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 tribal music of the Bhil tribe of Rajasthan is often played on an instrument called:

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The Ravanhattha is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive shape resembling a bow. It is a popular instrument in the tribal music of the Bhil tribe and is often used to accompany singing and dancing.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly used in the tribal music of the Oraon tribe of Jharkhand?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The Kartal is a pair of wooden clappers played with the hands. It is a popular instrument in the tribal music of the Oraon tribe and is often used to accompany singing and dancing.

Multiple choice

The tribal music of the Koya tribe of Telangana is known for its unique instrument called:

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Flute

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

The Kommu is a bamboo mouth organ with multiple pipes. It is a popular instrument in the tribal music of the Koya tribe and is often used to accompany singing and dancing.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany Mohiniyattam performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Flute

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

The mridangam, a double-headed drum, is the primary percussion instrument used to accompany Mohiniyattam performances. It provides a rhythmic foundation and enhances the dancer's expressions.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a traditional Indian musical instrument?

  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 traditional Indian musical instruments. They are all used in a variety of Indian classical and folk music genres.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a common Carnatic music instrument?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

Veena is a prominent Carnatic music instrument, known for its long neck and intricate fretwork.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a common Carnatic music percussion instrument?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

Mridangam is a widely used Carnatic music percussion instrument, known for its distinctive barrel-shaped body and rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a common Carnatic music instrument used for rhythmic accompaniment?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

Ghatam is a Carnatic music instrument used for rhythmic accompaniment, known for its distinctive clay pot-shaped body and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which of these percussion instruments is known for its distinctive barrel-shaped body and is played with the hands?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The mridangam is a double-headed drum from South India, played by striking the drumheads with the hands.

Multiple choice

The tabla is a set of two drums, one of which is called the:

  1. Tabla

  2. Bayan

  3. Dagga

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

The tabla consists of a larger drum called the bayan and a smaller drum called the dagga.

Multiple choice

The ghatam is a:

  1. Barrel-shaped drum

  2. Clay pot

  3. Metal pot

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

The ghatam is a clay pot with a narrow mouth, played by striking it with the fingers.

Multiple choice

The dholak is a:

  1. Double-headed drum

  2. Single-headed drum

  3. Frame drum

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

The dholak is a double-headed drum played with two sticks.

Multiple choice

Which of these percussion instruments is traditionally made from the wood of the jackfruit tree?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The tabla is traditionally made from the wood of the jackfruit tree, with goatskin heads.

Multiple choice

The mridangam is often used to accompany which type of music?

  1. Carnatic music

  2. Hindustani music

  3. Qawwali

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

The mridangam is primarily used in Carnatic music, a classical music genre from South India.

Multiple choice

Which of these percussion instruments is played by striking it with a wooden stick?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The tabla is played with two wooden sticks, one called the dayan and the other called the bayan.