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

The traditional music of India, often performed at weddings and celebrations, is known as:

  1. Bhangra

  2. Qawwali

  3. Ghazal

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

Bhangra is a vibrant and energetic genre of Punjabi folk music, originating in the Punjab region of India, known for its lively rhythms, energetic dance moves, and colorful costumes, often performed at weddings and celebrations.

Multiple choice

Which of these Indian instruments is often incorporated into downtempo music production?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Tabla, a pair of hand drums, is a commonly used Indian instrument in downtempo music production. Its rich and versatile sound can provide a rhythmic foundation for the track or be used to create intricate rhythmic patterns. The Tabla's ability to produce a wide range of sounds makes it a valuable addition to the downtempo music producer's toolkit.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a traditional Indian musical instrument commonly used to accompany sports events?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The Dhol, a double-headed drum, is a traditional Indian musical instrument commonly used to accompany sports events, particularly in rural areas.

Multiple choice

Which traditional Indian musical instrument is known for its long, slender neck and mesmerizing sound?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

The Sitar, with its long, slender neck and mesmerizing sound, is a traditional Indian musical instrument that is often used in classical and folk music.

Multiple choice

Which traditional Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking a metal disc with a wooden mallet?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dhol

  3. Ghungroo

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

The Manjira, a traditional Indian musical instrument, is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking a metal disc with a wooden mallet.

Multiple choice

Which traditional Indian musical instrument is known for its cylindrical shape and is played by blowing air into it?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Flute

  3. Clarinet

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

The Shehnai, a traditional Indian musical instrument, is known for its cylindrical shape and is played by blowing air into it.

Multiple choice

The Yakshagana, a traditional theater form of Karnataka, is known for its elaborate costumes, captivating storytelling, and distinctive use of which musical instrument?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Yakshagana theater form is renowned for its vibrant and energetic performances, often accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the chenda, a traditional percussion instrument.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that is considered the precursor to the modern violin?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The Veena is a stringed instrument that has been played in India for centuries and is believed to be the ancestor of the violin.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive nasal tone and is often used in devotional music?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

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

The Shehnai is a woodwind instrument that is known for its piercing, nasal tone and is often used in traditional Indian music and religious ceremonies.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian drum that is played with the hands?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dholak

  3. Mridangam

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums that are played in Indian classical music and are known for their complex rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its long neck and distinctive sound?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

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

The Sitar is a stringed instrument that is known for its long neck and distinctive sound, and is often used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian music ensemble that typically consists of a sitar, tabla, and tambura?

  1. Gharana

  2. Jugband

  3. Baithak

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

Baithak is a traditional Indian music ensemble that typically consists of a sitar, tabla, and tambura, and is often used to perform classical Indian music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional instrument used in Koodiyattam Music?

  1. Mizhavu

  2. Idakka

  3. Mridangam

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

The Veena is not a traditional instrument used in Koodiyattam Music. The Mizhavu, Idakka, and Mridangam are all traditional percussion instruments used in Koodiyattam Music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional musical instrument used in Koodiyattam Music?

  1. Mizhavu

  2. Idakka

  3. Mridangam

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

The Tabla is not a traditional musical instrument used in Koodiyattam Music. The Mizhavu, Idakka, and Mridangam are all traditional musical instruments used in Koodiyattam Music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional musical instrument used in Koodiyattam Music?

  1. Mizhavu

  2. Idakka

  3. Mridangam

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

The Sitar is not a traditional musical instrument used in Koodiyattam Music. The Mizhavu, Idakka, and Mridangam are all traditional musical instruments used in Koodiyattam Music.