UPSC Prelims 2014 Q91: Art & Culture – Music
A community of people called Manganiyars is well - known for their
- (a) martial arts in North - East India
- (b) musical tradition in North - West India
- (c) classical vocal music in South India
- (d) pietra dura tradition in Central India
Answer: (b) musical tradition in North - West India
Explanation
Manganiyars
The Manganiyars are a community of hereditary folk musicians of the Thar desert in western Rajasthan.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Region | Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur; also across the border in Sindh |
| Religion | Muslim, yet they sing for Hindu patrons and of Hindu deities |
| Instruments | Kamaicha (bowed), khartal (wooden clappers), dholak |
| Songs | Ballads of local heroes, births, weddings and the desert |
A similar community: the Langas, who play the sindhi sarangi and algoza.
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Martial arts in North-East India | Incorrect |
| (b) Musical tradition in North-West India | Correct |
| (c) Classical vocal music in South India | Incorrect |
| (d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India | Incorrect |
Answer: (b) musical tradition in North-West India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Manganiyars are not known for martial arts of the North-East.
- (b) CORRECT. Manganiyars are known for their musical tradition in North-West India.
- (c) Incorrect. They sing folk music, not classical vocal music of South India.
- (d) Incorrect. Pietra dura is stone inlay work, as on the Taj Mahal.
Key point
Manganiyars: hereditary Muslim folk musicians of Jaisalmer and Barmer (Rajasthan); kamaicha and khartal; related to the Langas.
Remember
Manganiyars = folk musicians of western Rajasthan.
Common mistakes
- Placing them outside Rajasthan.
- Confusing Manganiyars with the Langas.
- Not knowing their main instrument: the kamaicha.
Exam tip
Manganiyar and Langa = desert music of Rajasthan.
Sources
- Sangeet Natak Akademi — Folk music traditions of Rajasthan
- Ministry of Culture — Intangible Cultural Heritage of India