Q12 · UPSC Prelims 2017 · Set A · Art and Culture

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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

Explanation

  1. A

    1, 2 and 3

    (a) 1, 2 and 3. Cymbals are central, but drums (pung) and other instruments are also used, so ‘cymbals only’ makes statement 2 false. All three is not the key.

  2. B

    1 and 3 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only. Manipuri Sankirtana is a ritual song-and-dance offering that narrates Krishna’s life and deeds. Statement 2 overstates the instrument list. 1 and 3 only is the official key.

  3. C

    2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only. Dropping the song-and-dance description while keeping the false ‘cymbals only’ line is wrong.

  4. D

    1 only

    (d) 1 only. The Krishna narrative is also correct, so 1 only is incomplete.

Summary. Official key is (b) 1 and 3 only. Sankirtana of Manipur is a Vaishnava congregational performance of song, drum and dance that tells Krishna’s story, often tied to Nata Sankirtana and Ras tradition. Cymbals (kartal) matter, but they are not the only instruments; the pung drum is indispensable. UNESCO inscribed Manipuri Sankirtana in 2013. Statement 2 therefore falls.