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

In Yakshagana, what is the purpose of the 'chenda'?

  1. A barrel-shaped drum played with the hands

  2. A pair of cymbals

  3. A small gong

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

The 'chenda' is a barrel-shaped drum played with the hands in Yakshagana. It is used to provide rhythmic accompaniment and to enhance the dancer's movements.

Multiple choice

In Kathak, what is the significance of the 'tabla'?

  1. A pair of drums played with the hands

  2. A pair of cymbals

  3. A small gong

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

The 'tabla' is a pair of drums played with the hands in Kathak. It is used to provide rhythmic accompaniment and to enhance the dancer's movements.

Multiple choice

In the folk music of the Punjab region of India, which instrument is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

The algoza is a double-reed instrument that is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning in the folk music of the Punjab region of India. It is a plaintive and melancholic instrument that is well-suited to expressing the emotions of grief and sorrow.

Multiple choice

In the folk music of the state of Karnataka, India, which instrument is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning?

  1. Veena

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The mridangam is a double-headed drum that is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning in the folk music of the state of Karnataka, India. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from soft and gentle to loud and powerful.

Multiple choice

In the folk music of the state of Tamil Nadu, India, which instrument is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning?

  1. Veena

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The nadaswaram is a double-reed instrument that is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning in the folk music of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a powerful and evocative instrument that is well-suited to expressing the emotions of grief and sorrow.

Multiple choice

In the folk music of the state of Kerala, India, which instrument is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning?

  1. Veena

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The chenda is a cylindrical drum that is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning in the folk music of the state of Kerala, India. It is a powerful and rhythmic instrument that is well-suited to expressing the emotions of grief and sorrow.

Multiple choice

In the folk music of the state of West Bengal, India, which instrument is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning?

  1. Veena

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The dhol is a double-headed drum that is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning in the folk music of the state of West Bengal, India. It is a powerful and rhythmic instrument that is well-suited to expressing the emotions of grief and sorrow.

Multiple choice

In the folk music of the state of Manipur, India, which instrument is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning?

  1. Veena

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The pena is a stringed instrument that is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning in the folk music of the state of Manipur, India. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from soft and gentle to loud and powerful.

Multiple choice

In the folk music of the state of Nagaland, India, which instrument is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning?

  1. Veena

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The tati is a bamboo flute that is often used to accompany songs of loss and mourning in the folk music of the state of Nagaland, India. It is a plaintive and melancholic instrument that is well-suited to expressing the emotions of grief and sorrow.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Sattriya musical instrument?

  1. Khol

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

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

Khol is the traditional Sattriya musical instrument, a barrel-shaped drum played with the hands.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Sattriya musical ensemble?

  1. Khol-taal

  2. Baan-murli

  3. Dhol-nagara

  4. Sitar-tabla
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Khol-taal is the traditional Sattriya musical ensemble, consisting of the Khol drum and the Taal cymbals.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional accompaniment for Bhajans and Kirtans?

  1. Tabla and harmonium

  2. Sitar and sarangi

  3. Flute and violin

  4. Guitar and drums
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Traditionally, Bhajans and Kirtans are accompanied by simple instruments such as the tabla (percussion) and harmonium (keyboard instrument).

Multiple choice

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

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

Tabla is a common instrument used in Bollywood music. It is a pair of hand drums that are played together.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common instrument used in Indian martial arts films?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

Sitar, tabla, and dhol are all common instruments used in Indian martial arts films.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common musical instrument used in Indian martial arts films?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

Sitar, tabla, and dhol are all common musical instruments used in Indian martial arts films.