UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I
Question 12: History and Culture
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 ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Manipuri Sankirtana is a ritual performing art combining singing, drumming and dance, and it narrates the life and deeds of Lord Krishna, so Statements 1 and 3 are right. Statement 2 is wrong because the performers use the pung (a drum) along with cymbals (kartal), so cymbals are not the only instruments. It was inscribed by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage in 2013. Remember: pung and kartal.
- 1. It combines singing, drumming and dance.
- 2. The pung (drum) is played along with cymbals.
- 3. It narrates the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: The pung (drum) is played along with cymbals.
The red flag in statement 2 is “only”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “only” were true 27% of the time (82 statements). A hint, not a rule.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (d) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: It narrates the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statement 1.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: statement 2 is false because the pung drum is also played.
- (b) Right: it is a song and dance form narrating Krishna's life; cymbals are not the only instrument.
- (c) Wrong: statement 2 is false.
- (d) Wrong: statement 3 is also correct.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.