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 folk instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by rubbing a serrated stick against a notched wooden surface?

  1. Ravanhatha

  2. Sarangi

  3. Dilruba

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

The ravanhatha is a stringed instrument played by rubbing a serrated stick against a notched wooden surface, creating a unique and haunting sound.

Multiple choice

The sarangi is a bowed string instrument commonly used in Hindustani classical music. What is the traditional material used for its construction?

  1. Wood

  2. Metal

  3. Animal Skin

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

The sarangi is traditionally made of wood, with a body carved from a single piece of wood.

Multiple choice

The dilruba is a bowed string instrument similar to the sarangi. What is its distinguishing feature?

  1. Sympathetic Strings

  2. Drone Strings

  3. Metal Frets

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

The dilruba is known for its sympathetic strings, which vibrate in resonance with the main strings, adding depth and richness to the sound.

Multiple choice

The esraj is a bowed string instrument related to the sarangi. What is its unique characteristic?

  1. Metal Strings

  2. Sympathetic Strings

  3. Drone Strings

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

The esraj is unique in using metal strings instead of gut strings, giving it a brighter and more piercing sound.

Multiple choice

Which folk instrument is known for its gourd-shaped body and a single string played with a bow?

  1. Ektara

  2. Sarod

  3. Santoor

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

The ektara is a simple folk instrument with a gourd-shaped body and a single string played with a bow, often used in Baul music.

Multiple choice

The sarod is a bowed string instrument commonly used in Hindustani classical music. What is its distinguishing feature?

  1. Sympathetic Strings

  2. Drone Strings

  3. Metal Frets

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

The sarod is known for its drone strings, which provide a continuous background sound against which the melody is played.

Multiple choice

The santoor is a hammered dulcimer commonly used in Kashmiri folk music. What is the traditional material used for its construction?

  1. Wood

  2. Metal

  3. Animal Skin

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

The santoor is traditionally made of wood, with a body carved from a single piece of wood.

Multiple choice

In Hindu mythology, which instrument is associated with the god Krishna and is often played during devotional music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The sitar, a stringed instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body, is associated with the god Krishna in Hindu mythology and is often played during devotional music and religious ceremonies.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is a fusion of the Western guitar and the Indian sitar?

  1. Sarod

  2. Tabla

  3. Santoor

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

The Sitar Guitar is a fusion instrument that combines the body of a Western guitar with the neck and strings of an Indian sitar.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used in Indian lounge music to create a meditative and calming effect?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Bansuri

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

The bansuri, a bamboo flute, is known for its soothing and meditative sound, making it a popular choice in Indian lounge music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used in Indian lounge music to create a rhythmic foundation?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla, a pair of hand drums, is a common instrument used in Indian lounge music to provide a rhythmic foundation and create a steady pulse.

Multiple choice

What is the primary musical instrument used in Mohiniyattam?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The veena is the primary musical instrument used in Mohiniyattam, providing a melodious and rhythmic accompaniment to the dance.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional percussion instrument used in Mohiniyattam?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Chenda

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

The chenda is the traditional percussion instrument used in Mohiniyattam, providing a rhythmic foundation for the dance.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a major Indian musical instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Violin

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

Violin is not a major Indian musical instrument, as it is not native to India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a prominent traditional Indian instrument commonly used in ambient music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Sitar, tabla, and sarangi are all traditional Indian instruments commonly used in ambient music.