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 percussion instrument is made of clay and is played by striking it with the hands?

  1. Ghatam

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

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

The Ghatam is a clay pot with a wide mouth and a narrow neck. It is played by striking it with the hands, fingers, or a small stick, producing a resonant and earthy sound.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Kartal

  2. Manjira

  3. Ghungroo

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

The Manjira is a pair of small cymbals made of brass or bronze. They are played by striking them together, producing a bright and metallic sound. Manjiras are commonly used in devotional and folk music, as well as in classical dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its unique sound produced by striking a metal plate with a wooden stick?

  1. Ghungroo

  2. Chimta

  3. Jaltarang

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

The Jaltarang is a set of porcelain or glass bowls filled with different levels of water. It is played by striking the bowls with a wooden stick, producing a unique and ethereal sound. Jaltarang is often used in classical and folk music performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its rhythmic patterns and is often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Dhol

  2. Dholak

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Dhol is a large cylindrical drum with two heads. It is played with two sticks, one thick and one thin, producing a loud and rhythmic sound. Dhol is commonly used in folk and devotional music, particularly in North India and Pakistan.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its sweet and melodious sound and is often used in classical and folk music?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Nadaswaram

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

The Bansuri is a transverse bamboo flute with six or seven finger holes. It is played by blowing across the mouthpiece, producing a sweet and melodious sound. Bansuri is commonly used in classical and folk music, as well as in devotional music and meditation.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its intricate string arrangements and is often used in classical and folk music?

  1. Santoor

  2. Sarod

  3. Sitar

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

The Santoor is a trapezoidal string instrument with a series of strings stretched over a wooden body. It is played with two wooden mallets, striking the strings to produce a rich and resonant sound. Santoor is commonly used in classical and folk music, particularly in Kashmir and North India.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its unique sound produced by striking a metal plate with a metal rod?

  1. Chimta

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Jaltarang

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

The Chimta is a pair of tongs made of metal. It is played by striking the tongs together, producing a bright and metallic sound. Chimta is commonly used in folk and devotional music, particularly in North India.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its rhythmic patterns and is often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Dholak

  2. Dhol

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Dholak is a double-headed hand drum with a cylindrical body. It is played with the hands, producing a rhythmic and percussive sound. Dholak is commonly used in folk and devotional music, particularly in North India and Pakistan.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its sweet and melodious sound and is often used in classical and folk music?

  1. Veena

  2. Sarod

  3. Sitar

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument with a long, hollow body and a gourd resonator. It is played by plucking the strings with a wire plectrum called a 'mizrab'. Veena is commonly used in classical and folk music, particularly in South India.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its unique sound produced by striking a metal plate with a wooden stick?

  1. Ghungroo

  2. Chimta

  3. Jaltarang

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

The Ghungroo is a small metallic bell attached to the ankles of dancers. It is played by striking the bells together, producing a rhythmic and tinkling sound. Ghungroo is commonly used in classical and folk dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its rhythmic patterns and is often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Pakhawaj

  2. Dhol

  3. Dholak

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

The Pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped hand drum with two heads. It is played with the hands, producing a rhythmic and percussive sound. Pakhawaj is commonly used in classical and folk music, particularly in North India.

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.