UPSC Prelims 2009 Q12: Art & Culture – Music
The brothers Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are
- (a) Dhrupad vocalists
- (b) Kathak dancers
- (c) Sarod maestros
- (d) Tabla players
Answer: (a) Dhrupad vocalists
Explanation
Who the Gundecha Brothers are
Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are celebrated figures in a classical Indian music tradition.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Dhrupad vocalists | Correct | The Gundecha Brothers are renowned Dhrupad vocalists, a classical form of Hindustani vocal music |
| (b) Kathak dancers | Incorrect | They are not classical dancers |
| (c) Sarod maestros | Incorrect | They are vocalists, not instrumentalists |
| (d) Tabla players | Incorrect | They are not percussionists |
Gundecha Brothers facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Art form | Dhrupad (classical Hindustani vocal tradition) |
| Significance | Among the most renowned Dhrupad practitioners of their generation |
Answer: (a) Dhrupad vocalists.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Gundecha Brothers are celebrated Dhrupad vocalists.
- (b) Incorrect. They are not Kathak dancers.
- (c) Incorrect. They are vocalists, not Sarod instrumentalists.
- (d) Incorrect. They are not Tabla players.
Key point
Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are renowned DHRUPAD VOCALISTS, a classical Hindustani vocal music tradition.
Remember
Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha: renowned Dhrupad vocalists.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Dhrupad vocalists with instrumentalists (Sarod, Tabla) or dancers (Kathak).
- Not knowing Dhrupad as the specific classical vocal genre associated with the Gundecha Brothers.
- Mixing up different classical artists' specific art forms.
Exam tip
Gundecha Brothers = Dhrupad vocalists, a distinct classical Hindustani vocal tradition.
Sources
- Sangeet Natak Akademi — Akademi Awards: Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha (dhrupad)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — dhrupad