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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 traditional Indian musical instrument is often used to create sound effects in theatre?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Shehnai

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

Tabla, a pair of hand drums, is often used to create sound effects in Indian theatre due to its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of sounds.

Multiple choice

What is the term used for the traditional Indian musical instrument that is played by striking a series of metal plates?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Shehnai

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

Ghatam is a traditional Indian musical instrument made from a clay pot that is played by striking it with the hands. It is often used in theatre to create rhythmic patterns and sound effects.

Multiple choice

What is the term used for the traditional Indian musical instrument that is played by plucking a series of strings?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Shehnai

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

Sitar is a traditional Indian musical instrument that is played by plucking a series of strings. It is often used in theatre to create melodies and accompany songs.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Violin

  3. Mridangam

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

The veena is a plucked string instrument that is considered the primary instrument in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common musical instrument used in Odissi dance performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped drum that is commonly used to accompany Odissi dance performances.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional Ladakhi musical instrument known for its haunting melodies?

  1. Surna

  2. Shehnai

  3. Pungi

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

The Surna is a traditional Ladakhi musical instrument that resembles a trumpet. It is made of copper or brass and produces a deep, resonant sound. It is often played during festivals and ceremonies.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional Ladakhi musical instrument known for its melodious sound?

  1. Surna

  2. Shehnai

  3. Pungi

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

The Sarangi is a traditional Ladakhi musical instrument that resembles a violin. It has a long neck and a rounded body and is played with a bow. It produces a melodious and haunting sound.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a stringed instrument commonly used in Indian classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The sitar is a plucked string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body. It is a popular instrument in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which percussion instrument is known for its barrel-shaped body and is played with two wooden sticks?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dhol

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

The tabla is a pair of hand drums that are played with the hands. It is a popular instrument in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the double-headed drum commonly used in Carnatic music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dhol

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

The mridangam is a double-headed drum that is played with the hands. It is a popular instrument in Carnatic classical music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its cylindrical shape and is played by striking it with a stick?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dhol

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

The dhol is a cylindrical drum that is played with a stick. It is a popular instrument in folk and popular music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the goblet-shaped drum that is played with the hands?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dhol

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

The pakhawaj is a goblet-shaped drum that is played with the hands. It is a popular instrument in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dhol

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

The ghatam is a clay pot that is played by striking it with the hands. It is a popular instrument in Carnatic classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the bowed string instrument with a rounded body and a long neck?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Veena

  3. Violin

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

The sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a rounded body and a long neck. It is a popular instrument in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its fretless neck and is played with a slide?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Veena

  3. Violin

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

The veena is a fretless string instrument that is played with a slide. It is a popular instrument in Carnatic classical music.