SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 27

Solution: The correct answer is Hindustani Music : Developed under significant Turko-Persian cultural influence.

Explanation:
☛ Hindustani Classical Music: Originating in Northern India, it assimilated substantial Turko-Persian, Arab, and Central Asian musical elements from the 12th century onwards, especially under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal patronage.
☛ Raga: It is the melodic framework or musical mode intended to evoke specific moods and emotions, not the rhythmic cycle.
☛ Tala: It refers to the rhythmic time cycle or beat pattern governing a musical composition, not melodic structure.
☛ Carnatic Music: Predominantly practiced in South India, it places immense emphasis on pre-composed devotional pieces (such as Kritis) alongside systematic improvisation (Manodharma).

Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Amir Khusrau: Revered as the pioneer of the Khayal style of singing and the inventor of musical instruments like the Sitar and Tabla.
☛ Carnatic Trinity: Consists of three 18th-century composer-saints—Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri.
☛ Bharata Muni's Natyashastra: Regarded as the ancient Sanskrit foundation for Indian performing arts, dating back to roughly 200 BCE–200 CE.
☛ Gharana System: A unique lineage-based pedagogical tradition in Hindustani music, including notable gharanas like Gwalior, Agra, Kirana, and Jaipur-Atrauli.

Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which ancient Indian text laid the foundational principles of Indian music and dramaturgy? → Natyashastra by Bharata Muni
☛ What is the melodic classification system used in Carnatic music consisting of 72 parent scales called? → Melakarta system
☛ Who authored the seminal medieval music treatise titled 'Sangita Ratnakara'? → Sarangadeva
☛ Which 16th-century musician served as a prominent jewel (Navratna) in Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court? → Miyan Tansen
☛ What is the oldest and grandest surviving genre of Hindustani classical vocal music? → Dhrupad