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

What is the name of this instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Sarangi

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

The sarod is a bowed string instrument with a short neck and a round body. It is played with a horsehair bow.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is shown in the image?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

The mridangam is a two-headed hand drum used in Carnatic classical music. It is played with two wooden sticks.

Multiple choice

Identify the instrument in the picture.

  1. Flute

  2. Shehnai

  3. Nadaswaram

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

The nadaswaram is a double-reed instrument with a cylindrical body. It is played by blowing air into the reed.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is shown in the image?

  1. Violin

  2. Sarod

  3. Sitar

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

The violin is a bowed string instrument with a hollow body and four strings. It is played by drawing a bow across the strings.

Multiple choice

Which gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the tabla as a solo instrument?

  1. Gwalior Gharana

  2. Kirana Gharana

  3. Patiala Gharana

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

The Farrukhabad Gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the tabla as a solo instrument. This gharana is credited with developing the modern tabla playing technique and is known for its virtuosic performances.

Multiple choice

Which gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the sarod as a solo instrument?

  1. Gwalior Gharana

  2. Kirana Gharana

  3. Patiala Gharana

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

The Senia Gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the sarod as a solo instrument. This gharana is credited with developing the modern sarod playing technique and is known for its virtuosic performances.

Multiple choice

In Indian mythology, the celestial musician Narada is often depicted playing which instrument?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

Narada is known for his mastery of the veena, a stringed instrument that is considered sacred in Indian culture.

Multiple choice

In Indian mythology, the goddess Saraswati is often depicted holding which instrument?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts, is often depicted holding a veena, symbolizing her association with music and creativity.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to accompany Qawwali music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

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

The tabla, a pair of hand drums, is the primary percussion instrument used in Qawwali music.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional musical instrument used to accompany Bharatanatyam dance performances called?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

Mridangam is a traditional musical instrument used to accompany Bharatanatyam dance performances. It is a type of drum that is played with the hands.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used to accompany Kuchipudi dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Mridangam is the primary instrument used to accompany Kuchipudi dance performances. It is a double-headed drum that produces a rich and resonant sound. The Mridangam player provides rhythmic support and complements the dancer's movements.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a type of Kabuki performance known for its dynamic and energetic style?

  1. Shosagoto

  2. Jidaimono

  3. Sewamono

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

Shosagoto is a type of Kabuki performance characterized by dynamic and energetic dance sequences, often accompanied by elaborate stage effects.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional stage setup used in Kabuki performances called?

  1. Proscenium stage

  2. Thrust stage

  3. Arena stage

  4. Kabuki-butai
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Kabuki-butai is a unique stage setup used in Kabuki performances, featuring a raised platform with a hanamichi, a walkway extending into the audience.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a type of Kabuki performance known for its comedic and satirical elements?

  1. Shosagoto

  2. Jidaimono

  3. Sewamono

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

Kyogen is a type of Kabuki performance known for its comedic and satirical elements, often performed between acts of more serious plays.

Multiple choice

In which culture is the sitar a prominent instrument used in classical music?

  1. Indian

  2. Chinese

  3. Japanese

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

The sitar is a stringed instrument that is widely used in Indian classical music.