UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 67 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Dhrupad Tradition
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectArt and Culture
- TopicIndian Music
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
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?
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 2 and 3 only
Analysis
Dhrupad is one of the oldest surviving traditions of Hindustani classical music.
It is known for its devotional, meditative and spiritual character.
Statement by statement
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period — Incorrect
Dhrupad did not originate during the Mughal period.
It has older roots in Vedic chanting, Prabandha and Dhruvapada traditions. It later flourished under patrons such as Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior and in the Mughal court under Akbar.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music — Correct
Dhrupad was historically linked with temple music and spiritual practice.
It has a serious, meditative and austere style, focusing more on devotion and inner discipline than entertainment.
3. Alap in Dhrupad uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras — Correct
The alap section in Dhrupad uses syllables such as Nom, Tom, Re, Na and Ta.
These are traditionally associated with Sanskrit mantra syllables such as Om Ananta Hari Narayana.
Extra UPSC info
* Dhrupad is often considered the oldest major style of Hindustani classical music.
* It is more austere and structured than Khayal.
* Dhrupad is traditionally accompanied by the Pakhawaj, not the Tabla.
* Its classical composition structure includes Sthayi, Antara, Sanchari and Abhoga.
* Important Dhrupad traditions include Dagarvani, Gauri, Khandar and Nauhar bani.
* The Dagar family is closely associated with preserving Dhrupad in modern times.
* Swami Haridas and Tansen are important names linked with the Dhrupad tradition.
How to crack it
Dhrupad is an ancient devotional tradition with mantra-based alap, but it did not originate in Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.