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 is NOT a common type of musical instrument?

  1. Guitar

  2. Piano

  3. Violin

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

Sitar is not a common type of musical instrument, as it is typically associated with a specific genre of music.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a prominent string instrument used in Indian classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The Sitar is a popular stringed instrument known for its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum, widely used in Carnatic music to accompany vocal and instrumental performances.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a prominent wind instrument used in Indian classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Shehnai

  3. Tabla

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

The Shehnai is a reed instrument known for its piercing and evocative sound, often used in traditional ceremonies and classical music performances.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums, widely used in Hindustani classical music to accompany vocal and instrumental performances.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a prominent string instrument used in Carnatic music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Veena

  3. Tabla

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument known for its rich tonal quality and intricate playing techniques, widely used in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a prominent percussion instrument used in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped drum used in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, known for its deep and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

The primary instrument used in Carnatic Music is the:

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that holds a central place in Carnatic Music.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany Tabla in Hindustani Classical Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Harmonium

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

The Harmonium is a keyboard instrument that provides a drone and accompaniment to the Tabla in Hindustani Classical Music.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of the ektara, a one-stringed instrument?

  1. Qawwali

  2. Bhangra

  3. Lavani

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

Baul is a folk music genre that originated in the Bengal region of India and Bangladesh. It is characterized by its use of the ektara, a one-stringed instrument, and its spiritual and philosophical lyrics.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of the tabla, a pair of hand drums?

  1. Qawwali

  2. Bhangra

  3. Lavani

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

Qawwali is a devotional music genre that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is often performed by Sufi musicians and is characterized by its use of the tabla, a pair of hand drums.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of the dhol, a large cylindrical drum?

  1. Qawwali

  2. Bhangra

  3. Lavani

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

Bhangra is a lively folk music genre that originated in the state of Punjab. It is often performed during festivals and celebrations and is characterized by its energetic dance moves and upbeat music.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of the shehnai, a double-reed instrument?

  1. Qawwali

  2. Bhangra

  3. Lavani

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

Qawwali is a devotional music genre that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is often performed by Sufi musicians and is characterized by its use of the shehnai, a double-reed instrument.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of the sitar, a long-necked string instrument?

  1. Qawwali

  2. Bhangra

  3. Lavani

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

Qawwali is a devotional music genre that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is often performed by Sufi musicians and is characterized by its use of the sitar, a long-necked string instrument.

Multiple choice

Which folk music genre is known for its use of the tabla, a pair of hand drums?

  1. Qawwali

  2. Bhangra

  3. Lavani

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

Qawwali is a devotional music genre that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is often performed by Sufi musicians and is characterized by its use of the tabla, a pair of hand drums.