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 instrument is used to provide a rhythmic foundation in Kathakali performances?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Chenda

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

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum played with the hands, providing a steady beat.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that produces a deep, resonant sound and is often used to create a dramatic atmosphere?

  1. Chenda

  2. Veena

  3. Mridangam

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

The Mizhavu is a large cylindrical drum with a goatskin head, played with two sticks.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its ability to produce a wide range of pitches and is often used for improvisational solos?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive sound, often used for expressing emotions.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by striking a metal plate with a wooden stick?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Tabla

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

The Chengila is a metal plate struck with a wooden stick, producing a clear and piercing sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a rhythmic pattern by striking a pair of wooden blocks?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Tabla

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

The Katta is a pair of wooden blocks struck together to create a rhythmic pattern.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by plucking a series of strings?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Sitar is a plucked string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its ability to produce a wide range of pitches and is often used for accompanying vocalists?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Violin is a bowed string instrument with a rich and expressive sound, often used for accompanying vocalists.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by striking a series of metal plates?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Tabla

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

Ghungroo are small metal bells attached to the ankles of dancers, producing a jingling sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its ability to produce a deep, resonant sound and is often used to create a dramatic atmosphere?

  1. Chenda

  2. Veena

  3. Mridangam

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

The Mizhavu is a large cylindrical drum with a goatskin head, played with two sticks.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by striking a metal plate with a wooden stick?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Tabla

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

The Chengila is a metal plate struck with a wooden stick, producing a clear and piercing sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to create a rhythmic pattern by striking a pair of wooden blocks?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Tabla

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

The Katta is a pair of wooden blocks struck together to create a rhythmic pattern.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument associated with the Benares Gharana?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Benares Gharana is primarily known for its distinctive style of pakhawaj playing. The pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped drum commonly used in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which other instruments are commonly used alongside the pakhawaj in Benares Gharana performances?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

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

In Benares Gharana performances, the pakhawaj is often accompanied by other instruments such as the sitar, sarangi, and tabla, creating a rich and harmonious ensemble.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of classical Indian dance music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Flute

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

Guitar is not a type of classical Indian dance music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to accompany Qawwali performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Harmonium

  3. Sitar

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

Tabla, a pair of hand drums, is commonly used to accompany Qawwali performances.