UPSC CSE 2026 | Art & Culture – Indian Classical Music (Hindustani)
Question:
Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the:
(a) Agra Gharana
(b) Gwalior Gharana
(c) Patiala Gharana
(d) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
Correct Answer: (d) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
Detailed Explanation (Accurate & Exam-Oriented)
Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992) was one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists of the 20th century. He hailed from Dharwad, Karnataka, and belonged to the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.
Key Facts about Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mallikarjun Bheemaraayappa Mansur |
| Born | 31 December 1910, Mansur village, Dharwad, Karnataka |
| Gharana | Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana |
| Style | Khyal (known for rare and complex ragas) |
| Training | Under Manji Khan (son of Alladiya Khan, founder of Jaipur-Atrauli) |
| Awards | Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award |
| Speciality | Mastery over ** uncommon ragas** like Shuddha Nat, Ramdasi Malhar, etc. |
| Legacy | Known for his deep, resonant voice and scholarly approach to music |
Understanding Gharanas in Hindustani Classical Music
A Gharana is a school or lineage of music that has a distinct style, repertoire, and method of teaching, usually named after the place of origin.
Major Hindustani Vocal Gharanas (Quick Revision)
| Gharana | Founder / Key Exponent | Style Characteristics | Famous Artists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gwalior | Nathan Pir Baksh & others | Clear, open voice; emphasis on bol | Tansen, Haddu-Hassu Khan, Kumar Gandharva |
| Agra | Faiyaz Khan | Powerful voice, nom-tom alap | Faiyaz Khan, Vilayat Hussain Khan |
| Jaipur-Atrauli | Alladiya Khan | Complex ragas, intricate taans, scholarly | Mallikarjun Mansur, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kishori Amonkar |
| Patiala | Ali Baksh & Fateh Ali Khan | Fast taans, thumri influence | Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Malika Pukhraj |
| Kirana | Abdul Karim Khan | Emotional, slow vilambit, sur focus | Abdul Karim Khan, Bhimsen Joshi |
| Rampur-Sahaswan | Inayat Hussain Khan | Clear sur, fast taans | Mushtaq Hussain Khan, Nissar Hussain Khan |
Why Mallikarjun Mansur Belongs to Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
- He received rigorous training under Manji Khan of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.
- His style is marked by:
- Deep knowledge of rare and complex ragas
- Intricate and powerful taans
- Scholarly and intellectual approach to music
- He is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of the Jaipur-Atrauli tradition in the 20th century.
Visual Tribute
Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur — Honoured with a commemorative postage stamp by India Post in 2014.
UPSC Strategy Points
- Mallikarjun Mansur → Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana (most important link)
- Bhimsen Joshi → Kirana Gharana
- Bade Ghulam Ali Khan → Patiala Gharana
- Faiyaz Khan → Agra Gharana
- Kumar Gandharva → Associated with Gwalior but developed his own style
Common Trap:
Sometimes questions confuse Jaipur and Jaipur-Atrauli. Remember: Jaipur-Atrauli is the full and correct name of the Gharana to which Mallikarjun Mansur belonged.
Why This Question Matters for UPSC CSE 2026
- Part of Indian Classical Music (Art & Culture syllabus)
- Tests knowledge of Gharanas and famous exponents
- Frequently asked in Prelims (match the following / person & Gharana type)
- Helps in Mains answers on evolution of Hindustani classical music
CrackTarget Quick Revision Line:
“Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (Karnataka) = Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana — Master of rare ragas and complex taans.”
Leave a comment