by Q. The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper 1
Answer: (d) Lahore
Explanation:
The Gandharva Mahavidyalaya was founded in 1901 in Lahore, but later moved and established its prominent branch in Delhi.
Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, a noted Hindustani classical vocalist, aimed to revive Indian classical music and make it more accessible to the public through formal training institutions.
Though the first branch was in Lahore (pre-partition), the main institutional structure grew in Delhi, where it gained national importance.
About Vishnu Digambar Paluskar
Birth and Early Life – Born in 1872 in Palus, Maharashtra, Vishnu Digambar Paluskar was a pioneering Indian classical musician and a key figure in Hindustani music reform.
Contribution to Music Education – He popularized formal music education by founding the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in 1901 in Lahore (now in Pakistan), which became one of the first structured institutions for learning Hindustani classical music.
Promotion of Classical Music – Paluskar worked to make classical music accessible to the general public, moving it beyond royal courts and temples, and encouraging mass appreciation of music.
Compositions and Innovations – He composed and arranged numerous bandishes (musical compositions), focusing on preserving traditional ragas while making them easier to learn for students.
Training Future Musicians – Through his Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and teaching, he trained many eminent disciples, creating a legacy of professional musicians who carried forward his vision.
Integration of Music with Nationalism – He promoted music as a means of cultural nationalism, inspiring a sense of pride in Indian classical traditions during the colonial era.
Death and Legacy – Vishnu Digambar Paluskar passed away in 1931, leaving behind a lasting impact on Hindustani classical music education and the modern music institution system in India.
