With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4. Annamacharyaldrtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Let's analyze each statement:

Statement 1: Tallapaka Annamacharya was a 15th-century Hindu saint and the earliest known Indian musician to compose sankirtanas in praise of Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu. Therefore, Tyagaraja's Kritis are primarily in praise of Lord Rama, not Krishna. Statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2: Tyagaraja received music training from Sonti Venkataramayya, but he also drew inspiration from earlier poets and is known for his devotion to Lord Rama. He composed numerous musical operas and is credited with creating several new ragas. Statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3: Tyagaraja was born on May 14, 1767, while Annamacharya lived from May 22, 1408 – April 4, 1503. Therefore, they were not contemporaries. Statement 3 is incorrect.

Statement 4: As mentioned earlier, Annamacharya composed devotional songs (sankirtanas) in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Statement 4 is correct.

Hence, only statements 2 and 4 are correct.

Sources:

• Wikipedia - Annamacharya
• The News Minute - Remembering Tyagaraja