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 musical instruments are commonly used to accompany Kathak dance performances of the Lucknow Gharana?

  1. Tabla, sitar, and harmonium

  2. Tabla, sarangi, and pakhawaj

  3. Tabla, flute, and dholak

  4. Tabla, violin, and mridangam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Lucknow Gharana style of Kathak dance is traditionally accompanied by tabla, sarangi, and pakhawaj, which provide rhythmic and melodic support.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly used in Goa Trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Synthesizer

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

Synthesizers are widely employed in Goa Trance music to create the characteristic electronic sounds and melodies.

Multiple choice

Which traditional Indian instrument is commonly used in drum and bass music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla is a pair of hand drums commonly used in Indian classical music, folk music, and contemporary genres like drum and bass.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a famous Indian musical instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Sitar, Tabla, Sarangi, and Shehnai are all famous Indian musical instruments.

Multiple choice

The sitar, a stringed instrument from India, is traditionally played with:

  1. A bow

  2. Fingers

  3. A plectrum

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

The sitar is a twenty-stringed instrument that is played with the fingers. It is a popular instrument in traditional Indian music, and is often used to accompany singing, dancing, and storytelling.

Multiple choice

The tabla, a pair of drums from India, is traditionally played with:

  1. Hands

  2. Sticks

  3. Both hands and sticks

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

The tabla is a pair of drums that is traditionally played with both hands and sticks. It is a popular instrument in traditional Indian music, and is often used to accompany singing, dancing, and storytelling.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is often used to accompany devotional singing in Hindu rituals?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

Harmonium is a common musical instrument used to accompany devotional singing in Hindu rituals. It is a keyboard instrument that produces a continuous drone, providing a steady foundation for the melody and lyrics.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is often used to accompany Kathakali performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Pakhawaj

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

Pakhawaj is a double-headed drum that is traditionally used to accompany Kathakali performances. It is played with the hands and produces a deep, resonant sound that complements the dynamic movements and expressions of the dancers.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany Odissi dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Pakhawaj

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

Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is traditionally used to accompany Odissi dance performances. It is played with the hands and produces a rich, resonant sound that complements the graceful movements and expressions of the dancers.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is often used to accompany Kuchipudi dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Pakhawaj

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

Veena is a string instrument that is traditionally used to accompany Kuchipudi dance performances. It is played with a slide and produces a rich, melodious sound that complements the intricate footwork and expressive movements of the dancers.

Multiple choice

Which Indian instrument is known for its distinctive nasal twang?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument known for its unique nasal twang and is often used in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to accompany Qawwali music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Harmonium

  3. Sitar

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

The Harmonium is a popular instrument used in Qawwali music, a devotional music genre from the Indian subcontinent.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is primarily used in Carnatic music concerts?

  1. Veena

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Veena is a string instrument commonly used in Carnatic music concerts and is known for its rich and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which string instrument is characterized by its fretless neck and is commonly used in Indian classical music?

  1. Violin

  2. Cello

  3. Guitar

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

The sitar, with its long neck and multiple strings, is a prominent string instrument in Indian classical music, known for its intricate melodies and ornamentation.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Djembe

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

Sitar, tabla, and djembe are all common instruments used in Indian Goa Trance music.