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. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 4 only.

Let us analyze each of the given statements step-by-step to understand the cultural and historical details regarding Saint Tyagaraja and Tallapaka Annamacharya:

Statement 1: Incorrect
Saint Tyagaraja was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music. The vast majority of Tyagaraja's Kritis (devotional compositions) are written in praise of Lord Rama, who was his personal deity (Ishta Devata), not Lord Krishna.

Statement 2: Correct
Tyagaraja was an extraordinary musical innovator. He introduced several new ragas into Carnatic music, such as Kharaharapriya, Harikambhoji, Narayana Gowla, and many others, enriching the musical tradition significantly.

Statement 3: Incorrect
Tallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya) lived during the 15th century (c. 1408–1503), whereas Saint Tyagaraja lived during the 18th and 19th centuries (c. 1767–1847). Therefore, they were separated by nearly three centuries and were not contemporaries.

Statement 4: Correct
Tallapaka Annamacharya is famous for composing thousands of sankirtanas in praise of Lord Venkateshwara (a form of Lord Vishnu worshipped at Tirumala), expressing profound devotion and philosophy.

Conclusion:
Since statements 2 and 4 are correct while statements 1 and 3 are incorrect, the correct combination of statements is 2 and 4 only.