With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements :
- 1.It is a song and dance performance.
- 2.Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
- 3.It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Show answer
Answer: B. Statement 1 is correct: Sankirtana combines ritual singing, drumming and dancing. Statement 2 is wrong: the pung (a drum) is central, along with cymbals (kartal). Statement 3 is correct: it narrates the life and deeds of Krishna in Vaishnava temples and homes. So 1 and 3 only.
Watch for: Watch for 'only' in statement 2; an absolute word is often the false part.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because cymbals are not the only instrument; the pung drum is central.
- C. Wrong because statement 2 is false.
- D. Wrong because statement 3 is also correct.
Source to check: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, 'Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur' (2013) (ich.unesco.org); Sangeet Natak Akademi
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.