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U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010

Mughal Cultural Nuances

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following musical instruments was mastered by Aurangzeb?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Historical portrayals often depict Aurangzeb as an anti-music bigot, but contemporary records suggest he was a connoisseur and skilled practitioner of classical instruments.

Explanation Aurangzeb (Alamgir) was an expert Veena player. Despite reducing court-sponsored public musical performances for religious reasons, musical activity continued within the harem and private quarters.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Emperor himself was proficient in the Veena, a complex string instrument central to Indian classical music.
Logic 2: During his reign, some of the most significant Persian treatises on Indian classical music were written (e.g., Rag Darpan), proving that intellectual interest in music did not cease.

Active Recall

Question

Why is there a myth that Aurangzeb banned music?

Answer

He withdrew official state patronage for public performances, which was misinterpreted as a total ban on the practice of music itself.

Core Insight

Aurangzeb's personal mastery of the Veena highlights the dichotomy between his public religious stance and his private aesthetic interests.

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