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 traditional musical instrument used in Kathakali performances?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Chenda is the traditional musical instrument used in Kathakali performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional Kathakali musical instrument?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

Tabla is not a traditional Kathakali musical instrument.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly associated with Jain devotional music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The harmonium is a popular instrument used in Jain devotional music, providing a steady drone and accompaniment to the vocals.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive nasal tone and is often used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Shehnai

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

The Shehnai is a woodwind instrument with a conical bore and a double reed. It is known for its piercing, nasal tone and is often used in Hindustani classical music, particularly in outdoor performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its intricate fretwork and is often used in Carnatic music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Veena

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Indian classical music, particularly in Carnatic music. It is known for its intricate fretwork and is played by plucking the strings with a wire plectrum.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking metal discs with a wooden mallet?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Tabla

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

The Ghatam is a percussion instrument made from a clay pot. It is played by striking the metal discs attached to the pot with a wooden mallet. The Ghatam is often used in Carnatic music and is known for its distinctive sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its sympathetic strings that resonate when the main strings are played?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Veena

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

The Sitar is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Hindustani classical music. It is known for its sympathetic strings, which resonate when the main strings are played, creating a rich and vibrant sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking a metal plate with a wooden stick?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Tabla

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

The Manjira is a pair of small cymbals made of brass or bronze. They are played by striking them together and are often used in Carnatic music to provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking a metal plate with a leather-covered stick?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Tabla

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

The Mridangam is a barrel-shaped percussion instrument made of wood and leather. It is played by striking the metal plates on the sides of the drum with a leather-covered stick. The Mridangam is often used in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is primarily used to accompany Mohiniyattam performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The mridangam is a double-headed drum that is commonly used to accompany Mohiniyattam performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a prominent string instrument commonly used in Indian tribal 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 sound, often used in traditional music performances of various tribal communities in India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a prominent musical instrument used in the music of the Toda tribe from the Nilgiri Hills?

  1. Flute

  2. Violin

  3. Tabla

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

The Toda tribe is known for their distinctive flute playing, which is an integral part of their traditional music and rituals.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional musical instrument associated with the Khasi tribe from Meghalaya?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

The Khasi drum, also known as the 'Ka Bom,' is a unique percussion instrument made from animal hide and bamboo, used in traditional Khasi music and ceremonies.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a unique musical instrument associated with the Mishing tribe from Assam?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

The Toko Bihu is a traditional bamboo instrument played by the Mishing tribe, consisting of a set of bamboo pipes that produce a haunting and melodious sound.

Multiple choice

Which Gharana is known for its use of the harmonium as a primary accompanying instrument?

  1. Kirana Gharana

  2. Gwalior Gharana

  3. Patiala Gharana

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

The Agra Gharana is known for its use of the harmonium as a primary accompanying instrument, adding a distinct melodic and rhythmic layer to their performances.