Daily Quiz #21 UPSC Prelims Marathon – November 25, 2019

Explanation: It is one of the oldest and grandest forms of Hindustani classical music and finds it mention even in Natyashastra (200 BC–200 AD). It is said that dhrupad owes its roots to older forms like Prabhanda and Dhruvapada. The name is derived from ‘dhruva’ and ‘pada,’ which means that it denotes both, verse form of the poetry and the style in which it is sung. Although Dhrupad consolidated its position as a classical form of music in the 13th century, it reached its zenith in the court of Emperor Akbar.

Explanation: The word ‘Khyal’ is derived from Persian and means “idea or imagination”. The origin of this style was attributed to Amir Khusrau. This form is popular amongst the artists as this provides greater scope for improvisation. Khyal is based on the repertoire of short songs ranging from two to eight lines. Generally, a Khyal composition is also referred to as a ‘Bandish’.

Explanation: Oldest among all classical dance forms, Bharatnatyam derives its name from Bharata Muni and ‘natyam’ which means dance in Tamil. However, other scholars have ascribed the name ‘Bharata’ to ‘Bhava’, ‘Raga’ and ‘Taal’. The origins of this dance form can be traced back to ‘Sadir’ – the solo dance performance of the temple dancers or ‘devadasis’ in Tamil Nadu, hence it was also referred to as ‘Dashiattam’.

Explanation: The freedom-with-partition formula was coming to be widely accepted well before Mountbatten arrived in India. One major innovation (actually suggested by V.P. Menon) was the immediate transfer of power on the basis of grant of dominion status (with a right of secession), thus obviating the need to wait for an agreement in the constituent assembly on a new political structure. The important points of the plan were as follows.
● Punjab and Bengal Legislative Assemblies would meet in two groups, Hindus and Muslims, to vote forpartition. If a simple majority of either group voted for partition, then these provinces would be partitioned.
● In case of partition, two dominions and two constituent assemblies would be created.
● Sindh would take its own decision.
● Referendums in NWFP and Sylhet district of Bengal would decide the fate of these areas.

Explanation: Cornwallis wanted to have the powers of both the governor-general and the commander-in-chief. The new Act conceded this demand and also gave him the power. Cornwallis was allowed to override the council’s decision if he owned the responsibility for the decision. Later, this provision was extended to all the governor-generals.