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 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.

Multiple choice

The Pakhawaj is often played in accompaniment with:

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarod

  3. Tabla

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

The Pakhawaj is often played in accompaniment with various instruments, including the Sitar, Sarod, and Tabla. It provides a rhythmic foundation and enhances the overall melodic and rhythmic structure of the music.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a percussion instrument used in Kathakali?

  1. Chenda

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

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

The Chenda is a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head that is played with two sticks. It is one of the most important percussion instruments in Kathakali and is used to create a variety of rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is used to provide a drone in Kathakali performances?

  1. Veena

  2. Violin

  3. Sarangi

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that is used to provide a drone in Kathakali performances. It is a long, narrow instrument with a gourd body and four strings.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is used to play the melody in Kathakali?

  1. Chenda

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

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

The Violin is a bowed string instrument that is used to play the melody in Kathakali performances. It is a relatively recent addition to the Kathakali orchestra, having been introduced in the 19th century.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is used to create special effects in Kathakali performances?

  1. Cymbals

  2. Gong

  3. Tambourine

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

Cymbals are a pair of metal discs that are struck together to create a loud, crashing sound. They are used in Kathakali performances to create special effects, such as thunder or lightning.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is used to accompany the singing in Kathakali?

  1. Mridangam

  2. Tabla

  3. Veena

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is used to accompany the singing in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of melodies and rhythms.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is used to keep time in Kathakali performances?

  1. Chenda

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

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

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is used to keep time in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is used to create a rhythmic drone in Kathakali performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Ghatam

  3. Mridangam

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

The Ghatam is a clay pot that is used to create a rhythmic drone in Kathakali performances. It is played by striking the pot with the fingers or palms of the hands.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is used to play the tala in Kathakali?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Chenda

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

The Tabla is a pair of drums that is used to play the tala in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is used to create a melodic drone in Kathakali performances?

  1. Veena

  2. Violin

  3. Sarangi

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

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that is used to create a melodic drone in Kathakali performances. It is a long, narrow instrument with a gourd body and four strings.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is used to accompany the dance in Kathakali?

  1. Chenda

  2. Mridangam

  3. Tabla

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

The Chenda is a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head that is played with two sticks. It is one of the most important percussion instruments in Kathakali and is used to accompany the dance.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is used to create a rhythmic pattern in Kathakali performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Mridangam

  3. Chenda

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

The Tabla is a pair of drums that is used to create a rhythmic pattern in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of rhythmic patterns.