General Awareness · 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 musical instrument is commonly associated with traditional Irish music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Didgeridoo

  3. Uilleann pipes

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

The Uilleann pipes, also known as the Irish bagpipes, are a traditional instrument with a distinct sound that is synonymous with Irish folk music.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is central to the traditional music of India?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Djembe

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

The Sitar is a stringed instrument with a distinctive sound, widely used in classical Indian music and associated with renowned musicians like Ravi Shankar.

Multiple choice

The distinctive sound of the Tabla is commonly associated with which country's traditional music?

  1. India

  2. Pakistan

  3. Bangladesh

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

The Tabla, a pair of hand drums, is a central instrument in traditional Indian music, accompanying various genres and adding rhythmic complexity to performances.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Manipuri drum?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

The traditional Manipuri drum is called the pung, which is a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Manipuri string instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Esraj

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

The traditional Manipuri string instrument is called the pena, which is a plucked string instrument with a gourd body.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a stringed instrument commonly used in Indian folk music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

The sitar is a stringed instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body, often used in Hindustani classical music and folk music.

Multiple choice

The tabla is a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of drums. What is the larger drum called?

  1. Tabla

  2. Bayan

  3. Dagga

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

The tabla is the larger drum of the pair, while the smaller drum is called the bayan.

Multiple choice

Which folk instrument is known for its distinctive double-reed design and is often used in wedding processions?

  1. Sitar

  2. Shehnai

  3. Tabla

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

The shehnai is a double-reed instrument with a conical bore and a flaring bell, commonly used in Indian classical music and folk music.

Multiple choice

The dhol is a cylindrical drum commonly used in Punjabi folk music. What is the traditional material used for its construction?

  1. Wood

  2. Metal

  3. Animal Skin

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

The dhol is traditionally made using animal skin for its drumhead, providing a distinctive sound and resonance.

Multiple choice

Which folk instrument is known for its unique sound produced by striking a metal disc with a wooden stick?

  1. Ghungroo

  2. Manjira

  3. Chimta

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

The manjira is a pair of small metal discs played by striking them together, commonly used in Indian classical and folk music.

Multiple choice

The chimta is a tong-like instrument used in Indian folk music. What is its primary function?

  1. Playing Melody

  2. Providing Rhythm

  3. Creating Special Effects

  4. Tuning Other Instruments
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The chimta is primarily used to create special effects and accents in folk music, adding a unique rhythmic element.

Multiple choice

The kartal is a pair of wooden clappers used in Indian classical and folk music. What is the traditional wood used for their construction?

  1. Teak

  2. Rosewood

  3. Mahogany

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

Kartals are traditionally made of rosewood, known for its rich and resonant sound.

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.