Indian Classical Music

Dhrupad: India's Oldest Classical Music Tradition

Dhrupad is primarily spiritual music that uses Sanskrit syllables from mantras during the Alap phase. It predates the Mughal period in its origins.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

Archived: 2012

Updated: 13 Mar 2026

Exam Year

2012

Evidence Source

Link ↗

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?
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
2. Dhrupad is primalrily a devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC CSE Pre. 2012, GS Paper I]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Dhrupad is the oldest surviving style of Hindustani classical music, characterized by its austere and meditative nature.

Authentic Source Evidence

It traces its roots to the Samaveda and reached its zenith in the court of Raja Man Singh Tomar and later Akbar (with Tansen).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement 1 is incorrect; while it was patronized by Rajput kings like Man Singh Tomar, it originated much earlier from temple chanting traditions.

Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct; it is deeply rooted in the Bhakti movement and spiritual practice.

Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct; the Alap (introductory part) uses abstract syllables derived from Sanskrit mantras (Om, Antar, Tar, Nar, etc.).

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the primary percussion accompaniment for Dhrupad?"

The Pakhawaj, as the Tabla is considered too light for the heavy, resonant nature of Dhrupad.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Dhrupad focuses on the purity of the 'Swara' and the micro-tones (Shruti), minimizing ornamental flourishes found in Khayal."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Tansen 2Raja Man Singh Tomar 2

Analysing authentic UPSC CSE Pre. , GS Paper Iprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Indian Classical Music helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Dhrupad music and Sanskrit Mantras Dhrupad builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →