introspection.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Vedic mantras such as "Om, Ananta, Hari, Narayana", reflecting its roots in Vedic chanting traditions.
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