With 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?
Contents16
- A1, 2 and 3
- B1 and 3 only
- C2 and 3 only
- D1 only
Show answer
Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct, but statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct:
Manipuri Sankirtana is indeed a song and dance performance.
It encompasses an array of performing arts that combine singing, drumming, and dancing.
It is a ritual practice of the Vaishnava community of the Manipur plains and was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
Statement 2 is incorrect:
Cymbals are NOT the only musical instruments used.
In a typical Sankirtana performance, two drummers (playing the pung/mridanga — a Manipuri barrel drum) and about ten singer-dancers perform together.
So both drums and cymbals are used, along with vocal singing.
The statement's use of the word 'only' makes it wrong.
Statement 3 is correct:
Sankirtana is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
The practices centre on the temple, where performers narrate episodes from Krishna's life through devotional singing and expressive dance.
The performances mark religious occasions and various stages in the life of the Vaishnava people.
Key facts:
Manipuri Sankirtana = song + dance + drumming = Vaishnavism/Krishna devotion = UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (2013) = Manipur plains.
So statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Manipuri Sankirtana was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, making it a key current affairs topic for art and culture.
The trap is in statement 2 - while cymbals are used, drums (pung/mridanga) are equally important, so cymbals are not the 'only' instruments used.
Manipuri Sankirtana
Art And Culture Manipuri Sankirtana
Manipuri Sankirtana: UNESCO Heritage & UPSC Facts
Manipuri Sankirtana combines singing, dancing, and drumming in devotional performance
Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013
Narrates Lord Krishna's life and deeds through Vaishnava tradition
Uses pung drums and cymbals together, not cymbals alone
What is Sankirtana
Manipuri Sankirtana is a ritual performing art of the Vaishnava community in Manipur plains. It integrates three elements — devotional singing, expressive dancing, and rhythmic drumming — into a unified spiritual practice centered around Krishna worship.
Core Elements
Element | Description | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
Singing | Devotional songs about Krishna | Narrates episodes from Krishna's life |
Dancing | Expressive movement by singer-dancers | About 10 performers typically |
Drumming | Pung/Mridanga (barrel drum) | 2 drummers + cymbals used together |
Cultural Context
Performed in temple settings during religious occasions
Marks various life stages of the Vaishnava community
Exclusive to Manipur plains region
Represents living tradition passed down through generations
Question Connection
This 2017 PYQ tested precise knowledge of Sankirtana's musical instruments. Statement 2's trap was the word 'only' — while cymbals are used, pung drums are equally central to the performance.
Trap: Cymbals are the 'only' instruments — ignore pung drums which are actually central
Confusion: Mix up with other Manipuri dances like Ras Lila (different context)
Year trap: UNESCO inscription in 2013 — not earlier, not later
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage from India
Art And Culture
India's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
India has 14 entries on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Manipuri Sankirtana inscribed in 2013 as performing arts tradition
Covers diverse categories: music, dance, crafts, festivals, oral traditions
Intangible vs Tangible Heritage
Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to living traditions, practices, and skills passed down through generations — unlike physical monuments. It includes performing arts, festivals, crafts, and oral traditions that communities actively practice.
Major Indian Entries (Recent)
Heritage | Year | Category | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
Manipuri Sankirtana | 2013 | Performing Arts | Manipur |
Yoga | 2016 | Body Practice | Pan-India |
Kumbh Mela | 2017 | Festival | Multiple states |
Durga Puja | 2021 | Festival | West Bengal |
Why This Matters for UPSC
UNESCO recognition questions frequently appear in prelims
Tests knowledge of inscription years and categories
Links to India's soft power and cultural diplomacy
Often combined with specific details about the tradition
Year confusion: Sankirtana 2013, Yoga 2016, Kumbh 2017, Durga Puja 2021
Mix-up: Intangible vs World Heritage Sites (different UNESCO lists)
Scope error: Some traditions are regional (Sankirtana) vs pan-India (Yoga)
Manipuri Classical Dance Forms
Art And Culture
Manipuri Dance: Classical Form & Sub-traditions
Manipuri is one of 8 classical Indian dance forms
Ras Lila is the most famous Manipuri dance style
Sankirtana combines dance with devotional singing and drumming
Classical Dance Context
Manipuri earned recognition as a classical Indian dance form alongside Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and others. It originated in Manipur and is deeply rooted in Vaishnavism, particularly devotion to Radha-Krishna.
Main Manipuri Dance Types
Dance Form | Theme | Performers | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Ras Lila | Radha-Krishna love stories | Women as Gopis | Graceful, circular movements |
Sankirtana | Krishna's life episodes | Mixed groups | Singing + dancing + drumming |
Pung Cholom | Drum dance | Male drummers | Acrobatic movements with drums |
Khamba Thoibi | Folk heroic tales | Mixed | Martial arts influence |
Distinctive Features
Gentle, flowing movements unlike sharp poses in other classical forms
Heavy emphasis on devotional themes rather than pure aesthetics
Community participation in many performances
Pung drums are central to rhythmic structure
Don't confuse: Ras Lila (pure dance-drama) vs Sankirtana (song+dance+drums)
Instrument mix-up: Pung drums in Manipuri vs Tabla in Kathak
Regional error: Manipuri is from Manipur state, not other northeastern states
Eight Classical Indian Dances
Art And Culture
India's 8 Classical Dance Forms: Complete Overview
8 classical dances recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi
Each has distinct regional origin and stylistic features
All share ancient roots and spiritual/devotional themes
The Eight Classical Forms
Dance | State/Region | Key Features | Recognition Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Temple dance, sharp poses | Ancient |
Kathak | North India | Storytelling, spins | Ancient |
Odissi | Odisha | Tribhanga pose, sculpturesque | 1958 |
Manipuri | Manipur | Gentle, devotional | 1950s |
Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Dance-drama, male tradition | 1958 |
Mohiniyattam | Kerala | Feminine grace, lasya | 1958 |
Kathakali | Kerala | Elaborate makeup, stories | 1958 |
Sattriya | Assam | Monastery tradition | 2000 |
Common Elements
Natya Shastra provides theoretical foundation for all forms
Combination of Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive), Natya (drama)
Heavy influence of devotional traditions and temple culture
Sangeet Natak Akademi is the recognizing authority
Latest addition: Sattriya recognized in 2000 — not ancient like others
Don't mix regions: Kuchipudi (Andhra) vs Kathakali (Kerala)
Recognition vs Origin: Odissi ancient but officially recognized 1958