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

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

Which of the following is the primary instrument used in Jhumar?

  1. Dhol

  2. Nagada

  3. Madal

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

The Madal is a hand-held drum that is the primary instrument used in Jhumar. It is played by striking the drumhead with the fingers and palms.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create the melodic line in Jhumar?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Harmonium

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is used to create the melodic line in Jhumar. It is played by plucking the strings with a bow.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to accompany the singing in Jhumar?

  1. Tabla

  2. Harmonium

  3. Dholak

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

The Harmonium is a keyboard instrument that is used to accompany the singing in Jhumar. It is played by pressing keys that activate reeds, which produce sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a drone in Jhumar?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Harmonium

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

The Tanpura is a string instrument that is used to create a drone in Jhumar. It is played by plucking the strings with a finger.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a melodic line in Jhumar?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Harmonium

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is used to create the melodic line in Jhumar. It is played by plucking the strings with a bow.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to accompany the singing in Jhumar?

  1. Tabla

  2. Harmonium

  3. Dholak

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

The Harmonium is a keyboard instrument that is used to accompany the singing in Jhumar. It is played by pressing keys that activate reeds, which produce sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a drone in Jhumar?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Harmonium

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

The Tanpura is a string instrument that is used to create a drone in Jhumar. It is played by plucking the strings with a finger.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a melodic line in Jhumar?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Harmonium

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is used to create the melodic line in Jhumar. It is played by plucking the strings with a bow.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly used as the primary melodic instrument in Qawwali?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

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

The harmonium is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by pumping air through reeds. It is widely used in Qawwali for its ability to create a rich and sustained melody.

Multiple choice

What is the role of the Tabla in Qawwali?

  1. Melody

  2. Rhythm

  3. Harmony

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums used in Qawwali to provide rhythmic accompaniment. The Tabla player uses various techniques to create intricate rhythmic patterns that complement the melody and enhance the overall performance.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive, high-pitched sound in Qawwali?

  1. Dholak

  2. Sarangi

  3. Sitar

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

The Shehnai is a woodwind instrument that is often used in Qawwali to create a piercing and emotive sound. It is particularly associated with celebratory occasions and is often played during the opening and closing sections of a Qawwali performance.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is often used to accompany the lead vocalist in Qawwali?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is often used to accompany the lead vocalist in Qawwali. It is known for its expressive and emotive sound, which adds depth and texture to the vocal performance.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is primarily used to provide a drone or continuous tonal background in Qawwali?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

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

The Tanpura is a string instrument that is used in Qawwali to provide a drone or continuous tonal background. It is played with a wire plectrum and produces a steady, resonant sound that serves as a foundation for the other instruments and vocals.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its intricate and rapid fingerwork in Qawwali?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sitar is known for its intricate and rapid fingerwork, which allows the player to create complex melodic lines and embellishments. This virtuosic technique is often showcased in Qawwali performances, adding a layer of technical brilliance to the music.