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Question 44

With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

AOptions

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 and 4 only

C) 1, 2 and 3

D) 2, 3 and 4

BSolution

Let's evaluate the statements regarding Carnatic music composers:

1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. This statement is incorrect. Tyagaraja (1767–1847), one of the Trinity of Carnatic music, was a profound devotee of Lord Rama. The vast majority of his compositions (Kritis) are devotional songs dedicated to Lord Rama.

2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. This statement is correct. Tyagaraja was not only a prolific composer but also an innovator. He is credited with creating or popularizing several new ragas and expanding the scope of existing ones, showcasing his deep mastery and creative genius in Carnatic music.

3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. This statement is incorrect. Annamacharya (1408–1503) lived much earlier than Tyagaraja (1767–1847). There is a gap of several centuries between them. Annamacharya is considered the earliest known composer of Sankirtanas in Telugu.

4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. This statement is correct. Annamacharya, also known as Tallapaka Annamacharya, composed an immense number of devotional songs (kirtanas), almost all of which are dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala.

Therefore, statements 2 and 4 are correct.

CStrategy

For questions on Indian cultural history, especially classical music and literary figures, it is essential to know their specific contributions, the deities they worshipped, and their approximate chronological periods. Be particularly careful with statements claiming contemporaneity unless the figures lived in the same era.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under Indian Art and Culture, specifically classical music (Carnatic) and devotional literature.

EQuestion Analysis

Medium to Difficult. Requires specific knowledge of major figures in South Indian classical music and their works/periods.