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 instrument is a bowed string instrument with a short neck and a rounded body, commonly used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Esraj

  2. Sarangi

  3. Sitar

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

The esraj is a bowed string instrument with a short neck and a rounded body. It is known for its sweet, mellow tone and is often used in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Identify the instrument known for its gourd-shaped body and a long neck, commonly used in folk and devotional music.

  1. Ektara

  2. Dotara

  3. Sitar

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

The ektara is a one-stringed instrument with a gourd-shaped body and a long neck. It is commonly used in folk and devotional music and is known for its simple yet haunting sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is a pair of wooden sticks, played by striking them together, commonly used in Indian classical and folk music?

  1. Taal

  2. Kartal

  3. Manjira

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

The taal is a pair of wooden sticks, played by striking them together. It is commonly used in Indian classical and folk music to keep the rhythm and provide a percussive element.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument known for its large, circular frame and a single hide stretched over it, commonly used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Dholak

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The dholak is a large, circular frame drum with a single hide stretched over it. It is commonly used in folk and devotional music and is known for its loud, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is a pair of metal discs, played by striking them together, commonly used in Indian classical and folk music?

  1. Jhanj

  2. Kartal

  3. Manjira

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

The jhanj is a pair of metal discs, played by striking them together. It is commonly used in Indian classical and folk music to keep the rhythm and provide a percussive element.

Multiple choice

The traditional musical instruments used by tribal communities often include:

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

Madal is a traditional drum commonly used in tribal music, known for its distinct sound.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly used to accompany Giddha performances?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

The rhythmic beats of the Dhol, a traditional drum, provide an energetic backdrop for Giddha performances.

Multiple choice

Kathak, a captivating dance form from North India, is renowned for its intricate footwork, elegant hand gestures, and expressive storytelling. What is the primary instrument that accompanies Kathak performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla, a pair of hand drums, is the primary instrument that provides rhythmic accompaniment to Kathak performances, enhancing the dancer's movements and storytelling.

Multiple choice

Sattriya, a vibrant dance form from Assam, is known for its energetic movements, dynamic storytelling, and intricate costumes. What is the primary instrument that accompanies Sattriya performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Sarangi

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

The khol, a cylindrical drum, is the traditional instrument that provides rhythmic accompaniment to Sattriya performances, enhancing the dancer's energetic movements and storytelling.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Ladakhi musical instrument known for its unique sound and construction?

  1. Thangka Instrument

  2. Pashmina Instrument

  3. Kilim Instrument

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

The Ladakhi surna is a double-reed instrument made from apricot wood and known for its distinct sound and use in traditional Ladakhi music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a traditional Bharatanatyam musical instrument?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Veena

  3. Violin

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

Tabla is not a traditional Bharatanatyam musical instrument. It is a percussion instrument that is commonly used in North Indian music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional drum used in Lakshadweep folk music?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

Daf is a traditional drum made of goatskin and wood. It is widely used in Lakshadweep folk music and is played with both hands.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional musical instrument made from a coconut shell?

  1. Tumbi

  2. Sarangi

  3. Sitar

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

Tumbi is a traditional musical instrument made from a coconut shell. It is played by striking the shell with a stick or by plucking the strings attached to it.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common instrument used in Lakshadweep folk music?

  1. Violin

  2. Guitar

  3. Piano

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

Sarangi is a common instrument used in Lakshadweep folk music. It is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive sound.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional musical instrument made from bamboo?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Nadaswaram

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

Bansuri is a traditional musical instrument made from bamboo. It is a flute-like instrument with a simple design.