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

Which film's soundtrack features a prominent use of the sitar, a stringed instrument known for its distinctive sound?

  1. The Darjeeling Limited

  2. Life of Pi

  3. Slumdog Millionaire

  4. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Mychael Danna's score for The Darjeeling Limited features the sitar prominently, creating a sense of spirituality and introspection.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common instrument used in Indian hardcore music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

Synthesizers are commonly used in Indian hardcore music to create electronic sounds and melodies.

Multiple choice

Garba, a folk dance from Gujarat, is characterized by its circular formation, rhythmic clapping, and lively steps. What is the primary instrument that accompanies Garba performances?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The dhol, a large cylindrical drum, is the primary instrument that accompanies Garba performances, providing rhythmic accompaniment and enhancing the dancer's movements.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a traditional Indian instrument commonly used in trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The tabla is a pair of hand drums that are played in Indian classical music and are often used in trance music to create a rhythmic foundation.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is traditionally played during Gudi Padwa celebrations?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The Dhol, a traditional Indian drum, is played during Gudi Padwa celebrations to create a festive atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive, resonant sound and is often used in classical, folk, and devotional music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sitar is a stringed instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body, known for its rich, resonant sound and its use in various genres of Indian music.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive, double-headed drum shape and is often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dholak

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums, each with a different size and pitch, and is widely used in folk and devotional music in India.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive, bowed string shape and is often used in classical, folk, and devotional music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, melancholic sound, often used in classical, folk, and devotional music in India.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in Indian House Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

Synthesizers are electronic instruments that can produce a wide range of sounds, making them ideal for creating the electronic soundscapes characteristic of Indian House Music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional Indian musical instrument commonly used in healing practices?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Didgeridoo

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

The didgeridoo is an Aboriginal Australian instrument, not typically associated with traditional Indian healing practices.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a percussion instrument used in Sattriya?

  1. Pepa

  2. Khol

  3. Sarangi

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

The Khol is a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head that is played with the hands.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the string instrument used in Sattriya?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Veena

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a short neck and a large, round body.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a wind instrument used in Sattriya?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Flute

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

The Bansuri is a bamboo flute with six or seven holes.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the cymbal used in Sattriya?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Kartal

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

The Manjira is a pair of small, hand-held cymbals.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a melodic instrument used in Sattriya?

  1. Pepa

  2. Khol

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a short neck and a large, round body.