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

The mridangam is a percussion instrument primarily associated with which region of India?

  1. North India

  2. South India

  3. East India

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

The mridangam, a barrel-shaped drum played with the hands, is a prominent percussion instrument in Carnatic music, a classical music tradition of South India.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is characterized by its distinctive nasal sound and is often used in devotional music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Shehnai

  3. Santoor

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

The shehnai, a reed instrument with a conical shape, is known for its piercing and evocative sound, often used in traditional Indian classical music and devotional ceremonies.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the bowed string instrument with a trapezoidal body, commonly used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Santoor

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

The sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a trapezoidal body, known for its rich and expressive sound, often used in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its hammered dulcimer design and is played with mallets?

  1. Santoor

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The santoor is a hammered dulcimer, played by striking the strings with mallets, producing a unique and enchanting sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its plucked strings and is often used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Sarangi

  3. Shehnai

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

The veena, a plucked string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body, is a prominent instrument in Carnatic music, known for its intricate playing techniques and rich sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is characterized by its double-reed design and is often played in outdoor performances?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sarangi

  3. Santoor

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

The shehnai, a double-reed instrument, is known for its loud and penetrating sound, commonly used in outdoor performances, processions, and traditional ceremonies.

Multiple choice

The tanpura is a stringed instrument primarily used for what purpose in Indian music?

  1. Melody

  2. Rhythm

  3. Harmony

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

The tanpura, a long-necked stringed instrument, is used to provide a continuous drone, creating a harmonic foundation for other instruments and vocalists in Indian music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its distinctive sound produced by striking metal discs?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghatam

  3. Dhol

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

The manjira, a pair of small metal discs, is played by striking them together, producing a bright and rhythmic sound, often used in devotional music and dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its unique sound produced by striking a series of metal plates?

  1. Jal Tarang

  2. Ghatam

  3. Dhol

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

The jal tarang, a set of metal plates filled with water, is played by striking the plates with mallets, producing a melodious and shimmering sound.

Multiple choice

Which traditional musical instrument is associated with the backwaters?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

Chenda, a traditional drum, is associated with the backwaters of Kerala.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian musical instrument that is played by striking a series of metal plates?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Jalatarang is a Indian musical instrument that is played by striking a series of metal plates filled with water.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian musical instrument that is played by plucking a series of strings?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Sitar is an Indian musical instrument that is played by plucking a series of strings.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian musical instrument that is played by blowing air into a series of holes?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Shehnai is an Indian musical instrument that is played by blowing air into a series of holes.

Multiple choice

Which local musical instrument is known for its unique sound and is often used in traditional music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

Mridangam is a percussion instrument from South India, known for its distinctive barrel-shaped body and rhythmic beats.

Multiple choice

Which musical instruments are commonly used to accompany Dandiya Raas performances?

  1. Dhol, tabla, and harmonium

  2. Guitar, bass, and drums

  3. Violin, cello, and piano

  4. Flute, clarinet, and saxophone
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Dandiya Raas performances are typically accompanied by traditional Indian instruments such as the dhol, tabla, and harmonium.