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

What is the name of the traditional music played during Kushti matches?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

Dhol is a traditional Indian drum that is played during Kushti matches to create a lively atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used in the folk music of Uttar Pradesh?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is widely used in folk music across North India, including Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its rich and expressive sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to create the rhythmic foundation in belly dance music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Darbuka

  3. Riq

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

The Darbuka, also known as the goblet drum, is a handheld percussion instrument that produces a rich, resonant sound. It is widely used in belly dance music to establish the rhythmic foundation and provide a steady beat.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the double-headed frame drum that is often used to accompany belly dance performances?

  1. Daf

  2. Riq

  3. Tabla

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

The Daf, also known as the frame drum, is a large, circular drum with two heads. It is played by striking the drumhead with the hands or with a stick. The Daf provides a steady, rhythmic pulse and adds a rich, resonant sound to belly dance music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its rhythmic, repetitive patterns and is often used to create a trance-like atmosphere in belly dance music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Darbuka

  3. Riq

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

The Def, also known as the tambourine, is a percussion instrument consisting of a circular frame with small metal jingles attached to it. It is played by shaking or striking the frame. The Def produces a rhythmic, repetitive sound that adds a trance-like atmosphere to belly dance music. It is often used in combination with other percussion instruments to create a lively and energetic rhythm.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional instrument used to accompany ghazals?

  1. Tabla

  2. Harmonium

  3. Sitar

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

The tabla is a traditional Indian percussion instrument used to accompany ghazals.

Multiple choice

Which of the following electronic instruments was first used in Indian electronic music?

  1. Synthesizer

  2. Drum machine

  3. Sampler

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

The synthesizer was the first electronic instrument to be used in Indian electronic music. It was introduced in the 1960s and quickly became a popular tool for creating new and innovative sounds.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music that accompanies Jhumar dance?

  1. Dholak

  2. Harmonium

  3. Tabla

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

Jhumar dance is traditionally accompanied by music from instruments such as the dholak, harmonium, and tabla.

Multiple choice

Which ancient musical instrument, consisting of a series of tuned metal bars, is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia?

  1. Gamelan

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The gamelan is a traditional Indonesian ensemble consisting of tuned metal bars, gongs, and percussion instruments, creating a unique and enchanting sound.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used in Indian tribal music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Djembe

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

The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum with a goatskin head that is widely used in West African music. It has been adopted by some Indian tribal communities and incorporated into their musical traditions.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a traditional Indian instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Violin

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

The violin is a Western instrument, while the sitar, tabla, and harmonium are all traditional Indian instruments.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a stringed instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The sitar is a stringed instrument, while the tabla, mridangam, and ghatam are all percussion instruments.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a percussion instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla is a percussion instrument, while the sitar, sarangi, and santoor are all stringed instruments.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a wind instrument?

  1. Flute

  2. Shehnai

  3. Sarod

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

The flute is a wind instrument, while the shehnai, sarod, and pakhawaj are all stringed or percussion instruments.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a Carnatic music instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The veena is a Carnatic music instrument, while the sitar, tabla, and mridangam are all Hindustani music instruments.