UPSC Prelims 2026·GS1·art-culture·hindustani classical music

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

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Last updated 25 May 2026, 8:23 pm IST
  1. AAgra Gharana
  2. BGwalior Gharana
  3. CPatiala Gharana
  4. DJaipur-Atrauli GharanaCorrect

Explanation

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992), an eminent Hindustani classical vocalist from Dharwad, Karnataka, is most famously associated with the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Therefore, Option D is correct.

While Mansur received his initial training in Carnatic music and later learned the Gwalior style from Pandit Neelkanth Bua Alurmath, his musical identity was cemented when he became a disciple of Ustad Manji Khan and later Ustad Bhurji Khan. Both were sons of Ustad Alladiya Khan, the illustrious founder of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Pandit Mansur became a rare and distinguished male exponent of this gharana, mastering its complex, Dhrupad-based Khayal style and its repertoire of rare ragas (such as Shuddh Nat and Hem Nat). He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 for his legendary contributions to Hindustani classical music.

Why the other options are incorrect:

  • Option A (Agra Gharana): This gharana traces its roots back to Nayak Gopal and Haji Sujan Khan, and is characterized by its powerful, robust voice production and rhythmic play. Its most famous exponent was Ustad Faiyaz Khan, not Mansur.
  • Option B (Gwalior Gharana): Often considered the oldest Khayal gharana, founded by Natthan Peer Bakhsh and his grandsons. Although Mansur had early training in this style during his youth, he famously migrated to the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, which he officially represented in his mature, celebrated career.
  • Option C (Patiala Gharana): Founded by Ali Baksh Khan and Fateh Ali Khan, this gharana is renowned for its emotional depth and intricate taans. It was most famously popularized by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

Concluding Takeaway: To remember his lineage, recall that Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur was the definitive 'Jewel of Jaipur-Atrauli' from Karnataka, uniquely bringing the Alladiya Khan legacy to global prominence.

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

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