Official Question UPSC 2026
Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the :
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
According to the archives of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992) was an iconic figure in Hindustani classical music. Born in Karnataka, his musical lineage is deeply tied to specific gurus.
•Agra Gharana: Founded by Haji Sujan Khan and noted for its robust, rhythmic voice culture (associated with Faiyaz Khan). Mansur did not belong to this school.
•Gwalior Gharana: While Mansur briefly received early training in the Gwalior style, it is not the gharana he represented or championed in his career.
•Patiala Gharana: Famous for emotional appeal and popularized by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, this gharana is historically unrelated to Mansur.
•Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana: Mansur is universally recognized as a foremost stalwart of this gharana. He received extensive training from Ustad Manji Khan and Ustad Bhurji Khan (sons of the gharana's legendary founder, Ustad Alladiya Khan). His repertoire was defined by the Jaipur-Atrauli hallmarks: an open-throated style, complex taans, and an unparalleled mastery of rare (aprachalit) ragas.
Conclusion: Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur was a legendary exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.