Sankirtana - Art Form of Manipur - UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage - Art and Culture Notes
The Sankirtana is a Manipur ritual singing, drumming, and dancing art form. This art form is performed to commemorate religious occasions as well as different stages in the lives of Manipuri Vaishnavites. This unique cultural heritage of Manipur was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO in 2013. Here we will discuss regarding Sankirtana in detail, which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.
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Sankirtana
Sankirtana
- Kirtana singing is said to have arrived in Manipur in the fifteenth century during the reign of Bengal's King Kiyamba (1467-1508).
- This devotional form quickly emerged as a distinct cultural form within Manipur's Vaishnavite community.
- The first kirtana was said to have been performed at Lord Vishnu's small temple in the village of Vishnupur.
- Sankirtana is a collection of arts done by the Vaishnava people of the Manipur plains to commemorate religious festivals and stages in their lives.
- Sankirtana traditions revolve around the temple, where singers and dancers describe Lord Krishna's life and actions via songs and dance.
- Two drummers and roughly 10 singer-dancers perform in a hall or residential courtyard surrounded by seated worshippers in a typical performance.
- Cymbals and drums are the most commonly used musical instruments.
- The dignity and flow of artistic and holy energy are unrivaled, driving audience members to tears and causing them to kneel themselves in front of the artists on many occasions.
- Sankirtana has two primary social purposes: it brings people together on festive occasions throughout the year, functioning as a unifying factor within Manipur's Vaishnava community; and it develops and maintains links between individuals and communities via life-cycle rites.
- As a result, it is viewed as God's tangible manifestation.
- In 2013, it was included in UNESCO's Representative List of Humanity's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Conclusion
Manipur's Sankirtana is a thriving practice that promotes an organic interaction with people: the entire community is active in its preservation, and specialized information and abilities are customarily passed down from mentor to student. Sankirtana is in tune with nature, whose presence is honored via a variety of rites.
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| Indian Art and Culture | Performing Arts |
| UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | Indian Circus |
| Indian Dance Forms | Martial Arts in India |
| Indian Puppetry | Indian Theatre |
FAQs
Question: What is Sankirtana, and why is it significant?
Answer: Sankirtana is a traditional performing art form of Manipur that combines singing, drumming, and dancing, primarily revolving around the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. It is significant because it serves as a cultural expression of devotion, community bonding, and religious storytelling in Manipur. Recognized by UNESCO, Sankirtana plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
Question: How is Sankirtana performed?
Answer: Sankirtana performances involve a group of performers who sing devotional songs, play drums (particularly the Pung) and cymbals, and enact dance sequences. The art form is deeply rooted in Vaishnavism and is performed during religious occasions, festivals, and rites of passage, fostering a sense of spiritual and communal unity.
Question: Why was Sankirtana included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Answer: Sankirtana was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to its cultural significance, artistic excellence, and role in preserving the identity and traditions of Manipur. It exemplifies collective participation and community cohesion through its devotional and artistic elements.
Question: What instruments are primarily used in Sankirtana performances?
Answer: The primary instruments used in Sankirtana performances are the Pung (a traditional drum) and cymbals. These instruments provide rhythm and are integral to the music and dance elements of the performance.
Question: What role does Sankirtana play in Manipuri society?
Answer: Sankirtana plays a crucial role in Manipuri society by fostering social cohesion, preserving cultural identity, and promoting spiritual practices. It is performed during major life events, religious ceremonies, and festivals, serving as a medium of communal bonding and cultural continuity.
MCQs
- Sankirtana is a traditional performing art form from which Indian state?
A) Kerala
B) Manipur
C) West Bengal
D) Gujarat
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Sankirtana is a traditional art form from Manipur, involving singing, dancing, and drumming centered on Vaishnavite traditions.
- The primary instrument used in Sankirtana performances is:
A) Tabla
B) Pung (drum)
C) Veena
D) Flute
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The Pung is a traditional drum used in Sankirtana, providing rhythm for the performances.
- Sankirtana was recognized by UNESCO as:
A) A tangible world heritage site
B) An Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
C) An endangered language
D) A natural heritage site
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
UNESCO inscribed Sankirtana on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage due to its cultural significance and artistic contributions.
- The themes of Sankirtana performances mainly revolve around:
A) Folk tales
B) Vaishnavite traditions and Lord Krishna’s life
C) Historical narratives
D) Agricultural practices
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Sankirtana performances are rooted in Vaishnavism and often depict the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.
- Sankirtana performances play an important role in:
A) Promoting tourism exclusively
B) Community bonding and spiritual expression
C) Agriculture and trade practices
D) Political campaigns
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Sankirtana fosters social cohesion and serves as a medium for spiritual and communal expression.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the cultural significance of Sankirtana as a traditional art form of Manipur.
Answer: Sankirtana holds immense cultural significance in Manipur as a traditional performing art that integrates music, dance, and spirituality. It serves as a medium for preserving and promoting Vaishnavite traditions, focusing on the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Sankirtana plays a vital role in community bonding and religious devotion. The performances, characterized by rhythmic drumming (Pung), singing, and dance, are deeply rooted in the social and religious fabric of Manipuri society. Sankirtana's communal and participatory nature strengthens social cohesion and ensures the continuity of cultural heritage across generations.
Q2: Analyze the reasons behind UNESCO’s recognition of Sankirtana as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Answer: UNESCO recognized Sankirtana as an Intangible Cultural Heritage due to its rich cultural and artistic significance. Sankirtana is more than a performance art; it is a spiritual and social practice that unites communities through music, dance, and religious devotion. Its deep roots in Vaishnavism and its role in life-cycle rituals, festivals, and community events highlight its cultural relevance and contribution to social cohesion. The art form's preservation and transmission through generations demonstrate its enduring importance in Manipuri society. UNESCO's recognition acknowledges its role in promoting cultural diversity, communal harmony, and the rich heritage of Manipur.
Q3: Explain the role of Sankirtana in promoting community cohesion and cultural continuity in Manipur.
Answer: Sankirtana plays a crucial role in promoting community cohesion and cultural continuity in Manipur by bringing people together through shared spiritual and cultural expressions. The performances, often held during religious festivals, life-cycle events, and communal gatherings, foster a sense of unity and belonging among participants. The art form serves as a repository of Vaishnavite traditions and acts as a medium for cultural transmission, ensuring that values, stories, and practices are passed down to future generations. Its collective nature strengthens social bonds and preserves the rich heritage and identity of Manipuri society.
Previous Year Questions on Sankirtana
1. UPSC CSE 2020
Question: Evaluate the cultural and social impact of Sankirtana on Manipuri society.
Answer: Sankirtana has a profound cultural and social impact on Manipuri society, serving as a vital expression of devotion, community bonding, and cultural identity. This traditional art form, characterized by synchronized singing, drumming, and dancing, is rooted in Vaishnavite traditions and reflects the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. Its performances foster social cohesion by uniting communities during religious ceremonies, festivals, and rites of passage. Recognized by UNESCO, Sankirtana exemplifies the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and promotes cultural continuity. Its ability to blend spirituality with artistic excellence ensures its enduring relevance and influence in Manipuri society.
2. UPSC CSE 2019
Question: Discuss the reasons for UNESCO’s recognition of Sankirtana as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and its implications for cultural preservation.
Answer: UNESCO recognized Sankirtana as an Intangible Cultural Heritage due to its cultural, spiritual, and artistic significance in Manipur. The art form exemplifies collective participation, cultural transmission, and spiritual devotion, fostering a sense of community and identity. Its unique blend of music, dance, and religious storytelling contributes to preserving Vaishnavite traditions and Manipuri heritage. UNESCO’s recognition highlights the need to protect and promote such cultural practices, ensuring their transmission to future generations. This acknowledgment not only raises awareness about Sankirtana’s importance but also encourages efforts to safeguard and celebrate diverse cultural traditions globally.
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