Instrument Structure & Parts (Any One Prescribed) MCQs Quiz | Class 9

Test your knowledge on the structure and parts of the Tabla for Class IX, Hindustani Music Percussion Instruments (Code 036), Unit 2. This quiz covers the prescribed topics regarding the detailed anatomy of the instrument. Submit your answers to view the result and download the PDF answer sheet.

Overview: Structure of the Tabla

The Tabla is the most popular percussion instrument in Hindustani Classical Music. It consists of a pair of drums: the Dayan (right drum) and the Bayan (left drum). Understanding the structure and parts of these drums is essential for any percussion student.

1. The Dayan (Right Drum)

The Dayan is smaller in size, made of wood (usually Shisham, Khair, or Neem), and is tuned to a specific pitch. It is played primarily with the fingers of the right hand.

  • Lakadi (Shell): The hollow wooden body that acts as a resonator.
  • Puri (Head): The multi-layered skin covering the top. It is made of goat skin.
  • Syahi (Gab): The black circular spot in the center made of iron filings, soot, and gum. It gives the drum its distinct tonal quality and resonance.
  • Kinar (Chati): The outer ring of the puri. Strokes like ‘Na’ and ‘Ta’ are played here.
  • Maidan (Lav/Sur): The middle area between the Syahi and the Kinar.
  • Gajar (Braid): The woven leather braid at the edge of the puri that holds the skin layers together.
  • Baddhi (Strap): The long leather strap that laces through the Gajar and the Gudri to tighten the puri on the shell.
  • Gatta (Wooden Blocks): Cylindrical wooden blocks placed between the Baddhi and the shell. Moving them up or down adjusts the tension and pitch. Typically, there are 8 Gattas.
  • Gudri: The woven ring at the bottom of the drum that holds the Baddhi loops.

2. The Bayan (Left Drum)

The Bayan is larger, bass-heavy, and usually made of metal (copper, brass) or terracotta (clay). It provides the bass accompaniment.

  • Shell: Often metal or clay, hemispherical in shape.
  • Syahi: Located eccentrically (off-center) on the Bayan to allow for modulation of sound using the wrist/palm.
  • Absence of Gattas: Most modern Bayans do not use wooden Gattas; tension is maintained by the Baddhi or metal rings/tuning pegs in modern versions.

Quick Summary Table

Part Name Description Function
Syahi Black paste center Resonance & Pitch clarity
Kinar Outer rim skin High-pitched sharp tones
Gatta Wooden dowels Gross tuning (adjusting tension)
Baddhi Leather strap Holds puri tight to shell

Extra Practice Questions

  • Q1: Which material is traditionally used for the Puri (skin) of the Tabla? (Answer: Goat skin)
  • Q2: Why is the Syahi placed off-center on the Bayan? (Answer: To facilitate sliding bass modulation)
  • Q3: What is the circular bottom ring made of leather called? (Answer: Gudri)
  • Q4: Which part is struck to produce the sound ‘Tin’? (Answer: Maidan/Sur)
  • Q5: How many layers of skin does a typical Tabla puri have at the rim? (Answer: Three – Kinar, Maidan layer, and the base layer)