General Awareness ยท Social Science

Indian Music and Instruments

2,130 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 most common instrument used in folk music from the Indian subcontinent?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

The dholak is the most common instrument used in folk music from the Indian subcontinent.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is frequently used in Indian ambient music to create a drone-like effect?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Tanpura

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

The Tanpura, with its continuous and sustained sound, is commonly used to establish a drone, providing a foundation for ambient music.

Multiple choice

Which Indian instrument is known for its distinctive, nasal tone and is commonly used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Shehnai, a double-reed instrument, is renowned for its piercing, nasal tone and is often used in Hindustani classical music, particularly in wedding ceremonies and processions.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional musical instrument that is used to accompany Bharatanatyam performances?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The traditional musical instrument that is used to accompany Bharatanatyam performances is called a mridangam. It is a double-headed drum that is played with the hands.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a prominent musical instrument used in Kathak dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. Mridangam

  5. Veena
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Tabla is a prominent musical instrument used in Kathak dance performances, providing rhythmic accompaniment to the dancer's movements.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a prominent musical instrument used in Bharatanatyam dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. Mridangam

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

Mridangam is a prominent musical instrument used in Bharatanatyam dance performances, providing rhythmic accompaniment to the dancer's movements.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly used to accompany Bharatanatyam performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is played with the hands and is a key instrument in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

What is the primary string instrument used in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Veena

  2. Violin

  3. Sarangi

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Indian classical music, including Bharatanatyam.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive high-pitched sound and is often used in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Nadaswaram

  2. Flute

  3. Tabla

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

The Nadaswaram is a double-reed instrument that produces a piercing, high-pitched sound and is commonly used in Bharatanatyam.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the cymbals used in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Tabla

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

Manjira are small cymbals that are played by striking them together and are commonly used in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to provide rhythmic accompaniment in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is played with the hands and is the primary instrument used for rhythmic accompaniment in Bharatanatyam.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by striking a metal plate with a stick?

  1. Ghatam

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The Ghatam is a clay pot that is played by striking it with a stick and is commonly used in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking a metal disc with a stick?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Kanjira is a small frame drum with a metal disc in the center that is played by striking it with a stick and is commonly used in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by striking a pair of wooden sticks together?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Nattuvangam is a pair of wooden sticks that are struck together to provide rhythmic accompaniment in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to provide melodic accompaniment in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Veena

  2. Violin

  3. Sarangi

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Indian classical music, including Bharatanatyam, and is used to provide melodic accompaniment.