UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper I · Q91 of 100 History easy

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

  1. (a) martial arts in North-East India
  2. (b) musical tradition in North-West India ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) classical vocal music in South India
  4. (d) pietra dura tradition in Central India

Why the answer is (b)

• The Manganiyars are a Muslim community of hereditary folk musicians from the Thar Desert districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer (Rajasthan) and Sindh, who sing for Rajput patrons accompanied by the kamaicha and dholak — option (b).

• Alongside the Langas, they represent Rajasthan's classic desert music tradition.

• Hence option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) martial arts in North-East India
Manganiyars are musicians, not martial artists of the North-East.
(c) classical vocal music in South India
They are folk musicians of Rajasthan, not Carnatic vocalists.
(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India
They have nothing to do with pietra dura.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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