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 instrument is characterized by its unique, buzzing sound and is commonly used in folk and devotional music in India?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Shehnai

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

The Bhapang is a single-stringed instrument with a unique, buzzing sound, often used in folk and devotional music in India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a traditional Indian instrument commonly used in Goa trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

The tabla is a pair of hand drums that are played with the hands and fingers. It is a common instrument in Indian classical music and is also used in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following traditional Indian instruments is known for its distinctive, high-pitched sound?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Shehnai

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

The shehnai is a woodwind instrument that is known for its distinctive, high-pitched sound. It is often used in Indian classical music and is also sometimes used in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following traditional Indian instruments is known for its deep, resonant sound?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

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

The santoor is a stringed instrument that is known for its deep, resonant sound. It is often used in Indian classical music and is also sometimes used in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following traditional Indian instruments is known for its intricate fretwork and ability to produce complex melodies?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

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

The sitar is a stringed instrument that is known for its intricate fretwork and ability to produce complex melodies. It is a common instrument in Indian classical music and is also sometimes used in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following traditional Indian instruments is known for its bowed strings and ability to produce expressive melodies?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

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

The sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is known for its expressive melodies. It is a common instrument in Indian classical music and is also sometimes used in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

In addition to the instruments mentioned above, what other traditional Indian instruments are sometimes used in Goa trance music?

  1. Dhol

  2. Dholak

  3. Mridangam

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

In addition to the instruments mentioned above, the dhol, dholak, and mridangam are also sometimes used in Goa trance music. These instruments are all percussion instruments that can add a rhythmic foundation and energy to the music.

Multiple choice

Which traditional Indian instrument is most commonly used to create the rhythmic foundation in Goa trance music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dhol

  3. Dholak

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

The tabla is the most commonly used traditional Indian instrument to create the rhythmic foundation in Goa trance music. It is a pair of hand drums that are played with the hands and fingers.

Multiple choice

Which traditional Indian instrument is known for its high-pitched, piercing sound and is often used to create melodies in Goa trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Shehnai

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

The shehnai is a woodwind instrument that is known for its high-pitched, piercing sound. It is often used to create melodies in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

Which traditional Indian instrument is known for its deep, resonant sound and is often used to add texture and depth to the music in Goa trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Shehnai

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

The santoor is a stringed instrument that is known for its deep, resonant sound. It is often used to add texture and depth to the music in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional Indian trance music instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Djembe

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

The djembe is a traditional African drum, not an Indian trance music instrument.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is traditionally associated with devotional music and religious ceremonies?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Veena, a stringed instrument with a long history in India, is closely associated with devotional music and religious ceremonies. Its enchanting sound is believed to create a sacred atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional musical instrument used in Kathakali performances?

  1. Chenda

  2. Maddalam

  3. Tabla

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

Chenda, Maddalam, and Tabla are traditional musical instruments used in Kathakali, while Violin is not a traditional instrument.

Multiple choice

What is the most common musical instrument used in Manipuri dance?

  1. The pung

  2. The tabla

  3. The sitar

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

The pung is a cylindrical drum that is played with the hands. It is the most common musical instrument used in Manipuri dance.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a traditional Indian musical instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

Sitar, Tabla, and Mridangam are all traditional Indian musical instruments.