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 known for its distinctive sound and is often used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Veena

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is widely used in Hindustani classical music. It is known for its distinctive, plaintive sound and is often played as an accompaniment to vocal performances or instrumental solos.

Multiple choice

Which musical instruments are typically used to accompany the Desert Safari Dance?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Dhol is a prominent percussion instrument commonly used in the Desert Safari Dance. Its rhythmic beats create a lively and energetic atmosphere, adding to the captivating performance.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a musical instrument commonly used in Indian classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Sitar, Tabla, and Sarangi are all musical instruments commonly used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a musical instrument commonly used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

Veena, Mridangam, and Ghatam are all musical instruments commonly used in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a musical instrument commonly used in folk music?

  1. Dhol

  2. Shehnai

  3. Nagada

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

Dhol, Shehnai, and Nagada are all musical instruments commonly used in folk music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a musical instrument commonly used in Rajasthani folk music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

Sarangi, Tabla, and Dholak are all musical instruments commonly used in Rajasthani folk music.

Multiple choice

Kuchipudi is often accompanied by live music. Which instruments are typically used in Kuchipudi music?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Veena

  3. Flute

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

Mridangam, Veena, and Flute are all commonly used instruments in Kuchipudi music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a percussion instrument used in Carnatic music?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is played with the hands.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a Carnatic music instrument?

  1. Veena

  2. Mridangam

  3. Violin

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

Guitar is a Western instrument, not a Carnatic music instrument.

Multiple choice

What are the main instruments used in Qawwali music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Harmonium

  3. Sitar

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

The main instruments used in Qawwali music are Tabla and Harmonium.

Multiple choice

Yakshagana music is accompanied by which traditional instrument?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

Yakshagana music is accompanied by the traditional instrument called Mridangam.

Multiple choice

Yakshagana music is often used to accompany which type of puppetry?

  1. String puppetry

  2. Rod puppetry

  3. Shadow puppetry

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

Yakshagana music is often used to accompany shadow puppetry.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the Indian musical instrument that was introduced to China during the Tang dynasty and became popular in Chinese court music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The pipa is a Chinese stringed instrument that is believed to have originated in India. It was introduced to China during the Tang dynasty and quickly became a popular instrument in Chinese court music. The pipa is similar to the Indian veena in terms of its shape and playing technique, but it has a different number of strings and a different tuning.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the Indian musical instrument that was introduced to Southeast Asia and became popular in various traditional music genres in the region?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The gamelan is a set of percussion instruments that is widely used in traditional music genres in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is believed to have originated in India and was introduced to Southeast Asia through cultural exchanges and trade routes. The gamelan consists of various instruments, including gongs, metallophones, xylophones, and drums, and is known for its intricate rhythms and melodies.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the Indian musical instrument that was introduced to Africa and became popular in various traditional music genres in the region?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The mbira is a traditional African musical instrument that is widely used in various traditional music genres in the region. It is believed to have originated in India and was introduced to Africa through cultural exchanges and trade routes. The mbira is a type of lamellaphone, which consists of a series of metal keys mounted on a wooden board. It is played by plucking the keys with the thumbs and fingers, and is known for its unique and enchanting sound.