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

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive sitar-like sound and is often used in classical Indian music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

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

The sitar, a stringed instrument with a long neck and a gourd-shaped body, is a prominent instrument in Indian classical music, known for its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in traditional Indian music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

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

Tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument, is known for its distinctive sound and is often used in traditional Indian music. It consists of a pair of drums, one made of wood and the other of metal.

Multiple choice

Which Indian classical instrument is commonly used to create the melodic lines in Goa trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Violin

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

The sitar, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce intricate melodies, is a popular choice for creating the lead melodies in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the traditional Indian percussion instrument that is often used in Goa trance music to create rhythmic patterns?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dholak

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

The tabla, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce complex rhythmic patterns, is a popular choice for creating the rhythmic foundation in Goa trance music.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the traditional Indian string instrument that is sometimes used in Goa trance music to create melodic lines?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Violin

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

The sarod, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce intricate melodies, is sometimes used in Goa trance music to create melodic lines.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the traditional Indian percussion instrument that is sometimes used in Goa trance music to create rhythmic patterns?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Dholak

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

The dholak, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce complex rhythmic patterns, is sometimes used in Goa trance music to create rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian musical instrument associated with the monsoon season?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Bansuri

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

The Bansuri is a bamboo flute that is widely used in Indian classical music. Its haunting melodies are often associated with the monsoon season, evoking the sound of raindrops and the rustling of leaves.

Multiple choice

The Patiala Gharana is often associated with the use of which instrument as an accompaniment to Ghazal Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Patiala Gharana is known for its frequent use of the Sarangi as an accompanying instrument, adding a rich and emotive texture to their performances.

Multiple choice

The Mewati Gharana is often associated with the use of which instrument as an accompaniment to Ghazal Music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sarangi

  3. Sitar

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

The Mewati Gharana is known for its frequent use of the Tabla as an accompanying instrument, providing a rhythmic foundation and enhancing the overall performance.

Multiple choice

The Gwalior Gharana is often associated with the use of which instrument as an accompaniment to Ghazal Music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Sitar

  3. Tabla

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

The Gwalior Gharana is known for its frequent use of the Sitar as an accompanying instrument, adding a melodic and intricate texture to their performances.

Multiple choice

Which percussion instrument is known for its distinctive, metallic sound and is often used in classical Indian music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Ghatam

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

Manjira is a pair of small, handheld cymbals made of brass or bronze, which produce a bright, metallic sound when struck together.

Multiple choice

The Tabla, a popular percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music, consists of how many drums?

  1. One

  2. Two

  3. Three

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

The Tabla comprises two drums: the Bayan, which is the larger drum played with the right hand, and the Dayan, which is the smaller drum played with the left hand.

Multiple choice

The Mridangam, a South Indian percussion instrument, is characterized by its:

  1. Cylindrical shape

  2. Goat skin heads

  3. Tunable pitch

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

The Mridangam is a cylindrical-shaped drum with goat skin heads at both ends. It is known for its tunable pitch, which allows for various rhythmic patterns and tonal variations.

Multiple choice

The Tabla Tarang, a set of tuned tablas, is played by:

  1. Striking the tablas with sticks

  2. Plucking the strings attached to the tablas

  3. Rubbing the tablas with a cloth

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla Tarang is a unique percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned tablas arranged in a semicircle. It is played by striking the tablas with sticks, producing a variety of rhythmic patterns and melodic variations.

Multiple choice

The Chenda, a cylindrical drum, is commonly used in:

  1. Hindustani classical music

  2. Carnatic classical music

  3. Folk music

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

The Chenda is primarily used in folk music, particularly in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its loud, energetic sound and is often played in processions and festivals.