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

Identify the stringed instrument that is played by bowing and is known for its sweet and melodious sound, often used in Carnatic music.

  1. Sarangi

  2. Veena

  3. Santoor

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

The Sarangi is a bowed stringed instrument with a sweet and melodious sound, commonly used in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which percussion instrument is known for its goblet-shaped design and is played by striking it with the fingers or a stick, often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

The Mridangam is a goblet-shaped percussion instrument played with the fingers or a stick, commonly used in folk and devotional music, and is known for its rich and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Indian classical dance performances often incorporate live music accompaniment. Which instrument is commonly used?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

  4. Flute

  5. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Indian classical dance performances often feature live music accompaniment using instruments like the sitar, tabla, mridangam, and flute.

Multiple choice

Kathak, a classical dance form from North India, is characterized by its elegant spins and intricate footwork. What instrument is traditionally used to accompany Kathak performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

Kathak performances are traditionally accompanied by the Tabla, a pair of hand drums that provide rhythmic support and enhance the dancer's movements.

Multiple choice

Garba, a popular folk dance from Gujarat, is performed in a circular formation. What is the traditional instrument used to accompany Garba performances?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

Garba performances are traditionally accompanied by the Dhol, a large cylindrical drum, which provides a rhythmic foundation for the dance.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany puppet shows in India?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dholak

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

The Dholak is a double-headed drum that is commonly used to accompany puppet shows in India. Its rhythmic beats provide a lively and engaging backdrop for the puppet performances.

Multiple choice

In the Hindu tradition, which musical instrument is considered sacred and often used in devotional music and rituals?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The sitar is a stringed instrument that holds a special place in Hindu culture and is often used in devotional music and rituals.

Multiple choice

In the Sikh tradition, which musical instrument is considered sacred and often used in devotional music and religious ceremonies?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sarangi

  3. Harmonium

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

The harmonium is a keyboard instrument that holds a special place in the Sikh tradition and is often used in devotional music and religious ceremonies.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional musical instrument used to accompany Sherpa Gyalpo dance performances?

  1. Damphu

  2. Madal

  3. Sarangi

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

The Damphu, a traditional hand drum, is used to accompany Sherpa Gyalpo dance performances.

Multiple choice

Qawwali is typically performed by a group of musicians called a:

  1. Qawwal

  2. Tabla player

  3. Sitar player

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

Qawwali is typically performed by a group of musicians called a Qawwal.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to accompany Qawwali music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla is a commonly used instrument to accompany Qawwali music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used in traditional Indian music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Piano

  3. Violin

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

The sitar is a string instrument that is central to traditional Indian music. Its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques make it a beloved instrument in Indian classical and folk music.

Multiple choice

In Mohiniyattam, what is the primary musical instrument that accompanies the dancer?

  1. Veena

  2. Mridangam

  3. Violin

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

The Veena, a plucked string instrument, is the traditional and most prominent musical accompaniment in Mohiniyattam performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common musical instrument used to accompany Mohiniyattam performances?

  1. Flute

  2. Violin

  3. Tabla

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

The Mridangam is a common musical instrument used to accompany Mohiniyattam performances, providing a rhythmic foundation for the dance.

Multiple choice

The traditional music of India, often performed with instruments like the sitar, tabla, and harmonium, is known as:

  1. Hindustani Classical

  2. Carnatic Classical

  3. Bhangra

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

Hindustani Classical music is a genre of Indian classical music that originated in the northern regions of the country. It is characterized by its intricate melodies, rhythmic cycles, and improvisational nature.