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 of the following is a type of opera?

  1. Grand Opera

  2. Comic Opera

  3. Opera Buffa

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

Grand Opera, Comic Opera, and Opera Buffa are all types of opera. Grand Opera is a serious opera that typically deals with historical or mythological subjects. Comic Opera is a lighter opera that typically deals with everyday subjects. Opera Buffa is a type of comic opera that originated in Italy in the 18th century.

Multiple choice

The sitar, a mesmerizing string instrument from India, is characterized by its distinctive:

  1. Arched body

  2. F-holes

  3. Sympathetic strings

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

The sitar's unique feature lies in its sympathetic strings, which vibrate in resonance with the main playing strings, creating a captivating drone effect.

Multiple choice

Which string instrument is known for its intricate fretwork and is often used in Indian classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Santoor

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

The sitar, with its long neck and numerous strings, is a prominent instrument in Indian classical music, known for its complex fretwork and expressive playing techniques.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Punjabi musical instrument with a single string?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

Ektara is a traditional Punjabi musical instrument with a single string. It is played by plucking the string with a finger or a plectrum.

Multiple choice

Which ancient instrument was made from a hollowed-out gourd and is still used in traditional music today?

  1. Didgeridoo

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The didgeridoo, an ancient instrument from Australia, is made from a hollowed-out gourd and is still used in traditional Aboriginal music.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in traditional Indian music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The sitar is the primary instrument used in traditional Indian music, although other instruments such as the tabla, sarangi, and mridangam are also commonly used.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian musical instrument is known for its association with the god Krishna and is often depicted in Hindu mythology?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The veena, a stringed instrument, holds a significant place in ancient Indian music and is often associated with the god Krishna. It is frequently depicted in Hindu mythology and is known for its melodious sound.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that consisted of a series of drums?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The tabla is an ancient Indian musical instrument that consists of a series of drums.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to accompany Gatka, a martial art from Punjab?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Chimta, a pair of tongs, is struck together to create a rhythmic accompaniment to Gatka.

Multiple choice

In Kalaripayattu, a martial art from Kerala, which instrument is played to set the rhythm?

  1. Chenda

  2. Maddalam

  3. Idakka

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

Chenda, a large cylindrical drum, is the primary instrument used to provide rhythmic accompaniment in Kalaripayattu.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is traditionally used in Silambam, a martial art from Tamil Nadu?

  1. Nadaswaram

  2. Thavil

  3. Veena

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

Thavil, a barrel-shaped drum, is the primary instrument used to accompany Silambam performances.

Multiple choice

In Thang-Ta, a martial art from Manipur, which instrument is played to create a martial atmosphere?

  1. Pung

  2. Dhol

  3. Tabla

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

Pung, a large cylindrical drum, is played to create a martial atmosphere and accompany Thang-Ta performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to accompany Malkhamb performances in Maharashtra?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Lezim, a hand-held percussion instrument, is played to accompany Malkhamb performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a key instrument in Indian Lounge Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

Violin is not a traditional Indian instrument and is not commonly used in Indian Lounge Music.

Multiple choice

What is the primary function of the sitar in Indian Lounge Music?

  1. Melody

  2. Rhythm

  3. Harmony

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

The sitar is primarily used to play the melody in Indian Lounge Music.