Indian Music, Painting & Performing Arts MCQs
India General Knowledge MCQs
MODULE 10: Indian Culture, Heritage & Art MCQs
Topic: Indian Music, Painting & Performing Arts MCQs
The following 60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are systematically organised, conceptually progressive, and exam-focused, strictly aligned with the Indian Culture, Heritage & Art syllabus.
They are suitable for school, college, university, UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, Railways, TET, Defence, and other competitive examinations across India.
Sub-Topic 1: Introduction to Indian Performing Arts (Q1–Q5)
Q1. Indian performing arts primarily include which three components?
A. Dance, painting, sculpture
B. Music, dance, drama
C. Architecture, music, painting
D. Literature, sculpture, drama
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Indian performing arts are traditionally classified into music, dance, and drama, all rooted in ancient cultural and ritual practices.
Q2. Which ancient text is considered the foundation of Indian performing arts?
A. Vedas
B. Arthashastra
C. Natya Shastra
D. Manusmriti
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni lays down principles of music, dance, drama, rasa, bhava, and abhinaya, forming the core of Indian performing arts.
Q3. The concept of ‘Rasa’ in Indian arts refers to:
A. Rhythm
B. Melody
C. Emotional essence
D. Costume design
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Rasa means the emotional experience evoked in the audience, such as love, heroism, devotion, or peace.
Q4. Which institution promotes Indian performing arts at the national level?
A. Archaeological Survey of India
B. Lalit Kala Akademi
C. Sangeet Natak Akademi
D. Sahitya Akademi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s apex body for music, dance, and drama.
Q5. Indian performing arts traditionally developed under the patronage of:
A. British administrators
B. Urban institutions
C. Temples and royal courts
D. Universities
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Temples and royal courts historically nurtured Indian music, painting, and performing arts.
Sub-Topic 2: Indian Classical Music – Basics (Q6–Q12)
Q6. Indian classical music is broadly divided into:
A. Folk and tribal
B. Devotional and secular
C. Hindustani and Carnatic
D. Vocal and instrumental
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Indian classical music has two main systems: Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India).
Q7. Hindustani classical music developed mainly in:
A. South India
B. Eastern India
C. North India
D. Western Ghats
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Hindustani music evolved in North India under Persian and Mughal influences.
Q8. Carnatic music is primarily associated with:
A. Punjab
B. Rajasthan
C. South India
D. Eastern India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Carnatic music flourished in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Q9. The melodic framework of Indian classical music is known as:
A. Tala
B. Raga
C. Laya
D. Shruti
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A Raga defines the melodic structure and emotional mood of a composition.
Q10. The rhythmic cycle in Indian music is called:
A. Raga
B. Swara
C. Tala
D. Bhava
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Tala governs rhythm and time cycles in music.
Q11. Which of the following is a common feature of both Hindustani and Carnatic music?
A. Same compositions
B. Same instruments only
C. Use of raga and tala
D. Persian influence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Both systems are structured around raga (melody) and tala (rhythm).
Q12. Indian classical music traditionally emphasises:
A. Harmony
B. Choral singing
C. Improvisation
D. Orchestra
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Improvisation within a raga framework is a defining feature of Indian classical music.
Sub-Topic 3: Indian Musical Instruments (Q13–Q20)
Q13. The Veena is primarily associated with:
A. Hindustani music
B. Carnatic music
C. Folk music
D. Tribal music
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Veena is a principal string instrument of Carnatic music.
Q14. Which instrument is known as the backbone of Hindustani rhythm?
A. Mridangam
B. Tabla
C. Pakhawaj
D. Dhol
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Tabla is the main percussion instrument in Hindustani music.
Q15. Mridangam is associated with:
A. Folk music
B. Carnatic music
C. Western music
D. Tribal rituals
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mridangam provides rhythmic support in Carnatic concerts.
Q16. Which instrument belongs to the wind category?
A. Sitar
B. Tabla
C. Flute
D. Veena
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Flute (Bansuri) is a wind instrument linked to Lord Krishna.
Q17. Sitar is a:
A. Percussion instrument
B. Wind instrument
C. String instrument
D. Electronic instrument
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The sitar is a plucked string instrument central to Hindustani music.
Q18. Which ancient text classifies musical instruments into categories?
A. Arthashastra
B. Natya Shastra
C. Rigveda
D. Manusmriti
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Natya Shastra classifies instruments into string, wind, percussion, and solid.
Q19. ‘Ghats’ in music refer to:
A. Melodic phrases
B. Rhythmic patterns
C. Instrument makers
D. Musical schools
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Ghats are rhythmic patterns used by percussionists.
Q20. Indian classical music traditionally passed through:
A. Written notation
B. Printing press
C. Guru-Shishya tradition
D. Royal decrees
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Knowledge was transmitted orally through the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
Sub-Topic 4: Indian Painting – Ancient to Medieval (Q21–Q30)
Q21. The earliest evidence of Indian painting is found in:
A. Harappan seals
B. Ajanta caves
C. Mughal manuscripts
D. Rajput courts
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Prehistoric and Harappan sites show early forms of artistic expression.
Q22. Ajanta paintings mainly depict:
A. Court life
B. Buddhist themes
C. Folk festivals
D. Nature scenes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Ajanta cave paintings narrate Jataka tales and Buddha’s life.
Q23. Ajanta paintings belong to which period?
A. Vedic
B. Mauryan
C. Gupta
D. Medieval
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Most Ajanta paintings flourished during the Gupta period.
Q24. Which feature is characteristic of Ajanta paintings?
A. Flat perspective
B. Strong outlines only
C. Naturalism and expression
D. Abstract forms
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
They are known for graceful figures, expressions, and realism.
Q25. Mughal paintings were influenced by:
A. Only Indian traditions
B. Persian art
C. Chinese art
D. Tribal art
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mughal paintings combined Indian themes with Persian miniature techniques.
Q26. Mughal painting reached its peak under:
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Aurangzeb
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Akbar encouraged illustrated manuscripts and royal ateliers.
Q27. Rajput paintings primarily depict:
A. Buddhist monks
B. Court battles
C. Love, devotion, and epics
D. Colonial life
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
They often portray Radha-Krishna themes and Ramayana scenes.
Q28. Pahari paintings originated in:
A. Deccan plateau
B. Himalayan foothills
C. Gangetic plains
D. Coastal India
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Pahari style flourished in the Himalayan regions.
Q29. Miniature paintings are known for:
A. Large murals
B. Stone carving
C. Fine details and small size
D. Abstract art
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Miniatures are delicate, detailed, and richly coloured.
Q30. Which institution promotes visual arts in India?
A. Sahitya Akademi
B. Sangeet Natak Akademi
C. Lalit Kala Akademi
D. ASI
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Lalit Kala Akademi promotes Indian visual arts.
Sub-Topic 5: Folk & Modern Paintings (Q31–Q40)
Q31. Madhubani painting belongs to:
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. West Bengal
D. Odisha
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Madhubani is a traditional folk painting of Bihar.
Q32. Warli painting is associated with:
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Maharashtra
D. Odisha
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Warli art is practised by tribal communities of Maharashtra.
Q33. Kalamkari painting is famous for its use of:
A. Oil colours
B. Natural dyes
C. Acrylic paints
D. Pastels
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Kalamkari uses natural vegetable dyes.
Q34. Which theme dominates folk paintings?
A. Urban lifestyle
B. Mythology and nature
C. Industrial growth
D. Colonial rule
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Folk art reflects religious beliefs, daily life, and nature.
Q35. Gond painting belongs to:
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Rajasthan
C. Bihar
D. Assam
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Gond art is a tribal painting tradition of central India.
Q36. Tanjore paintings originated in:
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Tanjore paintings are known for gold foil and religious themes.
Q37. Which modern Indian painter is known for blending Indian and Western styles?
A. Raja Ravi Varma
B. Nandalal Bose
C. Abanindranath Tagore
D. Jamini Roy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Raja Ravi Varma fused European realism with Indian themes.
Q38. Bengal School of Art emphasized:
A. Oil painting realism
B. Revival of Indian traditions
C. Abstract expressionism
D. Tribal art
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It aimed to revive Indian aesthetics against Western dominance.
Q39. Jamini Roy was inspired by:
A. Mughal miniatures
B. Folk traditions
C. Persian art
D. European realism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
He simplified forms based on folk art.
Q40. Folk paintings mainly differ from classical paintings because they are:
A. Court-sponsored
B. Scriptural
C. Community-based
D. Abstract
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Folk art evolves organically within communities.
Sub-Topic 6: Theatre, Drama & Performing Traditions (Q41–Q60)
Q41. Indian theatre tradition is closely linked with:
A. Sculpture
B. Dance and music
C. Painting only
D. Architecture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Indian theatre integrates music, dance, and dialogue.
Q42. Which form is a dance-drama of Karnataka?
A. Kathakali
B. Yakshagana
C. Chau
D. Raslila
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Yakshagana combines dance, music, and dialogue.
Q43. Kathakali is characterised by:
A. Light makeup
B. Spoken dialogue
C. Elaborate costumes and makeup
D. Minimal gestures
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Kathakali uses highly stylised costumes and facial expressions.
Q44. Raslila is associated with devotion to:
A. Shiva
B. Vishnu
C. Krishna
D. Rama
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Raslila depicts Krishna’s divine love.
Q45. Nautanki is a popular theatre form of:
A. Maharashtra
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. Odisha
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Nautanki is a folk theatre of North India.
Q46. Tamasha theatre belongs to:
A. Karnataka
B. Maharashtra
C. Kerala
D. Assam
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Tamasha blends song, dance, and satire.
Q47. Jatra theatre is popular in:
A. Rajasthan
B. West Bengal
C. Punjab
D. Kerala
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Jatra is a folk theatre of Bengal and Odisha.
Q48. Which element is central to Indian theatre aesthetics?
A. Realism
B. Rasa
C. Comedy only
D. Tragedy only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Rasa theory guides emotional impact.
Q49. Bharata Muni is associated with:
A. Painting
B. Sculpture
C. Theatre and performing arts
D. Architecture
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
He authored the Natya Shastra.
Q50. Indian performing arts mainly aim to:
A. Entertain only
B. Educate and spiritually uplift
C. Criticise society
D. Promote politics
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They combine entertainment, education, and spiritual values.
Q51. Folk theatre usually reflects:
A. Royal life
B. Urban issues
C. Local traditions and social themes
D. Foreign influence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It mirrors community life.
Q52. Which performing art uses masks extensively?
A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam
C. Chau
D. Odissi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Chau uses masks to portray characters.
Q53. Indian theatre traditionally avoided:
A. Music
B. Dance
C. Emotional expression
D. Stage realism
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Symbolism was preferred over realism.
Q54. Which art form is closest to ritual performance?
A. Classical music
B. Folk theatre
C. Painting
D. Architecture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Many folk theatres evolved from rituals.
Q55. Indian classical arts are unified by:
A. Language
B. Costume
C. Spiritual philosophy
D. Geography
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Spiritual and philosophical ideas bind them.
Q56. Which academy promotes literature in India?
A. Lalit Kala Akademi
B. Sahitya Akademi
C. Sangeet Natak Akademi
D. ASI
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Sahitya Akademi promotes Indian literature.
Q57. Indian painting, music, and theatre together represent:
A. Entertainment industries
B. Cultural heritage
C. Religious control
D. Colonial legacy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They reflect India’s rich cultural heritage.
Q58. Which factor helped preserve Indian arts historically?
A. Printing press
B. Oral traditions and patronage
C. Colonial rule
D. Urbanisation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Guru-Shishya tradition and patronage preserved them.
Q59. Modern Indian art often combines:
A. Only folk themes
B. Only Western styles
C. Tradition and innovation
D. Political ideology
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Modern artists blend tradition with new ideas.
Q60. Indian music, painting, and performing arts collectively signify:
A. Regional diversity only
B. Cultural unity in diversity
C. Isolated traditions
D. Foreign influence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They embody India’s unity in diversity.
-
Indian art and culture MCQs
-
Indian classical music MCQs
-
Indian painting styles MCQs
-
Performing arts of India questions
-
Indian heritage and culture GK
-
Music dance drama MCQs India
-
Indian folk and classical arts MCQs
-
Art and culture MCQs for competitive exams
⭐ Indian Music, Painting & Performing Arts – A High-Scoring Art & Culture Topic
Indian Music, Painting, and Performing Arts constitute a core and recurring segment of the Indian Culture & Heritage syllabus. This carefully curated set of 60 MCQs, arranged from foundational concepts to advanced cultural traditions, provides aspirants with clear conceptual understanding and exam-ready preparation.
With well-explained answers, coverage of classical, folk, ancient, medieval, and modern art forms, and a systematic structure, these MCQs are ideal for quick revision, practice tests, and last-minute preparation for all major competitive and academic examinations across India.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1. Why are Indian Music, Painting, and Performing Arts important for competitive exams?
These topics are an integral part of Indian Art & Culture, frequently asked in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, and Teaching exams.
Q2. What are the main components of Indian performing arts?
Indian performing arts primarily include music, dance, and theatre, rooted in classical texts like the Natya Shastra.
Q3. What is the difference between Hindustani and Carnatic music?
Hindustani music developed in North India with Persian influences, while Carnatic music evolved in South India with strong devotional roots.
Q4. Which painting styles are most important from an exam perspective?
Ajanta paintings, Mughal miniatures, Rajput and Pahari paintings, and folk arts like Madhubani, Warli, Gond, and Kalamkari are highly important.
Q5. Are these MCQs useful for school and university exams?
Yes. These MCQs align with CBSE, State Boards, undergraduate, postgraduate, and entrance examination syllabi.
🎯 Targeting Exams
These Indian Music, Painting & Performing Arts MCQs are prepared in strict alignment with the Indian General Knowledge and Art & Culture syllabus, making them highly relevant for:
-
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims & Mains)
-
State Public Service Commissions (APSC, BPSC, RPSC, WBCS, MPPSC, etc.)
-
SSC Exams (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)
-
Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI PO/Clerk, RBI)
-
Railway Exams (RRB NTPC, Group D)
-
Teaching Exams (CTET, TET, KVS, DSSSB)
-
Defence Exams (NDA, CDS, CAPF)
-
University Entrance Tests & Degree Exams
-
School Board Exams (CBSE & State Boards)