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

Which of the following is a traditional musical instrument from Jharkhand, known for its unique sound and rhythmic beats?

  1. Dhol

  2. Madal

  3. Nagada

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

Jharkhand is home to several traditional musical instruments, including Dhol, Madal, and Nagada, each with its distinct sound and role in various cultural performances and rituals.

Multiple choice

Dhol, a popular percussion instrument from Jharkhand, is typically made from:

  1. Wood

  2. Metal

  3. Animal hide

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

Dhol in Jharkhand is traditionally made using animal hide stretched over a wooden frame, producing a deep and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Madal, another percussion instrument from Jharkhand, is known for its:

  1. Cylindrical shape

  2. Single-headed design

  3. Melodious sound

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

Madal from Jharkhand is a cylindrical-shaped percussion instrument with a single head, producing a melodious sound when struck with hands or sticks.

Multiple choice

What is the primary musical instrument used to accompany Kathakali performances?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The mridangam is the primary musical instrument used to accompany Kathakali performances. It is a double-headed drum that produces a deep, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional orchestra that accompanies Kathakali performances?

  1. Panchavadyam

  2. Melam

  3. Chenda Melam

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

Melam is the traditional orchestra that accompanies Kathakali performances. It consists of a variety of percussion instruments, including the chenda, maddalam, and ilathalam.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common musical instrument used in Kathakali performances?

  1. Chenda

  2. Maddalam

  3. Veena

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

Chenda, Maddalam, and Veena are common musical instruments used in Kathakali performances. Tabla is not typically used in Kathakali.

Multiple choice

Odissi dance is accompanied by which traditional Indian musical instruments?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

Pakhawaj is a traditional Indian percussion instrument commonly used to accompany Odissi dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which Dravidian language has a rich tradition of 'Villu Paattu', a traditional art form that involves singing ballads while playing a string instrument called the 'Villu'?

  1. Tamil

  2. Kannada

  3. Telugu

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

Tamil has a rich tradition of 'Villu Paattu', a traditional art form that involves singing ballads while playing a string instrument called the 'Villu'.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in Haryanvi folk music?

  1. Dholak

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

Dholak is the primary instrument used in Haryanvi folk music, providing a strong rhythmic foundation for the songs.

Multiple choice

Which folk instrument of Haryana is known for its unique sound and is often used in Haryanvi folk music?

  1. Chimta

  2. Dafli

  3. Algoza

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

Algoza is a folk instrument of Haryana known for its unique sound and is often used in Haryanvi folk music, adding a distinct flavor to the melodies.

Multiple choice

Which folk instrument of Haryana is known for its melodic sound and is often used to accompany Haryanvi folk songs?

  1. Chimta

  2. Dafli

  3. Algoza

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

Sarangi is a folk instrument of Haryana known for its melodic sound and is often used to accompany Haryanvi folk songs, adding a soulful touch to the performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is often associated with the god Krishna in Hindu mythology?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Flute

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

The flute, known as the bansuri, is closely associated with Krishna, who is often depicted playing it in religious art and literature.

Multiple choice

The sitar, a stringed instrument from India, is often associated with which genre of music?

  1. Classical

  2. Folk

  3. Rock

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

The sitar is primarily used in classical Indian music, particularly in the Hindustani tradition, and is known for its intricate melodies and ornamentation.

Multiple choice

The tabla, a pair of hand drums from India, is often used to accompany what type of music?

  1. Classical

  2. Folk

  3. Devotional

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

The tabla is a versatile instrument used in various genres of Indian music, including classical, folk, and devotional music.

Multiple choice

Who was the founder of the Imdadkhani Gharana?

  1. Ustad Imdad Khan

  2. Ustad Allauddin Khan

  3. Ustad Vilayat Khan

  4. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ustad Imdad Khan, a renowned sitar player, founded the Imdadkhani Gharana in the 19th century.