UPSC Prelims 2003 Q119: Art & Culture – Music
Consider the following
statement:
1. Kitab - I - Nauras, a collection of songs in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints, was written
by Ibrahim Adil Shah II
2. Amir Khusrau was the originator in India of the early form of the musical style known as
Qawwali.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- (a) Only 1
- (b) Only 2
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Kitab-i-Nauras and Qawwali
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Kitab-i-Nauras, songs in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints, by Ibrahim Adil Shah II | True |
| 2. Amir Khusrau originated Qawwali in India | True |
Both statements are correct: Kitab-i-Nauras, a collection of songs in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints, was written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur, and Amir Khusrau is credited with originating the Qawwali style of music in India.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) CORRECT. Both statements are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are correct.
Key point
Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur: Kitab-i-Nauras, Jagadguru Badshah; Amir Khusrau: Qawwali, sitar tradition.
Remember
Ibrahim Adil Shah II wrote Kitab-i-Nauras; Amir Khusrau originated Qawwali.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Tansen with Kitab-i-Nauras.
- Mixing Khusrau up with Baiju Bawra.
- Forgetting Bijapur's composer-king Ibrahim II.
Exam tip
Adil Shahis: Bijapur; music patron Ibrahim II.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- Richard M. Eaton — A Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761: Eight Indian Lives (The New Cambridge History of India, 2005)