Prelims 2017 · Q12
MediumWith reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
- 1.It is a song and dance performance.
- 2.Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
- 3.It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Sankirtana, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, is the ritual singing, drumming and dancing of the Vaishnava people of the Manipur plains. Performers tell the life and deeds of Krishna through song and dance, and drums are central to it, so cymbals are not the only instruments.
- ✓ 1. It combines singing and dancing, performed in a temple hall or courtyard with devotees seated around the performers.
- ✗ 2. UNESCO describes a typical performance as two drummers with about ten singer-dancers, and its very title reads 'singing, drumming and dancing'; so drums are as central as cymbals.
- ✓ 3. UNESCO describes performers narrating the lives and deeds of Krishna through song and dance.
Remember · Sankirtana (Manipur): Vaishnava ritual singing, drumming and dancing that narrates Krishna's life; on UNESCO's intangible heritage list since 2013.
Sources
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur ↗ “Sankirtana practices centre on the temple, where performers narrate the lives and deeds of Krishna through song and dance. In a typical performance, two drummers and about ten singer-dancers perform in a hall or domestic courtyard encircled by seated devotees.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2017, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·