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 the primary melodic instrument used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that is considered the primary melodic instrument in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the primary rhythmic instrument used in Carnatic music?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Ghatam

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

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is considered the primary rhythmic instrument in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

What are the common instruments used in Indian martial arts music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

Tabla, sitar, and dhol are all commonly used instruments in Indian martial arts music. Tabla is a pair of hand drums, sitar is a stringed instrument, and dhol is a large cylindrical drum.

Multiple choice

Which instrument did the legendary sitar maestro Ravi Shankar popularize globally?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

Ravi Shankar's virtuosic sitar playing captivated audiences worldwide, introducing the instrument's enchanting melodies to a global stage.

Multiple choice

Which instrument did the flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia breathe life into?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia's flute playing transcended boundaries, captivating audiences with its ethereal and soulful melodies.

Multiple choice

Which instrument did the legendary vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi accompany herself with during her mesmerizing performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

M.S. Subbulakshmi's soulful renditions of Carnatic music were often accompanied by her own veena playing, adding depth and resonance to her performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument did the legendary musician Alla Rakha excel at, providing rhythmic accompaniment to countless iconic performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

Alla Rakha's tabla playing was renowned for its intricate patterns and rhythmic virtuosity, making him one of the most celebrated tabla players of all time.

Multiple choice

Which instrument did the legendary musician T.N. Krishnan popularize, showcasing its intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

T.N. Krishnan's violin playing captivated audiences with its technical brilliance and emotive depth, establishing the instrument as a prominent solo instrument in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument did the legendary musician Pandit Jasraj excel at, captivating audiences with his emotive and powerful vocals?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

Pandit Jasraj's vocal performances were renowned for their emotive depth, intricate ornamentation, and mastery of various classical ragas.

Multiple choice

Who is known for their exceptional playing of the morsing, a bowed string instrument used in Rajasthani folk music?

  1. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

  2. Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma

  3. Ustad Zakir Hussain

  4. Kalu Ram Bamaniya
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Kalu Ram Bamaniya's morsing playing has earned him international recognition, showcasing the instrument's unique sound and rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is primarily used to accompany Kathak dance?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla is the primary musical instrument used to accompany Kathak dance.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a percussion instrument commonly used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

Tabla is a pair of hand drums, played with the fingers and palms, and is a prominent percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a string instrument used in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Veena

  3. Sarod

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

The violin is a string instrument that has been adopted and adapted into both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, adding a unique melodic dimension to these genres.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its haunting and melancholic sound, often used in traditional Rajasthani folk music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, plaintive sound. It is commonly used in Rajasthani folk music, as well as in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Identify the instrument that is played by striking a series of tuned metal plates, creating a shimmering and ethereal sound.

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Ghatam

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

The Santoor is a hammered dulcimer, consisting of a series of tuned metal strings stretched over a wooden body. It is played by striking the strings with two wooden mallets, producing a rich and resonant sound.