2019 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I

Question 16: History and Culture

With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

aTansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
bTansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
cTansen composed songs on his patrons.
dTansen invented many Ragas.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The statement that Tansen was a title given by Akbar is the incorrect one. Born Ramtanu, he is traditionally said to have received the name Tansen from the Gwalior ruler he served before Akbar's court; Akbar gave him the honorific 'Mian'. Tansen composed dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses, wrote songs praising his patrons, and is credited with creating ragas such as Mian ki Todi and Mian ki Malhar. The question asks for the statement that is not correct.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Correct: the title Tansen was not given by Akbar; Akbar gave 'Mian'.
  • (b) True: he composed dhrupads on Hindu deities.
  • (c) True: he composed songs on his patrons.
  • (d) True: he is credited with creating many ragas.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.