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 Indian musical instrument is often used to accompany sports events and celebrations?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

The dhol is a large, cylindrical drum that is often used to accompany sports events and celebrations in India. Its loud, rhythmic sound is believed to boost energy and enthusiasm.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to create the hypnotic drone characteristic of Indian trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Tanpura

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

The Tanpura, a stringed instrument, is used to produce a continuous drone, creating a mesmerizing sonic backdrop for the trance-inducing melodies.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Central Asian musical instrument that is similar to a lute?

  1. Dutar

  2. Sitar

  3. Tanbur

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

The dutar is an ancient Central Asian musical instrument that is similar to a lute. It has a long, narrow neck and a distinctive sound.

Multiple choice

What is the playing technique used to produce sound from a sitar?

  1. Bowing

  2. Plucking

  3. Blowing

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

The sitar is a string instrument that is played by plucking the strings with a wire plectrum called a mizrab.

Multiple choice

What is the playing technique used to produce sound from a tabla?

  1. Bowing

  2. Plucking

  3. Blowing

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

The tabla is a percussion instrument that is played by striking a pair of drums with the hands, causing the drums to vibrate and produce sound.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common instrument used in Indian psychedelic music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

Synthesizers are commonly used in Indian psychedelic music to create electronic soundscapes and effects.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

The primary instrument used in the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana is the shehnai. It is a double-reed instrument with a conical bore, known for its piercing and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which Indian instrument is commonly used in downtempo music to create a hypnotic and meditative atmosphere?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla is a pair of hand drums that is often used in downtempo music to create a rhythmic foundation and a sense of groove.

Multiple choice

Which string instrument is known for its high-pitched, shimmering sound and is often used in Indian classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The sitar, with its long neck and sympathetic strings, is a captivating instrument that produces a rich and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of traditional instruments like the shehnai, tabla, and harmonium, often performed at weddings and other celebratory occasions?

  1. Baul

  2. Qawwali

  3. Lavani

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

Shehnai Vadhan is a traditional folk music genre from North India. It is characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the shehnai, tabla, and harmonium. Shehnai Vadhan is often performed at weddings, festivals, and other celebratory occasions, adding a festive and joyous atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which folk music style is known for its use of traditional instruments like the nagada, dhol, and harmonium, often performed during religious festivals and processions?

  1. Baul

  2. Qawwali

  3. Lavani

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

Bhajan is a devotional folk music genre from India. It is characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the nagada, dhol, and harmonium. Bhajan is often performed during religious festivals, processions, and gatherings, creating a spiritual and uplifting atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which folk music style is known for its use of traditional instruments like the sarangi, tabla, and harmonium, often performed at weddings and other celebratory occasions?

  1. Baul

  2. Qawwali

  3. Lavani

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

Ghazal is a traditional folk music genre from India. It is characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the sarangi, tabla, and harmonium. Ghazal is often performed at weddings, festivals, and other celebratory occasions, creating a romantic and soulful atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of traditional instruments like the sitar, tabla, and tanpura, often performed in classical concerts and gatherings?

  1. Baul

  2. Qawwali

  3. Lavani

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

Hindustani Classical is a traditional folk music genre from North India. It is characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the sitar, tabla, and tanpura. Hindustani Classical music is often performed in classical concerts and gatherings, showcasing the intricate melodies, rhythmic patterns, and improvisational skills of the musicians.

Multiple choice

Which folk music style is known for its use of traditional instruments like the dholak, harmonium, and tabla, often performed during religious festivals and processions?

  1. Baul

  2. Qawwali

  3. Lavani

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

Bhajan is a devotional folk music genre from India. It is characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the dholak, harmonium, and tabla. Bhajan is often performed during religious festivals, processions, and gatherings, creating a spiritual and uplifting atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common type of wood used in Indian musical instruments?

  1. Sandalwood

  2. Rosewood

  3. Mahogany

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

Sandalwood, rosewood, and mahogany are all common types of wood used in Indian musical instruments.