UPSC Prelims 2012 Q67: Art & Culture – Music
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:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) None of the above is correct
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Dhrupad
Dhrupad is the oldest surviving form of Hindustani classical vocal music.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period | Incorrect | It is older; it grew out of temple singing and the prabandha form, and was shaped at the court of Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior in the 15th century, before the Mughals |
| 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music | Correct | Its songs are in praise of deities; it began in temples |
| 3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras | Correct | The alap uses syllables such as 'nom' and 'tom', drawn from a mantra |
More on Dhrupad:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Great names | Swami Haridas and Tansen |
| Drum used | Pakhawaj |
| Four styles (banis) | Dagar, Khandar, Nauhar, Gauhar |
| Later form | Khayal became more popular from the 18th century |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; Dhrupad did not originate in Rajput kingdoms in the Mughal period.
- (b) CORRECT. Dhrupad is devotional music and its alap uses syllables from mantras.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; Dhrupad is older than the Mughal period.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are both true of Dhrupad.
Key point
Dhrupad: oldest Hindustani vocal form; devotional; alap with 'nom-tom' syllables; pakhawaj; Raja Man Singh Tomar, Swami Haridas, Tansen; Dagar bani.
Remember
Dhrupad: oldest, devotional, pakhawaj, nom-tom alap.
Common mistakes
- Dating Dhrupad to the Mughal period because Tansen sang at Akbar's court.
- Confusing Dhrupad with Khayal, which is lighter and later.
- Naming the tabla as its drum; Dhrupad uses the pakhawaj.
Exam tip
Tansen made Dhrupad famous; he did not start it. A form already old in Akbar's time cannot have begun in the Mughal period.
Sources
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) — Hindustani Classical Music: Dhrupad
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art / Living Craft Traditions of India (music traditions)