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

What is the traditional Indian village instrument known for its rhythmic and percussive sound?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dholak

  3. Mridangam

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

Tabla is a traditional Indian village instrument known for its rhythmic and percussive sound, often used in classical music performances and as an accompaniment to dance and singing.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument associated with Garba music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

The dhol, a double-headed drum, is the most prominent instrument used in Garba music, providing the rhythmic foundation for the dance and music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used in Indian psychedelic music?

  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 commonly used instruments in Indian psychedelic music.

Multiple choice

Kathak, a captivating dance form from North India, is characterized by its intricate footwork and rhythmic storytelling. Which instrument is traditionally used to accompany Kathak performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The tabla, a pair of hand drums, is the primary instrument used to provide rhythmic accompaniment in Kathak performances.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music played during Kalbelia performances?

  1. Tabla and harmonium.

  2. Dholak and nagada.

  3. Sarangi and bansuri.

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

Kalbelia performances are traditionally accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dholak and nagada, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional snake charmer instrument used in Kalbelia performances?

  1. Pungi.

  2. Bansuri.

  3. Sarangi.

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

The pungi is a traditional snake charmer instrument made of bamboo and played by blowing air into it.

Multiple choice

What are some of the traditional instruments commonly used in Indian trance music?

  1. Tabla, sitar, and harmonium

  2. Dhol, nagada, and shehnai

  3. Mridangam, veena, and bansuri

  4. Sarangi, sarod, and santoor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Traditional instruments commonly used in Indian trance music include dhol (double-headed drum), nagada (kettle drum), and shehnai (reed instrument), which are often played together to create a rhythmic and energetic soundscape that enhances the trance-inducing experience.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is commonly played by the Indian diaspora in Cambodia?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

Tabla, a pair of hand drums, is a popular musical instrument played by the Indian diaspora in Cambodia, often accompanying traditional Indian music and performances.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is predominantly used to accompany Odissi dance?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The pakhawaj is a two-headed drum that is traditionally used to accompany Odissi dance.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that is similar to a modern-day violin?

  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 that is considered to be the predecessor of the modern-day violin.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that is similar to a modern-day flute?

  1. Bansuri

  2. Shehnai

  3. Sitar

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

The Bansuri is a bamboo flute that is widely used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that is similar to a modern-day drum?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Sitar

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

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums that is widely used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that is similar to a modern-day cymbal?

  1. Manjira

  2. Ghungroo

  3. Sitar

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

The Manjira is a pair of small cymbals that is widely used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that is similar to a modern-day guitar?

  1. Sitar

  2. Veena

  3. Sarangi

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

The Veena is a string instrument that is widely used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian musical instrument that is similar to a modern-day piano?

  1. Harmonium

  2. Sitar

  3. Veena

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

The Harmonium is a keyboard instrument that is widely used in Indian classical music.