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

Which Gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the sitar as an accompanying instrument?

  1. Kirana Gharana

  2. Gwalior Gharana

  3. Patiala Gharana

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

The Kirana Gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the sitar as an accompanying instrument, adding a melodic and rhythmic depth to their performances.

Multiple choice

Which Gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the tabla as an accompanying instrument?

  1. Kirana Gharana

  2. Gwalior Gharana

  3. Patiala Gharana

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

The Gwalior Gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the tabla as an accompanying instrument, adding a rhythmic complexity and depth to their performances.

Multiple choice

Which Gharana is known for its emphasis on the use of the sarangi as an 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 emphasis on the use of the sarangi as an accompanying instrument, adding a distinct melodic and emotional depth to their performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is central to the traditional music of India and is played by plucking its strings?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The sitar, with its distinctive long neck and sympathetic strings, is a prominent instrument in Indian classical music, known for its intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

The sitar, a prominent instrument in Indian classical music, is played by:

  1. Plucking Strings

  2. Blowing Air

  3. Striking Keys

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

The sitar is played by plucking its strings with a wire plectrum, producing intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is primarily associated with the Maihar Gharana?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Tabla

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

The Maihar Gharana is particularly known for its mastery of the sitar, a stringed instrument with a long history in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

Which raga was Pandit Ravi Shankar particularly known for playing?

  1. Raga Yaman

  2. Raga Bhairavi

  3. Raga Darbari

  4. Raga Mishra Pilu
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Pandit Ravi Shankar was particularly known for his mastery of Raga Mishra Pilu, a complex and emotive raga that requires great skill and understanding to perform effectively.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is known for its association with zero?

  1. The sitar

  2. The tabla

  3. The tanpura

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

The tanpura is a stringed instrument commonly used in Indian classical music. It is known for its continuous drone, which is often represented by a zero in musical notation.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is known for its association with the concept of zero in Indian classical music?

  1. The sitar

  2. The tabla

  3. The tanpura

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

In Indian classical music, the tanpura is known for its continuous drone, which is often represented by a zero in musical notation. This drone serves as a reference point for the other instruments and helps to create a sense of stability and harmony.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in classical Indian music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The sitar is an ancient Indian musical instrument that is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in classical Indian music. It is a stringed instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in classical music and film scores?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The sitar is a stringed instrument that is played with a wire plectrum. It is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in classical music and film scores.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is commonly used to accompany Qawwali performances?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

The tabla, a pair of hand drums, is the most common instrument used to accompany Qawwali performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common instrument used to provide drone accompaniment in Qawwali music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

The harmonium is commonly used to provide drone accompaniment in Qawwali music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a prominent Qawwali group?

  1. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party

  2. Abida Parveen & Group

  3. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Brothers

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

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party, Abida Parveen & Group, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Brothers are all prominent Qawwali groups.

Multiple choice

Which of these is an example of a traditional Indian folk instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

Dhol is a traditional Indian folk instrument, a double-headed drum commonly used in folk music and dance performances. It is known for its loud and rhythmic beats.