Previous Year Question
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?
Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is incorrect: The foundational tradition of Dhrupad predates the Mughal period. Its roots are associated with Vedic chanting, temple music and the medieval tradition of Prabandha singing. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it acquired a systematic and refined form under the patronage of Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior. It later received patronage from the Mughal and Rajput courts. Therefore, its origin cannot be confined to the Rajput kingdoms of the Mughal period.
Statement 2 is correct: Dhrupad is one of the oldest surviving vocal styles of Hindustani classical music. Its character is solemn, meditative and spiritual. Many Dhrupad compositions praise deities or deal with devotional themes, although some compositions also concern royal praise, heroism and other subjects.
Statement 3 is correct: A Dhrupad performance generally begins with an elaborate Alap. The Alap is initially unmetered and gradually develops the raga. Syllables such as “nom”, “tom”, “na”, “re”, “ri”, “te” and “ta” are used in it. Traditionally, these syllables are considered to have been derived from mantric Sanskrit words such as “Om”, “Ananta”, “Hari” and “Narayana”.
The Alap is followed by the Dhrupad composition, normally accompanied by the pakhawaj. The four traditional sections of a Dhrupad composition are Sthayi, Antara, Sanchari and Abhoga, although modern performances commonly give prominence to Sthayi and Antara.