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

Identify the keyboard instrument commonly found in Indian classical and devotional music, known for its harmonium-like sound.

  1. Harmonium

  2. Piano

  3. Organ

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

The harmonium is a keyboard instrument with a bellows-operated air chamber. It produces a sustained, drone-like sound, often used to accompany vocal performances or provide a harmonic foundation for melodies.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is a double-headed drum, played with sticks, and is commonly used in Carnatic classical music?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The mridangam is a double-headed drum with a barrel-shaped body. It is played with two wooden sticks, producing a deep, resonant sound that complements the melodic instruments in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the flute-like instrument made of bamboo, often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Nadaswaram

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

The bansuri is a transverse flute made of bamboo. It is known for its sweet, mellow tone and is commonly used in Indian classical, folk, and devotional music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is a bowed string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body, often used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sarod

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The sarod is a bowed string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body. Its sound is characterized by its deep, resonant tone and is often used in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is a pair of small hand cymbals, commonly used in Indian classical, folk, and devotional music?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Kartal

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

The manjira is a pair of small hand cymbals made of brass or bronze. They are played by striking them together, producing a bright, metallic sound.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the stringed instrument with a trapezoidal body and a long neck, often used in Carnatic classical music?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

The veena is a stringed instrument with a trapezoidal body and a long neck. It is known for its rich, resonant sound and is considered one of the most important instruments in Carnatic classical music.

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

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

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.