UPSC Prelims 2006 Q32: Art & Culture – Music
Who among the following is a Hindustani classical singer?
- (a) Geeta Chandran
- (b) Leela Samson
- (c) Gangubai Hangal
- (d) Swapnasundari
Answer: (c) Gangubai Hangal
Explanation
Identifying a Hindustani classical singer
| Person | Field |
|---|---|
| Geeta Chandran | Bharatanatyam dancer |
| Leela Samson | Bharatanatyam dancer |
| Gangubai Hangal | Hindustani classical vocalist of the Kirana gharana |
| Swapnasundari | Classical dancer (Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam) |
Gangubai Hangal from Karnataka was a celebrated Hindustani classical singer; the other three are dancers.
Answer: (c) Gangubai Hangal.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Geeta Chandran is a Bharatanatyam dancer, not a Hindustani singer.
- (b) Incorrect. Leela Samson is a Bharatanatyam dancer and former Sangeet Natak Akademi chairperson.
- (c) CORRECT. Gangubai Hangal was a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist of the Kirana gharana.
- (d) Incorrect. Swapnasundari is a classical dancer, not a vocalist.
Key point
Gangubai Hangal was the Hindustani classical singer; Chandran, Samson and Swapnasundari are dancers.
Remember
Gangubai Hangal: Hindustani classical singer.
Common mistakes
- Treating all four names as musicians.
- Not knowing Gangubai Hangal belongs to the Kirana gharana.
- Confusing Hindustani vocal with Bharatanatyam dance.
Exam tip
Gangubai Hangal = Kirana gharana vocalist from Dharwad.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Gangubai Hangal
- Sangeet Natak Akademi — Akademi Awardees (music and dance)