Project File: Draw & Label One Percussion Instrument MCQs Quiz | Class 10

This quiz covers Class X Hindustani Music Percussion Instruments (Code 036), focusing on the Internal Assessment unit’s topic: Project File: Draw & Label One Percussion Instrument. It specifically tests your knowledge on instrument diagrams and labeling. Answer all 10 multiple-choice questions and submit to see your score. Don’t forget to download your personalized answer PDF!

Understanding Hindustani Percussion Instruments: Tabla and Pakhawaj

This section provides an in-depth look into two of the most significant percussion instruments in Hindustani classical music: the Tabla and the Pakhawaj. Understanding their construction and parts is crucial for students of Indian music.

The Tabla: Structure and Components

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums originating from the Indian subcontinent, central to Hindustani classical music. It consists of two drums:

  1. Dayan (Right Drum) or Tabla: This is the smaller, higher-pitched drum, typically made of wood. It is played with the dominant hand.
  2. Bayan (Left Drum) or Dagga: This is the larger, bass-pitched drum, usually made of metal (copper, brass, or clay). It is played with the non-dominant hand and produces a deep resonance.

Key Labeled Parts of the Tabla:

  • Puri (Drumhead): The playing surface, made of multiple layers of goat or buffalo skin.
  • Syahi (Ink Paste): The central black spot on the Puri, made from iron filings, rice paste, and other ingredients. It is crucial for producing the distinct ringing and sustained tones.
  • Maidan (Field): The area of the Puri around the Syahi.
  • Kinara (Rim): The outermost edge of the Puri, where the skin meets the wooden or metal shell.
  • Gatta (Wooden Blocks): Cylindrical wooden blocks placed under the leather straps. They are used to fine-tune the pitch of the drums by sliding them up or down.
  • Baddi (Straps): Thick leather straps that connect the Puri to the bottom ring (Gudri), providing tension and holding the drumhead in place.
  • Gudri (Bottom Ring): The ring at the bottom of the drum to which the Baddi are tied.

The Pakhawaj: A Horizontal Drum

The Pakhawaj, also known as Mridang, is an ancient barrel-shaped percussion instrument with two heads, played horizontally. It predates the Tabla and is primarily used to accompany Dhrupad music, classical dance, and various devotional music forms.

Key Labeled Parts of the Pakhawaj:

  • Body (Khol): The central wooden barrel, typically made from a single block of wood (e.g., Shisham, Vijaysar).
  • Right Face: The smaller, higher-pitched drumhead. It features a permanent Syahi similar to the Tabla.
  • Left Face: The larger, bass-pitched drumhead. This face does not have a permanent Syahi. Instead, a temporary application of Atta (flour dough) is applied before playing to lower its pitch and enhance its bass resonance. This dough is removed after each playing session.
  • Baddi (Straps): Leather straps that run along the length of the body, connecting the two drumheads and providing tension.
  • Gudri (Bottom Rings): Rings at both ends where the straps are secured.

Quick Revision Points:

  • Tabla: Pair of drums (Dayan/Bayan), vertical playing, permanent Syahi on both.
  • Pakhawaj: Single barrel-shaped drum, horizontal playing, permanent Syahi on right face, temporary Atta on left face.
  • Syahi: Black paste for specific tonal quality.
  • Gatta: Wooden blocks for pitch adjustment on Tabla.
  • Atta: Flour dough for bass enhancement on Pakhawaj’s left face.
  • Puri: The skin drumhead.
  • Kinara: The rim of the drumhead.

Practice Questions:

  1. What is the main difference in playing position between a Tabla and a Pakhawaj?
  2. Name two instruments where ‘Syahi’ is a key component for sound production.
  3. Why are ‘Gatta’ important for the Tabla?
  4. Describe the function of ‘Atta’ on the Pakhawaj’s left face.
  5. Which part of the Tabla is responsible for producing the highest pitch?