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Art & CultureMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper I

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the :

  1. A.Agra Gharana
  2. B.Gwalior Gharana
  3. C.Patiala Gharana
  4. D.Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana

Correct answer

D. Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana

Explanation

The correct answer is D, Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992) of Dharwad was one of the leading Khayal singers of this gharana.

The Jaipur-Atrauli gharana was founded by Ustad Alladiya Khan in the late nineteenth century. It is known for complex, rarely heard ragas and for intricate, flowing taans built close to the melody. Mansur learnt from Manji Khan and Burji Khan, the sons of Alladiya Khan, and received the Padma Vibhushan in 1992. Kesarbai Kerkar and Kishori Amonkar are other great names of the same gharana, and the Dharwad region also gave Hindustani music Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal of the Kirana gharana.

A is wrong: the Agra gharana is linked with Ustad Faiyaz Khan and its strong nom-tom style.

B is wrong: Gwalior is the oldest Khayal gharana, associated with Haddu-Hassu Khan and Vishnu Digambar Paluskar.

C is wrong: the Patiala gharana is linked with Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

Exam tip: Jaipur-Atrauli = Alladiya Khan, Mallikarjun Mansur, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kishori Amonkar.

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Q1.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2018, GKHard

Which one of the following statements about the Elephanta Island is correct?

  1. A.It was given its name by the British after a large elephant structure located there.
  2. B.It contains one large cave.
  3. C.It is well-known for a spectacular carving of Vishnu described in the Vishnudharmottara Purana.
  4. D.It is associated with the Pashupata sect.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. It is associated with the Pashupata sect.

The Elephanta caves are Shaiva rock-cut shrines, and their imagery is linked by scholars to the Pashupata order of Shiva worshippers.

Q2.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2018, GKMedium

The tagline 'Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India' is associated with the logo for

  1. A.Archaeological Survey of India
  2. B.India Tourism Development Corporation
  3. C.Geological Survey of India
  4. D.Geographical Indications (GI) of India
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Geographical Indications (GI) of India

In November 2018 the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of the Commerce Ministry launched a common logo for GI-tagged products with the tagline "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India".

Q3.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2018, GKMedium

Which one of the following statements about Buddhist Stupas in India is not correct?

  1. A.Ashoka played an important role in popularizing the Stupa cult.
  2. B.They were repositories of relics of Buddha and other monks.
  3. C.They were located in rural areas.
  4. D.They were located close to trade routes.
Show answer
Correct answer: C. They were located in rural areas.

Stupas grew up near towns and along trade routes, where traders and townspeople could visit and fund them. A stupa is a hemispherical mound built over relics of the Buddha or of revered monks.

Q5.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKMedium

Consider the following : 1. Tughlaqabad Fort 2. Bada Gumbad in Lodhi Garden 3. Qutub Minar 4. Fatehpur Sikri Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of building the above monuments?

  1. A.3, 1, 4, 2
  2. B.3, 1, 2, 4
  3. C.1, 3, 2, 4
  4. D.1, 3, 4, 2
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 3, 1, 2, 4

The Qutub Minar came first, then Tughlaqabad Fort, then the Bada Gumbad of the Lodi period and last the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.