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

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

  1. Sankh

  2. Turhi

  3. Kombu

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

Sankh is a traditional musical instrument made from a conch shell. It is blown to produce a loud, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

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

  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 and a bamboo stick. It is played by striking the shell with the stick.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional musical instrument made from a goatskin and wood?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

Daf is a traditional musical instrument made from a goatskin and wood. It is played with both hands and is used to accompany folk songs and dances.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the drum that Shiva holds in one of his hands during the Cosmic Dance?

  1. Damaru

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

Shiva is often depicted holding a small drum called the Damaru, which symbolizes the rhythmic pulse of the universe.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used in Qawwali performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Harmonium

  3. Sitar

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

The tabla is a pair of hand drums that are commonly used in Qawwali performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known as the 'king of Indian classical music'?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarod

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

The Sitar is a stringed instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body. It is played with a wire plectrum and is known for its intricate melodies and expressive playing style.

Multiple choice

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums used in Indian classical music. What is the significance of the Tabla in Indian culture?

  1. It is used to accompany devotional songs.

  2. It is played during weddings and festivals.

  3. It is used in classical dance performances.

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

The Tabla is a versatile instrument used in various cultural contexts in India. It is played during devotional songs, weddings, festivals, and classical dance performances.

Multiple choice

The Sarod is a stringed instrument similar to the Sitar. What distinguishes the Sarod from the Sitar?

  1. It has a shorter neck.

  2. It has a different tuning.

  3. It is played with a wooden plectrum.

  4. It has a deeper, more resonant sound
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Sarod has a shorter neck and a different tuning compared to the Sitar. However, its most distinctive feature is its deeper, more resonant sound, which is produced by its larger body and thicker strings.

Multiple choice

The Ghatam is a percussion instrument made from a clay pot. What is the unique feature of the Ghatam?

  1. It is played with the hands.

  2. It produces a wide range of sounds.

  3. It is used in Carnatic music.

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

The Ghatam is a unique percussion instrument played with the hands. It produces a wide range of sounds, from deep bass notes to high-pitched tones. It is commonly used in Carnatic music, a South Indian classical music genre.

Multiple choice

The Tanpura is a stringed instrument used in Indian classical music. What is the primary function of the Tanpura?

  1. It provides a drone.

  2. It is used for melody.

  3. It is played for rhythm.

  4. It is used for percussion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Tanpura is primarily used to provide a drone, a continuous and steady background sound. It creates a harmonic foundation for other instruments and vocalists to perform against.

Multiple choice

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument known for its expressive and emotive sound. What is the origin of the Sarangi?

  1. Persia

  2. India

  3. China

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

The Sarangi originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and was brought to India by migrants from Kashmir. It is a popular instrument in North Indian classical music and is known for its ability to convey a wide range of emotions through its music.

Multiple choice

The Dholak is a double-headed drum commonly used in folk and popular music in India. What is the unique feature of the Dholak?

  1. It is played with the hands.

  2. It produces a wide range of sounds.

  3. It is used in devotional music.

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

The Dholak is a versatile percussion instrument played with the hands. It produces a wide range of sounds, from deep bass notes to high-pitched tones. It is commonly used in folk and popular music in India, as well as in devotional music.

Multiple choice

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums used in Indian classical music. What is the primary function of the Tabla?

  1. It provides a drone.

  2. It is used for melody.

  3. It is played for rhythm.

  4. It is used for percussion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla is primarily used for rhythm in Indian classical music. It is played with the hands and fingers, producing a variety of rhythmic patterns and variations. The Tabla's ability to create complex rhythmic structures is essential for the intricate rhythmic cycles found in Indian music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional percussion instrument used in Kuchipudi dance?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The mridangam is a double-headed drum that is the traditional percussion instrument used in Kuchipudi dance.

Multiple choice

Which country is known for its traditional music, which often features instruments like the sitar and tabla?

  1. India

  2. China

  3. Japan

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

India is known for its traditional music, which often features instruments like the sitar and tabla.