CAPF AC 2022 Q113: Art & Culture – Music
- (a) Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior
- (b) Tansen
- (c) Naik Gopal
- (d) Shaikh Bahauddin of Barnawa
Answer: (a) Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior
Explanation
Origin of Dhrupad
How to think: Dhrupad is the oldest surviving form of Hindustani classical singing.
It took its classical shape at the court of Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior (ruled 1486-1516).
Tansen came later and made it famous at Akbar's court.
| Person | Link with Dhrupad |
|---|---|
| Raja Man Singh Tomar | Introduced and popularised it; wrote Man Kautuhal; founded the Gwalior tradition |
| Tansen | Its greatest singer; a product of the Gwalior school; later at Akbar's court |
| Swami Haridas | Tansen's teacher; Dhrupad saint of Vrindavan |
| Naik Gopal | Famous musician linked with Alauddin Khalji's time |
Features of Dhrupad: serious and devotional, sung with the pakhawaj.
Its four styles are called banis.
Answer: (a) Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior is credited with introducing and popularising Dhrupad.
- (b) Incorrect. Tansen was its greatest exponent but came after Man Singh.
- (c) Incorrect. Naik Gopal belongs to an earlier age and is not credited with Dhrupad.
- (d) Incorrect. Shaikh Bahauddin of Barnawa is not credited with founding Dhrupad.
Key point
Dhrupad: Raja Man Singh Tomar (Gwalior), Man Kautuhal; Swami Haridas; Tansen; sung with pakhawaj; four banis. Khayal: later form, linked with Amir Khusrau and the Sharqi court, popularised by Sadarang. UNESCO named Gwalior a City of Music in 2023.
Remember
Dhrupad: Raja Man Singh Tomar, Gwalior.
Common mistakes
- Marking Tansen, the most famous Dhrupad singer but not its originator.
- Mixing up Dhrupad with Khayal, which is linked with Amir Khusrau.
- Confusing Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior with Raja Man Singh of Amber.
Exam tip
Educated guess: the question says introduction, so look for the earlier name. Tansen himself was trained in the Gwalior tradition that Man Singh Tomar had built.
Sources
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Ministry of Culture — Hindustani Classical Music: Dhrupad
- Satish Chandra, History of Medieval India — Cultural Developments (music)