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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

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.

Multiple choice

The mridangam is typically played in a:

  1. Sitting position

  2. Standing position

  3. Kneeling position

  4. Lying down position
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The mridangam is usually played while sitting on the floor, with the drum placed between the legs.

Multiple choice

In the song "Saajanji Ghar Aaye", which instrument is prominently featured during the bridal entrance?

  1. Dhol

  2. Shehnai

  3. Tabla

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

The shehnai is a traditional Indian instrument known for its high-pitched, celebratory sound. It is often played during auspicious occasions, including bridal entrances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a traditional musical instrument associated with the attire of the North?

  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 musical instruments associated with the attire of the North.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is NOT typically used in Kathakali performances?

  1. Chenda

  2. Maddalam

  3. Tabla

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

The sitar is not a traditional instrument used in Kathakali performances. Instead, instruments like the chenda, maddalam, and cymbals are commonly employed to provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the system of musical notation used in Indian classical music?

  1. Svara-lipi

  2. Tabla-lipi

  3. Mridanga-lipi

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

Svara-lipi is the term for the system of musical notation used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the drone instrument used in Indian classical music?

  1. Tanpura

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridanga

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

Tanpura is the term for the drone instrument used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of Indian musical instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridanga

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

Sitar, Tabla, and Mridanga are all types of Indian musical instruments. Guitar is not a type of Indian musical instrument.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly used to accompany Gujarati Bhajans?

  1. Harmonium

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The harmonium is a popular instrument used to accompany Gujarati Bhajans, providing a rich and melodious backdrop for the vocals.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The sitar is a stringed instrument that is played with a wire plectrum. It is known for its rich and resonant sound.