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 of the following instruments is commonly used in tribal music of India?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

Dhol is a large cylindrical drum commonly used in tribal music and folk dances in India.

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

Which folk song is known for its intricate rhythms and is often performed during weddings and other special occasions?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

Tabla is a traditional Indian percussion instrument, known for its intricate rhythms and often played during weddings and other special occasions.

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.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is a double-headed drum, widely used in North Indian classical and folk music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dholak

  3. Mridangam

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums, consisting of a larger drum called the "bayan" and a smaller drum called the "tabla". It is played by striking the drums with the fingers and palms, creating a complex and rhythmic sound.

Multiple choice

Recognize the instrument that is a long-necked lute with a distinctive gourd-shaped body, commonly found in Rajasthani folk music.

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Ravanhattha

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

The Ravanhattha is a bowed string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body. It is traditionally associated with Rajasthani folk music and is known for its deep and resonant sound.