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

  1. Shehnai

  2. Sitar

  3. Veena

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

The Shehnai is a woodwind instrument that is widely used in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

In the Hindu tradition, which musical instrument is considered to be the voice of Lord Shiva?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The Rudra Veena, also known as the 'Veena of Shiva,' is a string instrument believed to have been created by Lord Shiva himself and is considered sacred in Hindu music and mythology.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is associated with the god Krishna in the Hindu tradition?

  1. Flute

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

Lord Krishna is often depicted playing the flute, and the instrument holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and music.

Multiple choice

The traditional music of which indigenous community in South America features the use of panpipes, creating enchanting melodies?

  1. Quechua

  2. Aymara

  3. Mapuche

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

The Quechua people, indigenous to the Andes region of South America, have a rich musical tradition that includes the use of panpipes. These instruments, made from bamboo or reed, produce haunting melodies that reflect their connection to the mountains and their cultural heritage.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common instrument used in Indian ambient music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Synthesizer

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

While sitar, tabla, and synthesizer are frequently used in Indian ambient music, violin is not a traditional Indian instrument and is rarely incorporated.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly associated with the Baul tradition of Bengal, known for its mystical and devotional songs?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Ektara

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

The Ektara, a one-stringed instrument, is a key instrument in Baul music, accompanying the soulful vocals and poetic lyrics.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small hand-held drums?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dholak

  3. Mridangam

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

Tabla, with its intricate rhythmic patterns and expressive playing techniques, is a widely used percussion instrument in Indian classical music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian string instrument with a long neck and a rounded body, often used in folk and classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Veena

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

Sitar, with its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques, is a widely recognized Indian string instrument used in classical and folk music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian string instrument with a flat body and a long neck, often used in folk and classical music?

  1. Sarod

  2. Veena

  3. Santoor

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

Sarod, with its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques, is a widely recognized Indian string instrument used in classical and folk music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a percussion instrument commonly used in Punjabi Bhangra?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

The Dhol is a double-headed drum that is played with sticks. It is one of the most important instruments in Punjabi Bhangra, providing the rhythmic foundation for the dance.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the stringed instrument that is often used to accompany Punjabi Bhangra?

  1. Tumbi

  2. Sarangi

  3. Dilruba

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

The Tumbi is a plucked string instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body. It is known for its distinctive, nasal sound and is often used to create melodies in Punjabi Bhangra.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is used to provide a drone or continuous background sound in Punjabi Bhangra?

  1. Chimta

  2. Algoza

  3. Daf

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

The Algoza is a double-reed instrument that is played continuously to provide a drone or background sound in Punjabi Bhangra. It is known for its haunting and melancholic sound.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the small, handheld cymbals that are used in Punjabi Bhangra?

  1. Kartal

  2. Manjira

  3. Jhanj

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

The Jhanj are small, handheld cymbals that are played by striking them together. They are used to create a rhythmic accompaniment in Punjabi Bhangra.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is known for its high-pitched, piercing sound and is often used to create a sense of excitement in Punjabi Bhangra?

  1. Shehnai

  2. Pungi

  3. Been

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

The Pungi is a wind instrument made from a gourd and a bamboo pipe. It is known for its high-pitched, piercing sound and is often used to create a sense of excitement and energy in Punjabi Bhangra.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Punjabi drum that is played with the hands?

  1. Dholki

  2. Tabla

  3. Pakhawaj

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

The Dholki is a traditional Punjabi drum that is played with the hands. It is known for its earthy and rhythmic sound and is often used to accompany folk songs and dances, including Punjabi Bhangra.