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Odisha CHSE +2 Vocational Tabla study materials
Odisha CHSE +2 Vocational Tabla study resources

Odisha CHSE +2 Vocational Tabla practice questions

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Question 1Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

On the dayan of a tabla, which term names the black circular patch at the centre of the drumhead?

  1. Syahi Correct answer.
  2. Chat
  3. Gajra
  4. Maidan

Explanation

The syahi is the black central patch on the dayan, built up from layered paste; it adds weight and produces the drum's pitched tone. The chat is the outer edge, the gajra is the braided rim, and the maidan is the plain membrane between syahi and chat.

Question 2Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

How many matras are there in one complete avartan of Teental?

  1. 12
  2. 10
  3. 14
  4. 16 Correct answer.

Explanation

Teental contains 16 matras arranged in four vibhags of four matras each. Its sam falls on the first matra, and the cycle is completed after the sixteenth matra.

Question 3Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which hand is normally used to play the bayan in Hindustani tabla playing?

  1. Either hand
  2. Left hand Correct answer.
  3. Both hands together
  4. Right hand

Explanation

The bayan is placed on the left and played with the left hand, while the dayan is played with the right. Left-hand strokes on the bayan produce the bass bols such as Ge and Ghe.

Question 4Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

The bol 'Dha' is produced by combining which pair of strokes?

  1. Kat and Ghe
  2. Na and Ke
  3. Na and Ge Correct answer.
  4. Tin and Ge

Explanation

Dha is a composite bol: Na is played on the dayan and Ge on the bayan, and the two strokes sound together as Dha. Tin with Ge gives Dhin, not Dha.

Question 5Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which small wooden block is placed under the dori of a tabla to adjust its tension?

  1. Bund
  2. Gudri
  3. Gatta Correct answer.
  4. Chanti

Explanation

The gatta is a small wooden block held under the dori; moving or tapping it changes the tension and therefore the pitch. The chanti is the tuning hammer used to strike the gatta.

Question 6Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which practice best protects a tabla after a practice session?

  1. Wipe the heads with a soft dry cloth and store the instrument in its case Correct answer.
  2. Wash the drumheads with water and dry them in sunlight
  3. Apply oil to the syahi to keep it soft
  4. Loosen every dori completely before keeping it away

Explanation

A soft dry cloth removes dust and hand moisture without soaking the skin, and a case protects the instrument from knocks and damp. Water, oil and complete loosening can damage the heads or disturb tuning stability.

Question 7Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

In tabla notation, what does the term 'sam' denote?

  1. The first matra of an avartan and its main point of resolution Correct answer.
  2. The final matra that closes the tala cycle
  3. The clap that marks the khali section
  4. A bass stroke played only on the bayan

Explanation

Sam is the first matra of an avartan and acts as the main point of resolution in a tala cycle. In notation it is marked with a plus or cross, while khali is shown by a zero.

Question 8Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

How are the vibhags of Jhaptal arranged?

  1. Four vibhags: 2+3+2+3 Correct answer.
  2. Four vibhags: 2+2+3+3
  3. Three vibhags: 2+3+5
  4. Four vibhags: 3+2+3+2

Explanation

Jhaptal has 10 matras arranged in four vibhags of 2, 3, 2 and 3. Its tali fall on matras 1, 3 and 8, while khali falls on matra 6.

Question 9Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

In Rupak tala, which matra carries the khali?

  1. Matra 6
  2. Matra 7
  3. Matra 1 Correct answer.
  4. Matra 4

Explanation

Rupak tala has seven matras and begins with khali on its sam, matra 1. Its two tali are on matras 4 and 6, which is why the opening of the cycle is shown with the khali symbol.

Question 10Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Why is the syahi on a bayan placed off-centre rather than exactly in the middle?

  1. To mark the position of sam in written notation
  2. To raise the bayan's pitch above that of the dayan
  3. To let left-hand pressure change the pitch and produce glide Correct answer.
  4. To keep the dori from touching the playing skin

Explanation

The syahi on a bayan is placed off-centre so that a larger plain area remains available for the left hand. Pressing and sliding the hand there changes the skin tension and produces bass pitch changes and glide.

Question 11Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which material is traditionally used to make the shell of a bayan?

  1. Cane
  2. Sheesham wood
  3. Bamboo
  4. Copper Correct answer.

Explanation

The bayan is normally a metal drum, and copper and brass are the common traditional shell materials. The dayan is the wooden drum, usually made from sheesham or a similar hardwood. Bamboo and cane are not standard shell materials for the bayan.

Question 12Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which bol is the open, resonant bass stroke played on the bayan?

  1. Ge Correct answer.
  2. Na
  3. Ta
  4. Tin

Explanation

Ge, also written Ghe, is produced by striking the open maidan of the bayan with a relaxed hand so that a deep resonant bass is heard. Na, Ta, and Tin are dayan strokes and do not name the bayan's open bass.

Question 13Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which term denotes a slow tempo in Hindustani music?

  1. Vilambit Correct answer.
  2. Drut
  3. Madhya
  4. Laya

Explanation

Vilambit laya is the slow tempo used for extended development and compositions. Drut is fast tempo, madhya is medium tempo, and laya is the general term for tempo.

Question 14Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

In the notation system commonly used for tabla, which symbol marks a khali beat?

  1. 0 Correct answer.
  2. 3
  3. x
  4. 2

Explanation

Khali is marked with the symbol 0, often read as zero or an empty circle, while x marks sam and numbers mark the tali beats. This convention helps a player see at a glance which beats are empty.

Question 15Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

What does the term 'theka' mean in tabla?

  1. A wooden wedge used for tuning
  2. A cushion placed under the drum
  3. The standard bol pattern of a tala Correct answer.
  4. A fast solo improvisation

Explanation

The theka is the basic, repeating bol pattern that identifies a tala and is used to accompany a composition. It is not improvisation, a tuning wedge, or a drum cushion.

Question 16Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

A dayan begins to sound flat and loses pitch after several weeks of playing. Which action is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Leave it in direct sunlight all day
  2. Scrape the syahi with a sharp knife
  3. Apply water evenly to the syahi
  4. Adjust the dori tension evenly Correct answer.

Explanation

A dayan that gradually loses pitch usually needs its tension corrected; adjusting the dori evenly restores the head tension. Water, sunlight, and scraping damage the pudi or syahi and are not tuning remedies.

Question 17Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which term denotes the outer playing rim of a tabla pudi?

  1. Kinar Correct answer.
  2. Maidan
  3. Syahi
  4. Dori

Explanation

Kinar is the outer rim or edge of the head, where strokes such as Na are often played. Syahi is the black central patch, maidan is the open membrane area, and dori is the lacing.

Question 18Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

What is a vibhag in tala?

  1. A group of matras forming a section Correct answer.
  2. The speed at which a composition is played
  3. A single stroke played on the bayan
  4. The black patch at the head's centre

Explanation

A vibhag is a section of a tala made up of a group of matras, and its arrangement is shown in notation. A single stroke is a bol, the black patch is the syahi, and speed is laya.

Question 19Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

A wooden tabla shell is repeatedly exposed to damp air and then to direct sunlight. Which damage is most likely?

  1. The maidan becomes thicker
  2. The syahi becomes brighter
  3. The shell warps or cracks Correct answer.
  4. The dori becomes permanently tighter

Explanation

Wood expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts as it dries, so repeated damp-and-dry cycles can warp or crack the shell. Syahi, dori, and maidan are not improved or thickened by this treatment.

Question 20Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

A tabla is kept for several days in a damp, humid room. What is the most likely immediate effect on the pudi?

  1. Pitch rises and tone turns sharp
  2. Syahi hardens and pitch rises
  3. Dori shrinks and pitch rises
  4. Pitch falls and tone turns dull Correct answer.

Explanation

The pudi is a skin membrane and absorbs moisture from damp air; this relaxes it, so the pitch falls and the sound becomes dull. Dry conditions or tightening have the opposite effect, while syahi hardening or dori shrinkage are not the immediate result of humidity.

Question 21Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which material is traditionally used for the main playing membrane (pudi) of a tabla?

  1. Sheet metal
  2. Goat skin Correct answer.
  3. Vulcanised rubber
  4. Woven cotton

Explanation

The pudi is a composite drumhead made by stretching a goat-skin membrane over the shell and applying syahi at its centre. Goat skin gives the flexibility, elasticity and tonal response needed for tabla strokes, whereas metal, rubber and cotton cannot produce the traditional sound.

Question 22Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

What is the main function of the dori that runs around a tabla?

  1. To hold the pudi and adjust tension Correct answer.
  2. To mark khali beats in notation
  3. To protect the syahi from stick marks
  4. To store the tuning hammer safely

Explanation

The dori is the leather lacing threaded through the pudi edge and the wooden shell. Tightening or loosening it changes the tension of the pudi and therefore the pitch of the drum.

Question 23Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which bol is an open, resonant stroke played on the dayan?

  1. Ka
  2. Ge
  3. Na Correct answer.
  4. Kat

Explanation

Na is an open stroke on the dayan that allows the skin to ring freely. Kat and Ka are closed strokes, while Ge belongs to the bayan rather than the dayan.

Question 24Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

In Teental, which matra is marked as khali?

  1. Matra 13
  2. Matra 5
  3. Matra 1
  4. Matra 9 Correct answer.

Explanation

Teental has sixteen matras arranged in four vibhags of four. Sam falls on matra 1, tali on matras 1, 5 and 13, and khali on matra 9 at the start of the third vibhag.

Question 25Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Which part of the dayan pudi lies between the syahi and the kinar?

  1. Maidan Correct answer.
  2. Dori
  3. Gatta
  4. Syahi

Explanation

The pudi has three main playing zones: the syahi at the centre, the kinar at the outer rim, and the maidan in between. The maidan is the plain skin area used for open strokes.

Question 26Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

What is the most likely consequence of tightening a tabla's dori far beyond normal playing tension?

  1. The khali beats become tali automatically
  2. The bayan becomes easier to tune
  3. The shell or pudi may crack as pitch rises Correct answer.
  4. The syahi turns permanently white

Explanation

Over-tightening raises the pitch sharply and places excessive stress on the wooden shell and the pudi. This can crack the shell, tear the skin or distort the syahi, so tension should be increased gradually.

Question 27Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

A small piece of the syahi on a dayan begins to flake at the edge. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Loosen the dori completely and play the bayan instead
  2. Apply fresh syahi paste over the entire pudi at home
  3. Continue playing and ignore the flaking permanently
  4. Have the pudi repaired by an experienced maker Correct answer.

Explanation

Syahi is a carefully applied paste that controls the drum's tone and overtones. Amateur patching can spoil the tuning and balance, so flaking syahi should be assessed by an experienced tabla maker, who may rehead or repair the pudi.

Question 28Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

In tabla accompaniment, what does a khali beat signal to the other musicians?

  1. The player must stop for a full avartan
  2. The sam shifts to the following matra
  3. The tempo must be doubled for one cycle
  4. The bayan is normally omitted or muted Correct answer.

Explanation

Khali means an empty beat: the bayan is usually not played, or is muted, so the beat is marked without its bass resonance. This helps performers and listeners identify the shape of the tala cycle.

Question 29Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

When a player presses the heel of the hand into the bayan's syahi, the pitch rises. Which explanation is most accurate?

  1. Pressure makes the syahi absorb extra paste
  2. Pressure raises membrane tension and pitch Correct answer.
  3. Pressure changes the bol from Ge to Dha
  4. Pressure loosens the dori and shortens the stroke

Explanation

The bayan is tuned by varying the pressure of the hand on the syahi. Pressing increases the tension of the membrane, which raises its resonant frequency and produces the characteristic pitch glide.

Question 30Fundamentals of Tabla and Instrument Care

Tightening one side of a dayan's dori more than the other makes the pitch uneven across the pudi. What does this indicate?

  1. The pudi tension is uneven and needs gradual balancing Correct answer.
  2. The syahi has absorbed moisture and must be replaced
  3. The tabla should be played only on khali beats until it settles
  4. The bayan must always be tuned before the dayan

Explanation

The dori distributes tension around the pudi, so unequal tightening produces uneven skin tension and inconsistent pitch. The remedy is to make small, gradual adjustments around opposite sides of the lacing until the tension is balanced.

Question 31Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

In tabla theory the movement of bols is classified into four varnas. Three of them are Sthai, Arohi and Avarohi. Which one completes the set?

  1. Palta
  2. Peshkar
  3. Sanchari Correct answer.
  4. Rela

Explanation

Tabla theory groups the movement of bols into four varnas: Sthai stays fixed, Arohi ascends, Avarohi descends, and Sanchari mixes these movements. The fourth member of the group is therefore Sanchari.

Question 32Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which term in tabla vocabulary literally denotes the spoken syllables such as Dha, Dhin and Tirakita that a player recites before playing them?

  1. Varna
  2. Bol Correct answer.
  3. Kayda
  4. Lay

Explanation

Bol means 'word' or 'speech'. A tabla player recites the mnemonic syllables Dha, Dhin, Tirakita and so on aloud or silently, and these recited syllables are what the term bol refers to.

Question 33Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which of these bols is produced on the bayan, the left-hand bass drum of the tabla pair?

  1. Tin
  2. Ta
  3. Na
  4. Ge Correct answer.

Explanation

The tabla pair has a treble dayan on the right and a bass bayan on the left. Ge and Ghe are bayan strokes giving a low resonant sound, while Tin, Ta and Na are dayan strokes.

Question 34Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

The single bol Dha is produced by sounding which two strokes together?

  1. Ge with Na Correct answer.
  2. Ge with Tin
  3. Ka with Ta
  4. Ti with Ra

Explanation

Dha is a composite bol in which the bayan stroke Ge and the dayan stroke Na are struck together and heard as one syllable. By the same logic, Dhin combines Ge with Tin.

Question 35Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which tabla composition takes its name from the Arabic word qaida, meaning 'rule' or 'base', and serves as a theme of bols on which variations are built?

  1. Chakradar
  2. Mukhda
  3. Peshkar
  4. Kayda Correct answer.

Explanation

Kayda is derived from the Arabic qaida, meaning rule or base. It is a theme of bols set in a tala, and the player develops it through paltas before closing with a tihai.

Question 36Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

The peshkar, played before the kayda at the start of a tabla solo, is most closely associated with which gharana?

  1. Punjab
  2. Benaras
  3. Ajrada
  4. Delhi Correct answer.

Explanation

Peshkar comes from the Persian pesh, meaning before, and is the opening composition performed ahead of the kayda. It is a hallmark of the Delhi gharana, whose players are especially known for it.

Question 37Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

A player keeps the bols of a kayda but reorders and regroups them into new variations while the tala stays intact. What is each such variation called?

  1. Palta Correct answer.
  2. Uthan
  3. Rela
  4. Tihai

Explanation

Palta means turn or return. Once the kayda theme is fixed, the player permutes its bols, changing their order and grouping without leaving the tala, and every such variation is a palta.

Question 38Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

A passage of bols is played three times so that its final stroke falls exactly on sam. What is this passage called?

  1. Mukhda
  2. Tihai Correct answer.
  3. Palta
  4. Peshkar

Explanation

A tihai is defined by threefold repetition of a phrase arranged so that the last stroke coincides with sam, the first matra of the cycle. The repetition, not the length of the phrase, is what makes it a tihai.

Question 39Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which set consists only of bols that are played on the dayan, the right-hand drum?

  1. Tin, Ta, Na, Ti Correct answer.
  2. Ge, Ghe, Ka, Dha
  3. Dha, Dhin, Ge, Ghe
  4. Ka, Kata, Ghe, Dha

Explanation

Tin, Ta, Na and Ti are all dayan strokes, producing ringing or crisp sounds on the right-hand drum. Ge and Ghe belong to the bayan, while Dha and Dhin need both hands at once.

Question 40Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which description best characterises a rela?

  1. A fast, flowing stream of bols built largely from Dha and Tirakita in one uniform tempo Correct answer.
  2. A slow composition in which every bol is sustained for a full matra before the next stroke
  3. A short opening piece of the Benaras gharana that ends on the first matra of the cycle
  4. A passage in which one phrase is repeated three times so that its last stroke falls on sam

Explanation

Rela means stream or flow. It is a fast, unbroken run of bols, largely Dha and Tirakita, kept at a single uniform tempo, and it is a form especially cultivated by the Punjab gharana.

Question 41Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which bol is a dayan-only stroke commonly used for khali passages in a theka?

  1. Ghe
  2. Tin Correct answer.
  3. Dha
  4. Dhin

Explanation

Tin is a dayan-only stroke used in khali passages, where the bayan is deliberately kept silent. Dha and Dhin are both-drum bols, while Ghe belongs to the bayan, so they cannot serve as the dayan-only khali stroke.

Question 42Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which term denotes the basic, repeating bol pattern through which a tala is maintained on tabla?

  1. Paran
  2. Laggi
  3. Gat
  4. Theka Correct answer.

Explanation

Theka is the conventional cycle of bols that establishes and maintains a tala, such as the familiar Teental theka. It is repeated as accompaniment, while gat, paran and laggi are distinct compositional forms.

Question 43Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

What is the name of the first beat of a tala cycle, on which compositions are usually resolved?

  1. Sam Correct answer.
  2. Khali
  3. Tali
  4. Vibhag

Explanation

Sam is the first and climactic beat of an avartan, and tabla compositions are typically designed to land there. Tali is a clap point, khali is a wave point, and vibhag is a division of the cycle.

Question 44Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

In a kayda, which term refers to the full, resonant section in which bayan bols are included?

  1. Palta
  2. Bhari Correct answer.
  3. Tihai
  4. Khali

Explanation

Bhari means full and denotes the kayda passages that use bayan strokes, giving a resonant sound. Its contrast is khali, where the bayan is omitted and the texture becomes lighter.

Question 45Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which bayan bol is a closed, muted stroke produced by pressing the heel of the hand into the drumhead?

  1. Tin
  2. Dha
  3. Ghe
  4. Ka Correct answer.

Explanation

Ka is a closed bayan stroke made by pressing the hand into the head, producing a short muted sound. Ghe is the open resonant bayan stroke, while Dha and Tin involve the dayan.

Question 46Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which composition is adapted from pakhawaj repertoire and is often played on tabla in Chautal with a stately, fixed character?

  1. Laggi
  2. Kayda
  3. Peshkar
  4. Paran Correct answer.

Explanation

Paran is a fixed composition borrowed from pakhawaj tradition, frequently set in Chautal and played with weight and dignity. Laggi is light and fast, kayda is a theme for variation, and peshkar is an opening exploratory form.

Question 47Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which term denotes a light, fast composition usually played in Dadra or Kaharwa to accompany dance or light music?

  1. Kayda
  2. Laggi Correct answer.
  3. Peshkar
  4. Paran

Explanation

Laggi is a light rhythmic composition associated with Dadra and Kaharwa and often used for dance or light accompaniment. Kayda and peshkar belong to classical solo expansion, while paran has a heavier pakhawaj-derived character.

Question 48Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which short fixed composition is played to arrive on sam and often serves as a prelude or interlude in a tabla solo?

  1. Theka
  2. Varna
  3. Mohra Correct answer.
  4. Palta

Explanation

Mohra is a short fixed composition that resolves on sam and is often inserted before or between larger items in a solo. It differs from theka, which accompanies a tala, and from palta, which permutes a kayda's bols.

Question 49Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which term describes a tihai whose three repetitions are separated by clear pauses?

  1. Bedam tihai
  2. Chakradar tihai
  3. Tipalli
  4. Damdar tihai Correct answer.

Explanation

Damdar tihai is a tihai with pauses between its three phrases, so dam refers to the gap. Bedam tihai runs without such pauses, while chakradar and tipalli describe other structural arrangements of tihai material.

Question 50Technical Terminology and Bols (Varna, Bol, Kayda vocabulary)

Which term refers to the gradual, systematic expansion of a kayda's bols into larger rhythmic groupings?

  1. Laggi
  2. Vistaar Correct answer.
  3. Chakradar
  4. Theka

Explanation

Vistaar is the systematic expansion of a kayda theme, often by enlarging the rhythmic groupings while preserving the bol material. It is distinct from theka accompaniment, chakradar tihai construction, and the light laggi form.