(A) CARNATIC (PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTAL)

MRIDANGAM (CODE NO. 033)

CLASS–XI (THEORY)

One Theory Total Marks: 100

2 Hours
Marks: 30

Theory:

A. History and Theory of Indian Music

1. (a) An outline knowledge of following Lakshana Granthas with special reference to laya
and percussion in Silappadikaram, Natya Sastra, Tala Deepikai, Brihaddesi, Sangita,
Sampradaya Pradarshini.

(b) Short life sketch and contributions of the following: Patnam Subramany Iyer, Poochi
(Ramnad) Srinivas Iyenger, Swati Tirunal, Dikshitar and Syama Sastry, Tyagaraja.

(c) Unique contribution of the following luminaries: Narayana Swamy Appa, Mamunidiya
Pillai, Dakshinamurti Pillai and Alagunambi Pillai.

2. Definition and explanation of the following: Nada, Sruti, Svara, Laya, Raga, Tala, Jati,
Gati, Suladi Sapta Talas, Karani, Vettu Thattu, Hechchu, Taggu, Mohra, Korvai, Meettu,
Chapu and Arachapu.

3. The candidates should be able to write in notation of the percussion korvais in Adi and
Rupaka talas.

4. Knowledge of construction of the chosen playing percussion instrument.

5. Basic knowledge of the construction and techniques of Mridangam. The candidate

should also be able to describe the Kanjira, Tavil, and Ghatam.

6. Tattakarams (or Konnakkol) of the talas learnt.

 CLASS–XI (PRACTICAL

One Practical Paper Marks: 70

B. Practical Activities

1. Ability to play the following talas with elaboration. Adi and Rupakam Talas covering
atleast two Nadais.

2. Thekas and Mohras in different talas with Teermanam and Korvais.

3. Tuning of the instrument.

4. Ability to render orally the sollukattus of the various patterns in Adi, Rupaka and Chapu
Talas.
 (A) CARNATIC (PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTAL)
MRIDANGAM (CODE NO. 033)
CLASS–XII(THEORY)

One Theory Total Marks: 100

2 Hours
Marks: 30

Theory:

A. History and Theory of Indian Music

1. (a) An outline knowledge of following Lakshana Granthas with special reference to

Tala and percussion in Chaturdandi Prakashika, Sangita Ratnakara, Ragavibhodha,
Svaramela Kalanidhi

b) Short life sketch and contributions of the following luminaries: Needamangalam

Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, Tanjore Vaidyanatha Iyer, Palghat Mani Iyer, Umaiyalpuram
Kodanda Ramaiyer, Pudukkottai Swaminatha Pillai, Palani Subramania Pillai, Vilvadri
Iyer.

(c) Study of the musical forms, Pallavi, Sollukattu, Tillana, Padam and Javali

2. Definition and explanation of the following: Padagarbham, Arudi, Eduppu, Gati-bheda,

Anuloma, Pratiloma, Tisram, Trikalam, Theka, 108 Talas, Shadangas, Tiruppugazh
Talas, TalaVadya ensemble.

3. The candidates should have an outline knowledge of the classification of Percussion

instruments in general and a brief history of the instrument opted for.

4. Technical Terms: Vilamba, Madhya, Druta, Atitam, Anagatam, Pharan, Kalapramanam,

Ghumki, Konnakkol, Choru, Varu, Toppi

5. The candidate should possess knowledge of the fundamental structure, technique and
playing of other percussion instruments like Morsing, Tabla, Chenda, Edakka and Gettu
Vadyam.
 CLASS–XII (PRACTICAL)

One Practical Paper Marks: 70

B. Practical Activities

1. Ability to construct Mohra and Korvai to Khanda jati Ataalam and Triputa tala.

2. An exhibition of accompanying ability.

3. Demonstration of the various types and usages of Gumki.

4. Ability to play Tani Avartanam in Misra and Khanda Chapu Talas and Khanda Triputa
Tala.

C. Project Work Marks: 10

Guidelines:

Minimum four reports and maximum ten reports have to be submitted. Best four will be
considered for evaluation.

1. Must attend and report live concerts (both Vocal and Instrumental).

2. Details of the organization (i.e., notices informing the concert has to be included in the
project).

3. Items presented in order.

4. Details of each item presented (whether creative or Manodharma aspects included).

5. Audience response and duration of each item.

6. Details about the item in which Tani avartanam was played.

7. Photographs of the live concert. (If possible).

Note: In absence of live classical concerts, students can make report on Devotional Bhajans,
T.V. live shows, etc.
 CARNATIC MUSIC (PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTAL)

MRIDANGAM PRACTICAL

GUIDELINES TO THE EXAMINERS FOR EVALUATION OF PRACTICAL

CLASS–XII

One Practical Paper Marks:70

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes per candidate

General Instructions:

1. Just before starting the test, the students should be asked to submit a list of what they
have been taught from the course.

2. Examiners are required to ask questions which are directly related to the syllabus.

3. Marks should be given in accordance with the marking scheme.

Distribution of Marks:

S.No Value Points Marks

1. Tuning of the instrument and questions regarding instrument 07

2. Taniavartanam of choice Tala 10

3. Tala of Examiner’s choice 10

4. Reciting the sollukattu with tala 08

5. Accompanying techniques for Vocal Music and Instrumental Music 10

6. Accompanying techniques for Trikalam in pallavi singing 10

7. Questions regarding laya and tala 05

8. Project work 10

TOTAL 70
Project Work Guidelines:

Minimum four reports and maximum ten reports have to be submitted. Best four will be
considered for evaluation.

1. Must attend and report live concerts (both Vocal and Instrumental).

2. Details of the organization (i.e., notices informing the concert has to be included in the
project).

3. Items presented in order.

4. Details of each item presented (whether creative or Manodharma aspects included).

5. Audience response and duration of each item.

6. Details about the item in which Tani avartanam was played.

7. Photographs of the live concert. (If possible)

Note: In absence of live classical concerts, students can make report on Devotional Bhajans,
T.V. live shows, etc.

Total Marks: 70

List of topics for the guidance of the examiners

1. The student should be asked to tune the instrument to a particular pitch. He/she may be
asked about the structure and parts of the instrument: problems faced in maintaining the
instrument in good condition during change of weather.

2. Choice Tala: The student should be asked to play full-fledged tani avartanam in a tala of
his/her choice.

3. Tala of Examiner’s choice: The student should be asked to play tani avartanam to one or
two talas of the examiner’s choice not necessarily the whole course of the tani
avartanam but only selected phrases.

4. The candidate may be asked to recite Mohra, Korvai, Tirmanam for different talas learnt.

5. The candidate should be asked to accompany vocal music, instrumental music or both.
The music may be provided either by the examiners themselves or by an artist
specifically engaged for the purpose.

6. Questions like (a) differentiation between laya and tala, (b) various Angas of the talas,
(c) explanation of technical terms like Thekka, Pharan, Gumki, Meettu, Chappu, etc.