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 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

What is the primary instrument used in Indian Drum and Bass music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

The tabla is a pair of hand drums that are the primary rhythmic instrument in Indian Drum and Bass 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.

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.