General Awareness ยท Social Science

Indian Music and Instruments

2,230 Questions

Indian music and instruments encompass a rich variety of traditional percussion, string, and wind tools used across regional cultures. This collection features questions on folk drums, devotional instruments, and classical accompaniments. It is a crucial Art and Culture topic for SSC, UPSC, and State PSC exams.

Traditional folk drumsDevotional music instrumentsClassical dance accompanimentPercussion instrumentsRegional musical instruments

Indian Music and Instruments Questions

Multiple choice

What is the traditional instrument used to accompany Ghazals?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

  4. Flute
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Sarangi, a bowed string instrument, is often used to accompany Ghazals. Its plaintive and melancholic sound adds depth and emotion to the performance.

Multiple choice

Which of these is NOT a common instrument used in a Ghazal ensemble?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

  4. Guitar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

While the Sitar, Tabla, and Sarangi are traditional instruments associated with Ghazals, the Guitar is not typically used in a Ghazal ensemble. The Sitar and Sarangi provide the melodic and rhythmic foundation, while the Tabla adds percussive accompaniment.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany Kathak dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. Mridangam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums that are played together and are the primary percussion instrument used in Kathak dance performances.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional instrumentation used in Qawwali music?

  1. Tabla, harmonium, and sitar

  2. Tabla, dholak, and sarangi

  3. Tabla, dholak, and harmonium

  4. Tabla, sitar, and sarangi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The traditional instrumentation used in Qawwali music includes the tabla (a pair of hand drums), the dholak (a cylindrical drum), and the harmonium (a keyboard instrument).

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used in bhangra music?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

  4. Harmonium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The dhol is a percussion instrument that is commonly used in bhangra music. It is a large, cylindrical drum that is played with two sticks. Dhol players often use a variety of techniques, including hitting, rolling, and spinning, to create a unique and energetic sound.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Kuchipudi instrument that is played to accompany the dance?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

  4. Flute
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The mridangam is the traditional percussion instrument used to accompany Kuchipudi dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is traditionally used to accompany food-related songs and performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

  4. Dholak
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Dholak is a popular Indian percussion instrument that is often used to accompany food-related songs and performances, adding a rhythmic and lively element to the music.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is traditionally used to accompany food-related songs and performances in the state of West Bengal?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

  4. Ektara
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Ektara is a traditional Indian musical instrument that is commonly used to accompany food-related songs and performances in the state of West Bengal.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is traditionally used to accompany food-related songs and performances in the state of Karnataka?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

  4. Veena
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Veena is a traditional Indian musical instrument that is commonly used to accompany food-related songs and performances in the state of Karnataka.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in Carnatic music?

  1. Violin

  2. Mridangam

  3. Veena

  4. Tabla
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The veena is a plucked string instrument that is considered the primary instrument in Carnatic music. It is known for its rich, resonant sound and is often used for solo performances and accompaniments.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a common Carnatic music instrument?

  1. Violin

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

  4. Veena
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Tabla is a percussion instrument commonly used in Hindustani classical music, but it is not typically used in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is known for its distinctive gourd-shaped resonator?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

  4. Sarangi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The sarangi, a bowed string instrument, is characterized by its gourd-shaped resonator, which amplifies and enriches the sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is associated with the traditional music of Rajasthan, India?

  1. Dhol

  2. Shehnai

  3. Sitar

  4. Tabla
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The dhol, a double-headed drum, is an integral part of Rajasthani folk music, often accompanying dance performances and celebrations.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the bowed string instrument commonly used in Carnatic music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Violin

  4. Veena
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The violin, introduced to India during the colonial period, has become a prominent instrument in Carnatic music, blending Western and Indian musical traditions.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its intricate fretwork and complex playing techniques?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

  4. Sarod
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The sarod, a stringed instrument similar to the sitar, is renowned for its intricate fretwork and challenging playing techniques, requiring years of practice to master.