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 a traditional musical instrument of Uttarakhand, known for its unique shape and sound?

  1. Ransingha

  2. Dhol

  3. Tabla

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

Ransingha is a traditional musical instrument of Uttarakhand, made from a long, curved horn and played by blowing air into it, producing a distinct and resonant sound.

Multiple choice

In traditional Indian music, which instrument is primarily used to provide rhythmic accompaniment?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums commonly used in Hindustani classical music to provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Multiple choice

Which string instrument is known for its distinctive, twangy sound and is often used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Carnatic music, known for its unique, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which wind instrument is characterized by its piercing, high-pitched tone and is commonly found in North Indian classical music?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Flute

  3. Clarinet

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

The Shehnai is a double-reed instrument with a distinctive, penetrating sound, often used in traditional North Indian music.

Multiple choice

In Hindustani classical music, which instrument is known for its deep, resonant sound and is often used as a drone?

  1. Tanpura

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The Tanpura is a long-necked plucked string instrument used to provide a continuous drone or harmonic foundation in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which bowed string instrument is known for its intricate ornamentation and is commonly used in Carnatic music?

  1. Violin

  2. Sarod

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, reedy sound, often used in Carnatic music for its intricate melodic embellishments.

Multiple choice

In traditional Indian music, which instrument is known for its versatility and is often used in both classical and folk genres?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Flute

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

The Flute is a versatile instrument found in both classical and folk music traditions of India, known for its expressive and lyrical sound.

Multiple choice

Which percussion instrument is characterized by its metallic, ringing sound and is commonly used in North Indian classical music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Ghatam

  3. Mridangam

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

The Manjira is a pair of small, handheld cymbals commonly used in North Indian classical music to create a rhythmic, shimmering sound.

Multiple choice

In Carnatic music, which instrument is known for its rich, mellow sound and is often used as an accompanying instrument?

  1. Violin

  2. Veena

  3. Mridangam

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

The Violin is a popular accompanying instrument in Carnatic music, known for its warm, expressive tone and ability to blend with other instruments.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is primarily used for rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Mridangam is a barrel-shaped drum commonly used in Carnatic music to provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Multiple choice

In traditional Indian music, which instrument is known for its deep, resonant sound and is often used as a solo instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Shehnai

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

The Sitar is a long-necked plucked string instrument known for its deep, resonant sound and intricate melodic ornamentation, often used as a solo instrument in Hindustani classical music.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is characterized by its distinctive, nasal sound and is commonly used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Shehnai

  3. Sitar

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, nasal sound, often used in Hindustani classical music for its expressive and emotive qualities.

Multiple choice

In traditional Indian music, which instrument is known for its rhythmic complexity and is often used in folk and devotional music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dholak

  3. Mridangam

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

The Dholak is a two-headed drum commonly used in folk and devotional music in India, known for its rhythmic complexity and energetic sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is primarily used for rhythmic accompaniment in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums commonly used in Hindustani classical music to provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Multiple choice

In traditional Indian music, which instrument is known for its haunting, melancholic sound and is often used in devotional music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Shehnai

  3. Sitar

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, haunting sound, often used in devotional music for its emotive and expressive qualities.