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 of these is a common instrument used in Native American ritualistic music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Didgeridoo

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

Drums are widely used in Native American ritualistic music, often accompanied by chanting and dancing.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a common instrument used in ritualistic music from Brazil?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Berimbau

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

Berimbau is a single-stringed instrument used in Brazilian capoeira, a martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.

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 double-headed drum that is commonly used to accompany Odissi dance performances.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used to accompany Bharatanatyam performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum that serves as the primary percussion instrument in Bharatanatyam. It is played with the hands and produces a rich, resonant sound that complements the dance movements.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its melodic and expressive qualities in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Veena

  2. Flute

  3. Violin

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

The Violin, introduced to India during the British colonial period, has become an integral part of Bharatanatyam. Its ability to produce a wide range of melodies and emotions makes it a popular choice for accompanying the dance.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create rhythmic patterns and accents in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Kanjira is a small, frame drum with a single head. It is played with the hands and produces sharp, rhythmic sounds that accentuate the dance movements.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its ability to produce a deep, resonant sound in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Ghatam is a clay pot that is played by striking it with the fingers and palms. It produces a deep, resonant sound that adds a percussive element to the Bharatanatyam performance.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a drone or continuous background sound in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Violin

  2. Veena

  3. Sarangi

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

The Tambura is a string instrument with four or five strings. It is played by plucking the strings, creating a continuous drone that provides a harmonic foundation for the music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its ability to produce a high-pitched, piercing sound in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive high-pitched sound. It is used to create a sense of tension and drama in Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a rhythmic cycle or Tala in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Mridangam is used to create the rhythmic cycle or Tala in Bharatanatyam. The Mridangam player establishes the tempo and rhythmic patterns that guide the dancers and musicians throughout the performance.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its ability to produce a rich, mellow sound in Bharatanatyam?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Veena is a string instrument with a long history in Indian classical music. It is known for its rich, mellow sound and is often used to accompany Bharatanatyam performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional Indian instrument that has been used in Indian electronic music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The sitar, tabla, and mridangam are all traditional Indian instruments that have been used in Indian electronic music. The djembe is a traditional African instrument that has not been widely used in Indian electronic music.

Multiple choice

In Buddhism, what is the name of the musical instrument used in chanting and meditation practices?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Tanpura

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

Singing bowls are metal bowls that produce a resonant sound when struck or rubbed. They are used in Buddhist meditation practices to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

Multiple choice

In Hinduism, what is the name of the musical instrument that is often used to accompany devotional singing and chanting?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Tanpura

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

The tanpura is a stringed instrument that is often used to accompany devotional singing and chanting in Hinduism. It provides a continuous drone that creates a meditative and spiritual atmosphere.

Multiple choice

In Sikhism, what is the name of the musical instrument that is played during religious processions and celebrations?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

The dhol is a double-headed drum that is played during religious processions and celebrations in Sikhism. It is known for its loud and energetic sound.