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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 instruments is used to create a percussive accompaniment in Odissi?

  1. Pakhawaj

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

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

The Pakhawaj is a two-headed drum that is played with the hands. It is one of the most important percussion instruments used in Odissi.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is used to create a rhythmic accompaniment in Odissi?

  1. Danda

  2. Khol

  3. Mardala

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

The Danda is a wooden stick that is used by the dancer to create rhythmic patterns. It is held in one hand and struck against the other hand or against the floor.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments is used to create a melodic accompaniment in Odissi?

  1. Sitar

  2. Sarangi

  3. Veena

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

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is played with the left hand. It is known for its rich and expressive sound.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional Indian musical instrument called?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Sitar, Tabla, and Sarangi are all traditional Indian musical instruments.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian musical instrument made from a gourd and played by blowing air into it?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Harmonium

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

Pungi is a traditional Indian musical instrument made from a gourd and played by blowing air into it. It is known for its distinctive, haunting sound and is often associated with snake charmers.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its long neck and sitar-like appearance?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Shehnai

  3. Santoor

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

Sarod is an Indian musical instrument known for its long neck and sitar-like appearance. It is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow and is known for its rich, mellow sound.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is known for its unique sound produced by striking a series of metal plates?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Harmonium

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

Ghatam is an Indian musical instrument known for its unique sound produced by striking a series of metal plates. It is a versatile instrument that can be played solo or as part of an ensemble.

Multiple choice

In Sikh gurdwaras, which musical instrument is traditionally used to accompany devotional singing and kirtan?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The harmonium, a keyboard instrument, is commonly used in Sikh gurdwaras to accompany devotional singing and kirtan. Its rich, resonant sound blends well with the vocal melodies and helps create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is commonly used to accompany Mohiniyattam performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

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

The mridangam, a double-headed drum, is the primary percussion instrument used in Mohiniyattam performances, providing rhythmic accompaniment.

Multiple choice

The Tabla is a percussion instrument commonly used in Indian music, consisting of:

  1. Two drums

  2. Three drums

  3. Four drums

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

The Tabla is a percussion instrument consisting of two drums, one called the Bayan and the other called the Dayan.

Multiple choice

The Sitar is a string instrument commonly used in Indian music, characterized by:

  1. A long neck

  2. A short neck

  3. A round body

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

The Sitar is a string instrument characterized by a long neck and a round body.

Multiple choice

The Sarod is a string instrument commonly used in Indian music, similar to the:

  1. Sitar

  2. Violin

  3. Guitar

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

The Sarod is a string instrument similar to the Sitar, but it has a shorter neck and a different playing technique.

Multiple choice

The Santoor is a string instrument commonly used in Indian music, characterized by:

  1. Multiple strings

  2. Single string

  3. Two strings

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

The Santoor is a string instrument characterized by multiple strings, which are struck with wooden mallets.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian musical instrument that is often played during cultural events and celebrations?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

Sitar is a traditional Indian stringed instrument that is known for its distinctive sound and intricate playing techniques. It is often used in classical Indian music, as well as in popular music and film scores.

Multiple choice

Which of the following instruments requires regular oiling of its wooden body to prevent cracking and maintain its tonal quality?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Sarangi

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

The Sitar, a stringed instrument known for its intricate ornamentation, requires regular oiling of its wooden body to prevent cracking and maintain its tonal quality. This oiling helps preserve the instrument's structural integrity and ensures its longevity.