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 these traditional Indian musical instruments is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in folk music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dhol

  3. Shehnai

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

The dhol, a cylindrical drum with two heads, is renowned for its distinctive sound and is frequently used in Indian folk music and traditional performances.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a type of Indian musical instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarod

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

Sitar, tabla, sarod, and santoor are all types of Indian musical instruments.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional musical instrument used in Uttarakhand folk music?

  1. Dhol

  2. Damau

  3. Ransingha

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

Dhol is a traditional musical instrument used in Uttarakhand folk music, known for its loud and rhythmic sound.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany Bhangra performances?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The dhol is a large cylindrical drum that is played with two sticks and is a prominent instrument in Bhangra music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a traditional musical instrument associated with Braj Bhasha culture?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sarangi is a traditional musical instrument associated with Braj Bhasha culture. It is a bowed string instrument that is known for its rich and expressive sound.

Multiple choice

What is the typical instrumentation of a wedding a cappella ensemble?

  1. Tabla, harmonium, and sitar

  2. Tabla, dholak, and harmonium

  3. Tabla, dholak, and sitar

  4. Tabla, harmonium, and dholak
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Wedding a cappella ensembles typically use a simple instrumentation consisting of the tabla (drums), harmonium (reed organ), and dholak (hand drum). These instruments provide rhythmic accompaniment and support the singers.

Multiple choice

Which traditional musical instrument is commonly associated with the backwater regions of Kerala?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

Chenda, a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head, is a traditional percussion instrument widely used in the backwater regions of Kerala, particularly during festivals and cultural performances.

Multiple choice

Which of these is NOT a traditional Indian musical instrument commonly used in rituals and festivals?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Guitar

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

Guitar, a Western musical instrument, is not typically associated with traditional Indian instruments like Sitar, Tabla, and Mridangam, which hold cultural and historical significance in Indian music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the main melodic instrument used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Violin

  3. Mridangam

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

The veena is the main melodic instrument used in Carnatic music.

Multiple choice

Which other instrument is commonly played alongside the tabla in the Farrukhabad Gharana?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Shehnai

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

The sitar is often played alongside the tabla in the Farrukhabad Gharana, creating a harmonious blend of melody and rhythm.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional musical instrument commonly played in the backwaters of Kerala?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

Chenda is a traditional percussion instrument commonly played in the backwaters of Kerala, often used during festivals and cultural events.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, rich sound. It is commonly used in Indian classical music, particularly in the Hindustani tradition.

Multiple choice

The Sitar is a string instrument with how many main strings?

  1. 4

  2. 6

  3. 7

  4. 9
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Sitar typically has seven main strings, each of which is tuned to a specific pitch. These strings are played with a wire plectrum called a Mizrab.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a plucked string instrument commonly used in Carnatic music?

  1. Veena

  2. Sarod

  3. Santoor

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Indian music. It is commonly used in Carnatic music, a classical music tradition from South India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a fretless string instrument commonly used in folk music?

  1. Sarod

  2. Esraj

  3. Sitar

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

The Esraj is a fretless string instrument with a distinctive, nasal sound. It is commonly used in folk music and devotional music in various regions of India.