Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the :
- (a) Agra Gharana
- (b) Gwalior Gharana
- (c) Patiala Gharana
- (d) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992) of Dharwad, Karnataka, was a Hindustani khayal vocalist and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan.
• He trained first in the Gwalior style under Neelkanth Bua but became the foremost exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana as a disciple of Manji Khan and Bhurji Khan, sons of Ustad Alladiya Khan.
• The Jaipur-Atrauli gharana is known for complex, rare (aprachalit) ragas and intricate laya work, which became Mansur's hallmark.
• The Agra, Gwalior and Patiala gharanas are separate lineages; Mansur is not identified with them.
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Agra Gharana
- The Agra gharana (Faiyaz Khan) is a different lineage.
- (b) Gwalior Gharana
- Mansur had early Gwalior training but is identified with Jaipur-Atrauli.
- (c) Patiala Gharana
- The Patiala gharana (Bade Ghulam Ali Khan) is a different lineage.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.