Microtheme: ArtXMusic —
9 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2026] Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the:
   • (a) Agra Gharana
   • (b) Gwalior Gharana
   • (c) Patiala Gharana
   • (d) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
   Correct Answer: (D) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
2. [2026] Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?
   • (a) Nat Bhairavi
   • (b) Kamavardhini
   • (c) Hanumatodi
   • (d) Dheera Shankarabharanam
   Correct Answer: (D) Dheera Shankarabharanam
3. [2025] The first gandharva mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by vishnu digambar paluskar in
   • (a) Delhi
   • (b) Gwalior
   • (c) Ujjain
   • (d) Lahore
   Correct Answer: (D) Lahore
4. [2019] With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?
   • (a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
   • (b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
   • (c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
   • (d) Tansen invented many Ragas.
   Correct Answer: (A) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
5. [2018] With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements :
   1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
   2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
   3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
   4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   • (a) 1 and 3 only
   • (b) 2 and 4 only
   • (c) 1, 2 and 3
   • (d) 2, 3 and 4
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 and 4 only
6. [2017] With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
   1. It is a song and dance performance.
   2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
   3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1, 2 and 3
   • (b) 1 and 3 only
   • (c) 2 and 3 only
   • (d) 1 only
   Correct Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only
7. [2014] 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
   Correct Answer: (B) Musical tradition in North-West India
8. [2012] 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.
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1, 2 and 3
   • (d) None of the above is correct
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only
9. [2009] The brothers Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are:
   • (a) Dhrupad vocalists
   • (b) Kathak Dancers
   • (c) Sarod Maestros
   • (d) Tabla Players
   Correct Answer: (A) Dhrupad vocalists