Q. 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?

  • 1, 2 and 3
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Sankirtana:
  • 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.
  • 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.
Sankirtana