Previous Year Question
A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The Manganiyars belong to the renowned tradition of hereditary folk musicians of north-western India, particularly the Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan. Their principal settlements are found in the Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan.
The major features of the Manganiyar musical tradition are:
They have traditionally been professional and hereditary folk musicians.
Musical knowledge is transmitted mainly through an oral tradition from one generation to another.
Historically, they received patronage from Rajput jajmans, feudal chiefs, landlords and wealthy merchants.
They perform songs at births, marriages, festivals and other auspicious and social occasions.
Their repertoire includes folklore, heroic ballads, genealogies, devotional compositions, love songs and themes connected with desert life.
Their singing combines Rajasthani folk music with certain raga-based elements.
Important musical instruments:
Kamaicha: A distinctive bowed string instrument associated with the Manganiyar tradition.
Khartal: A hand-held percussion instrument.
Dholak, morchang, algoza, sarangi and harmonium are also used.
Why are the other options incorrect?
Option (a) is incorrect because the Manganiyars are not associated with the martial arts of north-eastern India.
Option (c) is incorrect because they belong to the folk-music tradition of western Rajasthan, not to the classical vocal tradition of southern India. Their music may contain raga-based elements, but its primary identity is folk music.
Option (d) is incorrect because pietra dura is a decorative technique of inlaying coloured stones; it has no connection with the Manganiyar community.