Q1. What does the name “Ektara” literally mean in Sanskrit-derived languages?
A. Two strings
B. One string
C. Many strings
D. Bamboo lute
Answer: B. One string
Q2. The Ektara is primarily classified as which type of musical instrument?
A. Stringed drone lute
B. Percussion instrument
C. Wind instrument
D. Bowed instrument
Answer: A. Stringed drone lute
Q3. Which material is most commonly used for the resonator body of a traditional Ektara?
A. Metal bowl
B. Plastic container
C. Dried bottle gourd
D. Solid wood block
Answer: C. Dried bottle gourd
Q4. The membrane covering the resonator of an Ektara is typically made from what?
A. Paper
B. Animal skin
C. Synthetic fabric
D. Thin metal sheet
Answer: B. Animal skin
Q5. What is the primary material used for the neck of a standard Ektara?
A. Metal rod
B. Hardwood only
C. Plastic pipe
D. Bamboo
Answer: D. Bamboo
Q6. The string of a traditional Ektara is usually made of what material?
A. Nylon
B. Steel
C. Silk thread
D. Copper wire
Answer: B. Steel
Q7. How is the pitch primarily varied on many Ektara variants, especially the Gopichand type?
A. By squeezing the split bamboo neck
B. By pressing frets
C. By blowing harder
D. By turning multiple tuning pegs
Answer: A. By squeezing the split bamboo neck
Q8. Which finger is most commonly used to pluck the string of an Ektara?
A. Thumb
B. Index finger
C. Little finger
D. Middle and ring fingers together
Answer: B. Index finger
Q9. The Ektara is most famously associated with which group of wandering minstrels?
A. Manganiyar singers
B. Bhangra dancers
C. Qawwali performers
D. Baul singers
Answer: D. Baul singers
Q10. In which region is the Ektara a central instrument in Baul folk music?
A. Punjab
B. Rajasthan
C. West Bengal
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: C. West Bengal
Q11. Which variant of the Ektara is particularly used in Punjabi folk music, often for high-pitched rhythmic tones?
A. Dotara
B. Tumbi
C. Gopichand
D. Tuntuna
Answer: B. Tumbi
Q12. What is the Tuntuna, a variant sometimes called Ektara, primarily used for in western India?
A. Rhythm and drone accompaniment
B. Melody leading
C. High-pitched solos
D. Bowed playing
Answer: A. Rhythm and drone accompaniment
Q13. The bass version of the Ektara often has how many strings and is sometimes called Dotara?
A. One string
B. Two strings
C. Three strings
D. Four strings
Answer: B. Two strings
Q14. Which historical figures or saints are often depicted or associated with playing the Ektara?
A. Kabir and Meerabai
B. Ravi Shankar
C. A.R. Rahman
D. Bismillah Khan
Answer: A. Kabir and Meerabai
Q15. The Ektara is commonly used in which type of devotional singing?
A. Classical ragas only
B. Opera-style performances
C. Kirtan and bhajans
D. Rock concerts
Answer: C. Kirtan and bhajans
Q16. In Sufi traditions, the Ektara is used by wandering holy men known as what?
A. Pandits
B. Maulvis
C. Gurus
D. Fakirs or Sadhus
Answer: D. Fakirs or Sadhus
Q17. Which of the following is NOT a common alternative material for the Ektara resonator?
A. Coconut shell
B. Wood apple shell
C. Glass bowl
D. Dried gourd
Answer: C. Glass bowl
Q18. How is the Ektara typically held while playing?
A. Horizontally like a guitar
B. Upright, with the resonator supported
C. Bowed across the lap
D. Hung from the shoulder
Answer: B. Upright, with the resonator supported
Q19. The Ektara has no frets or markings, so pitch adjustment is done how?
A. By ear and pressure on the neck
B. By electronic tuner only
C. Using fixed keys
D. With a capo
Answer: A. By ear and pressure on the neck
Q20. In Maharashtra, the Ektara (or similar variant) is used in performances by which group?
A. Gondhalis
B. Dhol players
C. Kathak dancers
D. Lavani singers
Answer: A. Gondhalis
Q21. Which modern controversy surrounds the use of Ektara in Baul music?
A. Complete ban in performances
B. Mixing with electronic sounds altering tradition
C. Replacement by guitars
D. Government restrictions
Answer: B. Mixing with electronic sounds altering tradition
Q22. The Ektara is also used in folk music of which neighboring country besides India?
A. China
B. Sri Lanka
C. Bangladesh and Nepal
D. Myanmar
Answer: C. Bangladesh and Nepal
Q23. What sizes are traditional Ektaras classified into, affecting their pitch?
A. Soprano, tenor, and bass
B. Small, medium, large only
C. High, low, medium
D. Short, long, extra-long
Answer: A. Soprano, tenor, and bass
Q24. The ancient Sanskrit name for a one-stringed lute similar to Ektara is what?
A. Sitar
B. Ekatantri Veena
C. Tanpura
D. Sarod
Answer: B. Ekatantri Veena
Q25. In Punjabi bhangra music, the Tumbi (Ektara variant) provides what characteristic sound?
A. Deep bass drone
B. Percussive beats
C. Melodic harmony
D. High-pitched rhythmic tone
Answer: D. High-pitched rhythmic tone
