UPSC CSE Pre. 2018, GS Paper I

Indian Performing Arts (Music)

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

With reference to culture 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 kirtnas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept This focuses on the Bhakti movement saints who revolutionized Indian classical (Carnatic) music through devotional compositions.

Explanation Tyagaraja (18th century) is known for his devotion to Lord Rama. Annamacharya (15th century) is the 'Pada-kavita Pitamaha' of Telugu literature, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is incorrect; Tyagaraja's primary deity was Lord Rama.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct; he is credited with inventing numerous new ragas like Vagadeeswari.
Logic 3: Statement 3 is incorrect; they lived in different eras (15th vs 18th century).
Logic 4: Statement 4 is correct; Annamacharya is synonymous with the Sankeertanas for Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupati.

Active Recall

Question

Who are the members of the Trinity of Carnatic Music?

Answer

Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri.

Core Insight

Tyagaraja's work represents the pinnacle of 'Kriti' form, blending complex Raga structures with intense personal devotion.