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U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007

Royal Patronage of Arts

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following Rajput rulers is known to have written a book on music?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Rajput rulers were not just warriors (Kshatriyas) but often deep patrons of the arts and proficient scholars in their own right.

Explanation Rana Kumbha of Mewar authored the monumental musical treatise 'Sangeet Raj'. He was an expert Veena player and a devotee of the arts.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Besides *Sangeet Raj*, he wrote *Sangeet Mimansa* and a commentary on Jayadeva’s *Gita Govinda*.
Logic 2: He also wrote four dramas in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and local dialects: *Ratnavali*, *Svapnavasavadatta*, *Angulimala*, and *Priyamvada*.
Legacy: His reign is marked by the construction of the Victory Tower (Vijay Stambha) at Chittorgarh.

Active Recall

Question

Which musical instrument was Rana Kumbha proficient in playing?

Answer

He was a highly skilled player of the Veena.

Core Insight

Rana Kumbha’s scholarly output proves that intellectual pursuit was as vital as military defense for Rajput sovereignty.

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