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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

Which of the following is a musical instrument commonly used in Indian classical music that is believed to have astronomical origins?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Veena, a stringed instrument, is believed to have been inspired by the arrangement of stars in the sky.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian instrument that was used to measure time and was also associated with musical performances?

  1. Ghatam

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

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

The Naaligai, a water clock, was used in ancient India to measure time and was also associated with musical performances, as it was used to mark the duration of musical pieces.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a musical instrument commonly used in Indian classical music that is believed to have originated from an astronomical instrument?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Sitar, a stringed instrument, is believed to have evolved from the ancient astronomical instrument known as the 'ektara', which was used for measuring the positions of celestial bodies.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is often used to accompany the 'Bhangra' wedding songs in Punjab?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

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

The 'Dhol' is a traditional drum commonly used in Punjabi wedding celebrations, adding an energetic and lively rhythm to the 'Bhangra' songs.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany the 'Shehnai' in traditional North Indian wedding ceremonies?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

The 'Tabla' is a pair of drums often played alongside the 'Shehnai' in North Indian wedding ceremonies, creating a harmonious and rhythmic foundation for the melodies.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is often used to accompany the 'Baul' wedding songs in West Bengal, known for their soulful and mystical melodies?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Ektara

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

The 'Ektara' is a one-stringed instrument commonly used in West Bengal to accompany the 'Baul' wedding songs, adding a haunting and spiritual quality to the melodies.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany the 'Nagada' wedding songs in Rajasthan, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

The 'Dhol' is a traditional drum often played alongside the 'Nagada' in Rajasthani wedding ceremonies, adding a vibrant and energetic rhythm to the melodies.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is often used to accompany the 'Garba' wedding songs in Gujarat, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

The 'Harmonium' is a common instrument used in Gujarati wedding ceremonies to accompany the 'Garba' songs, adding a rich and melodious texture to the music.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany the 'Qawwali' wedding songs in North India, creating a soulful and devotional atmosphere?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

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

The 'Tabla' is a pair of drums often played alongside the 'Qawwali' in North Indian wedding ceremonies, adding a rhythmic foundation and enhancing the devotional melodies.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is often used to accompany the 'Bihu' wedding songs in Assam, creating a lively and festive atmosphere?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

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

The 'Dhol' is a traditional drum commonly used in Assamese wedding ceremonies to accompany the 'Bihu' songs, adding an energetic and rhythmic foundation to the melodies.

Multiple choice

What are the main instruments used in Mayurbhanj Chhau performances?

  1. Dhol

  2. Madal

  3. Shehnai

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

The main instruments used in Mayurbhanj Chhau performances are the dhol, madal, and shehnai.

Multiple choice

In Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form from Karnataka, what is the name of the musical instrument that accompanies the performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The Chenda is a traditional percussion instrument used in Yakshagana performances, known for its loud and rhythmic beats.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used in Carnatic music, known for its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques? (a) Sitar (b) Tabla (c) Veena (d) Dhol

  1. (a) Sitar

  2. (b) Tabla

  3. (c) Veena

  4. (d) Dhol
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Veena is a string instrument that holds a significant place in Carnatic music. It is known for its distinctive sound and complex playing techniques, requiring great skill and dexterity.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is central to the rhythmic foundation of Hindustani classical music, providing intricate beats and patterns? (a) Sitar (b) Tabla (c) Veena (d) Dhol

  1. (a) Sitar

  2. (b) Tabla

  3. (c) Veena

  4. (d) Dhol
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums that form the rhythmic foundation of Hindustani classical music. Tabla players use intricate techniques to create complex beats and patterns, adding depth and dynamism to the music.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used in Bihu music, known for its unique sound and rhythmic patterns? (a) Sitar (b) Tabla (c) Pepa (d) Dhol

  1. (a) Sitar

  2. (b) Tabla

  3. (c) Pepa

  4. (d) Dhol
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Pepa is a unique musical instrument used in Bihu music. It is a bamboo flute that produces a distinct sound and is played in rhythmic patterns, adding a lively touch to Bihu performances.