GS PrelimsHistory (Culture)Performing Art Traditions2012

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

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. While Dhrupad flourished in the courts of Rajput kings and under Mughal patronage (especially Akbar's reign, with figures like Tansen), its origin predates the Mughal period. It is considered one of the oldest surviving forms of Hindustani classical music, with roots tracing back to ancient temple music traditions and possibly the chanting of Sama Veda. 2. Statement 2 is correct. Dhrupad is fundamentally devotional and spiritual in nature. The compositions often praise deities or explore philosophical themes. The style emphasizes purity of tone, precision of rhythm, and a contemplative, dignified mood. 3. Statement 3 is correct. The initial section of a Dhrupad performance is the Alap, an improvised, rhythm-free elaboration of the raga. A characteristic feature of the Dhrupad Alap is the use of specific meaningless, but sonorous, syllables (known as Nom-Tom Alap). These syllables are believed by some scholars to be derived from ancient Vedic chants or Mantras, using sounds like 're', 'na', 'te', 'ta', 'nom', 'tom', etc., to explore the notes of the raga.

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