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

The Sarod is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 4

  2. 6

  3. 8

  4. 10
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Sarod typically has four 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 bowed string instrument commonly used in Rajasthani folk music?

  1. Ravanahatha

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Ravanahatha is a bowed string instrument with a unique, haunting sound. It is commonly used in Rajasthani folk music and is known for its intricate ornamentation and expressive playing style.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Santoor

  2. Sarangi

  3. Rubab

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

The Rubab is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Kashmiri folk music. It is known for its distinctive, twangy sound and is often used to accompany singing and storytelling.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a fretted string instrument commonly used in Hindustani classical music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Veena

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

The Sarod is a fretted string instrument with a distinctive, warm sound. It is commonly used in Hindustani classical music and is known for its intricate ornamentation and expressive playing style.

Multiple choice

The Mohan Veena is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 4

  2. 6

  3. 8

  4. 10
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Mohan Veena typically has four 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 bowed string instrument commonly used in Bengali folk music?

  1. Esraj

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Esraj is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive, nasal sound. It is commonly used in Bengali folk music and is known for its intricate ornamentation and expressive playing style.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Santoor

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Santoor is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Gujarati folk music. It is known for its distinctive, twangy sound and is often used to accompany singing and storytelling.

Multiple choice

Kathak, a classical dance form from Northern India, is renowned for its intricate footwork and captivating storytelling. What is the primary instrument that accompanies 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 in Kathak performances. Its rhythmic beats provide a foundation for the dancer's movements and enhance the storytelling aspect of the dance.

Multiple choice

Mohiniyattam, a graceful dance form from Kerala, is known for its enchanting movements and captivating expressions. What is the primary instrument that accompanies Mohiniyattam performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Veena

  3. Mridangam

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

Mohiniyattam performances are typically accompanied by the Veena, a plucked string instrument. The Veena's melodious sounds create a harmonious atmosphere, enhancing the dancer's graceful movements and expressions.

Multiple choice

What is the primary percussion instrument used in Sattriya?

  1. Khol

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The Khol is a double-headed drum with a cylindrical body, played with the hands and is the main percussion instrument in Sattriya.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a prominent musical instrument used to accompany Sattriya performances?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Violin

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

The Flute, known as the Bansuri, is a commonly used instrument in Sattriya, adding a melodious and enchanting element to the music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is commonly used to accompany Qawwali?

  1. Harmonium

  2. Tabla

  3. Sitar

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

Qawwali is typically accompanied by a harmonium, tabla, and other percussion instruments. The harmonium is a keyboard instrument that provides a drone, while the tabla is a pair of drums that provides rhythmic support. Other percussion instruments that may be used include the dholak, the daf, and the riq.

Multiple choice

Qawwali is a form of music that is typically accompanied by which type of instrument?

  1. A harmonium

  2. A tabla

  3. A sitar

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

Qawwali is a form of music that is typically accompanied by a harmonium, a tabla, a sitar, and a sarangi. The harmonium is a keyboard instrument that provides a drone, while the tabla is a pair of drums that provides rhythmic support. The sitar is a stringed instrument that is used to play the melody, and the sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is used to provide accompaniment.

Multiple choice

Qawwali is a form of music that is typically accompanied by which type of instrument?

  1. A harmonium

  2. A tabla

  3. A sitar

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

Qawwali is a form of music that is typically accompanied by a harmonium, a tabla, and a sitar. The harmonium is a keyboard instrument that provides a drone, while the tabla is a pair of drums that provides rhythmic support. The sitar is a stringed instrument that is used to play the melody.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common instrument used in Kathak Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sitar, Tabla, and Sarangi are all common instruments used in Kathak Music, each contributing to the unique sound and rhythm of the genre.