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 instrument is known for its haunting and melancholic sound, often associated with devotional music?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The bansuri, a bamboo flute, is known for its plaintive and evocative sound, often used in devotional music and classical compositions.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that produces a rhythmic drone, commonly used in Indian classical music?

  1. Tanpura

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The tanpura, a long-necked stringed instrument, is used to create a continuous drone, providing a harmonic foundation for other instruments and vocalists.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive nasal sound and is often used in folk music?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The nadaswaram, a double-reed wind instrument, is known for its piercing and nasal sound, often used in folk music and temple ceremonies.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by striking a series of metal plates arranged in a circular frame?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The jaltarang, a unique instrument consisting of a series of metal plates filled with water, is played by striking the plates with wooden mallets, creating a melodious and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its intricate fretwork and is often used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Sarangi

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

The sitar, a stringed instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped resonator, is known for its intricate fretwork and is widely used in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by plucking a series of strings stretched across a wooden frame?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Veena

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

The veena, a stringed instrument with a long history in Indian classical music, is played by plucking a series of strings stretched across a wooden frame.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in devotional music?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The shehnai, a double-reed wind instrument, is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in devotional music and wedding ceremonies.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used in Odissi dance music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The pakhawaj is a commonly used instrument in Odissi dance music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used in Bharatanatyam dance music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The mridangam is a commonly used instrument in Bharatanatyam dance music.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is characterized by its distinctive sitar-like shape and mesmerizing sound?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

The sarod is a stringed instrument known for its rich, resonant sound. It is closely related to the sitar and is often used in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive shape and mesmerizing sound, and is often used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The veena is a traditional Indian string instrument known for its distinctive shape and mesmerizing sound. It is often used in Carnatic music and is considered a symbol of Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a famous Sattriya dance instrument?

  1. Khol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

Khol is a famous Sattriya dance instrument.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional musical instrument used in Odissi dance?

  1. Pakhawaj

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The traditional musical instruments used in Odissi dance include the pakhawaj, tabla, and mridangam. The sitar is not typically used in Odissi music.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is a stringed instrument played with a bow?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Sitar is a stringed instrument from North India, known for its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is a pair of hand drums?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Tabla is a pair of hand drums from North India, known for its complex rhythmic patterns and intricate playing techniques.