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 musical instrument is commonly used to accompany Odissi dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped drum that is commonly used to accompany Odissi dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly used in Indian Ambient Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Synthesizer

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

The sitar, a stringed instrument known for its distinctive sound, is frequently employed in Indian Ambient Music to create melodic and textural layers.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a popular Indian House Music instrument?

  1. The Tabla

  2. The Sitar

  3. The Dhol

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla, Sitar, and Dhol are all popular Indian House Music instruments.

Multiple choice

Which of the following traditional Indian instruments is commonly used in ambient music for therapeutic purposes?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Bansuri

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar, tabla, and bansuri are commonly used in ambient music for therapeutic purposes, as their unique sounds and melodies can create a calming and immersive atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common instrument used in Indian punk music?

  1. Electric guitar

  2. Bass guitar

  3. Drums

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

Electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums are common instruments used in Indian punk music. However, the sitar, a traditional Indian string instrument, is not typically used in this genre.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common instrument used in Indian Lounge Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Synthesizer

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

Synthesizers are not typically used in traditional Indian Lounge Music, which emphasizes acoustic instruments.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common instrument used in Carnatic Classical Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

Veena is a string instrument commonly used in Carnatic Classical Music, known for its rich and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common musical instrument used to accompany ghazals?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Sitar, tabla, and sarangi are common musical instruments used to accompany ghazals. These instruments provide a rich and expressive accompaniment to the vocals, enhancing the emotional impact of the performance.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive sound?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarod

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

The sitar is a famous Indian musical instrument known for its distinctive sound and is often used in classical Indian music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used in Sikh Kirtan?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Sikh Kirtan often incorporates a variety of instruments, including the tabla, sitar, and harmonium, to create a rich and vibrant musical experience.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a traditional Odissi dance instrument?

  1. Mardala

  2. Harmonium

  3. Tabla

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

Harmonium is not a traditional Odissi dance instrument.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its haunting and melancholic sound, often used in devotional music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, plaintive sound. It is commonly used in Hindustani classical music and devotional music, particularly in the Kirana and Patiala-Kasur gharanas.

Multiple choice

Which percussion instrument is played with the hands and is known for its intricate rhythms and improvisational style?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dholak

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums, consisting of a larger drum called the 'baya' and a smaller drum called the 'tabla'. It is widely used in Hindustani classical music, accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists.

Multiple choice

Which wind instrument is known for its long, cylindrical shape and is often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Bansuri

  3. Nadaswaram

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

The Shehnai is a double-reed instrument with a piercing, nasal sound. It is commonly used in North Indian folk and devotional music, particularly during weddings and religious ceremonies.

Multiple choice

Which string instrument is plucked and is known for its intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Veena

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

The Sitar is a long-necked string instrument with a distinctive gourd-shaped body. It is played with a wire plectrum called a 'mizrab' and is known for its complex melodies and rhythmic patterns.