CBSE Class 9 Syllabus 2026 Carnatic Music

FOR CBSE CLASS 9 SYLLABUS EXAM PREPARATION

CBSE Class 9 Syllabus
2026
Question Paper
EXAM YEAR TYPE DETAILS

CBSE Class 9 Syllabus 2026 Question Paper Carnatic Music

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

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CARNATIC MUSIC - VOCAL
Subject Code - 031
Class IX-X (2025-26)

Introduction
The course in Carnatic Melodic Instruments at Secondary and Senior Secondary level, is
being offered for the students, who develop an aptitude and creative ability in the art of
playing melodic instruments and carry forward their capabilities in music through
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education. The syllabus offered in this course envisages the holistic development of the
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students by introducing to them, the intangible values and rich cultural heritage of our
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country, which have been in coexistence with music and art forms practiced through
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ages. The ethos and philosophical concepts that are mirrored in the ancient system of
Indian music, can be appreciated by the students who learn this course. Along with the ag
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intricacies of music, this course induces a historical consciousness among the students
who wish to pursue higher studies in Music. To some extent this course may even be
considered as a stepping stone to vocational studies

Objectives
● To introduce to students, an understanding of certain principles related to the
origin and development of Indian music through ages and to familiarize students
with the rich history and diversity of Carnatic music.
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● To not only introduce a vital aspect of Indian culture but also develop skills and
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qualities that benefit overall growth and personality development.
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● To inculcate curiosity about the formation of grama, moorchana, jaati, and further
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development to the raga system and intricate tala system etc.

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● Music is very closely associated with many Science and Arts disciplines. One of
the objectives is to make the students focus on the interdisciplinary approaches in
various musical concepts.
● To develop an aptitude for singing and groominf the students to become
professional singers.
● To motivate students to take up music as a career as well as to open avenues for
different careers in related fields.

Learning Outcomes
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By learning this course, students;
● Will be able to understand the concepts of Carnatic Music
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e m ● Will be able to understand the ragas and talas in Carnatic music
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● Will be able to learn raga delineation and other creative aspects of Carnatic music

ag ● Will be able to assimilate musical concepts with other disciplines
● Will be able to develop a scientific approach in all aspects through the systematic
training opportunities offered during teaching – learning process
● Will be able to appreciate music as a career oriented subject

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Page 1 of 14

CARNATIC MUSIC - VOCAL
Subject Code – 031
Class IX (2025-26)

Assessment Design

S.No Component Marks

A Theory 30

B Practical 50

C Internal Assessment 20

Curriculum & Examination Structure
(A) Theory Max. Marks: 30
Time: 2 Hours

S.No. Topics

1. Brief history of Carnatic Music with special reference to Saint Purandara
dasa, Annamacharya, Bhadrachala Ramadasa, Saint Tyagaraja,
Muthusamy Dikshitar, Syama Sastry and Swati Tirunal.
2. Definition of the following terms:

Sangeetam, Nada, raga, laya, Tala, Dhatu, Matu, Shruti, Alankara,
Arohana, Avarohana, Graha (Sama, Atita, Anagata), Swara –
Prakruti & Vikriti Swaras, Poorvanga, Uttaranga, Sthayi,vadi,
Samvadi, Anuvadi & VivadiSwara–Amsa, Nyasa and Jeeva.
3. Brief raga lakshanas of Mohanam, Hamsadhvani,
Malahari, Sankarabharanam, Mayamalavagoula, Bilahari, khamas,
Kharaharapriya, Abhogi & Hindolam.
4. Brief knowledge about the musical forms.Geetam, Swarajati, Swara
Exercises, Alankaras, Varnam,Kirtana .
5. Description of following Talas: Adi – Single, Roopakam, Chapu –
Mishra & Khanda and Sooladi Sapta Talas.
6. Notation of Gitams in Roopaka and Triputa Tala

2

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(B) Practical Max. Marks 50

S.No. Topics

1. Vocal exercises – Swaravalis, Hecchyu and Taggu Sthayi, three degrees of
speed. Sapta tala Alankara in only one speed. Other two speeds are
deleted.
2. Simple Geetams – Two Pillari Gitams, two Sadharana Geetams or
Sanchari Geetams.
3. Simple Swarajatiy in Khamas and Bilahari raga.
4. Four Adi tala Varnams in two degrees of speed.
5. 5 Keertanas in the ragas prescribed.
6. Swarajnanam test in the prescribed ragas and learntcompositions.

7. Singing of one Devarnama, one Patriotic song.

*Teachers will refer to the distribution of marks while examine the candidate for
practical examination.

(C) Internal Assessment Max. Marks 20

1. Project- File (05 Marks)
 Writing in notation the musical compositions of all Ragas prescribed in the
syllabus Identifying the Tala of Musical compositions.
 Drawing and labelling the various parts of Tanpura.
 Identifying and interviewing neighborhood Artists.

2. Project (05 Marks)
Suggestive Topics* Interrelationship of the following:
 Music and Physics (Sound- Frequency, vibration, pitch, intensity, timbre)
 Music and Mathematics (Mathematical Calculation of laya.
 Music and History (Development of Music during the medieval period.
 Music and Geography (Development of Music in varied cultural zones e.g. songs,
instruments in mountainous or hilly areas)
 Music and languages- Dialects in folk Music.
*Students may choose any one of the above topic for project in consultation with
the teacher.

3. Periodic Practical Test, restricted to three in an academic year. (10 Marks)
Average of best two tests to be taken for final marks submission. Each test will
examine a candidate for one Raga from the syllabus, one Devotional song / Folk
song and two Talas.
3

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CARNATIC MUSIC - VOCAL
Subject Code - 031
Class X (2025-26)
Assessment Design

S.No Component Marks
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Theory 30
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Practical 50
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Curriculum & Examination Structure

(A) Theory Max. Marks: 30
Time: 2 Hours

S.No. Topics
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1. Brief knowledge of Raga classification.
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Brief knowledge of scheme of 72 Melakarta.

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Knowledge of Ragas Prescribed – Suddha Dhanyasi,Sriranjani, Suddha
Saveri, BhairaviKeeravani, Kambhoji, Ananda Bhairavi.

4. Detailed knowledge of Kriti with explanation of decorative angas, Varnams –
Tana Varnam & PadaVarnam.

5. Rudiments of notation & writings of notations of Varnamasand Geetams.
Deleted the number Varnams and Geetam in to one.

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6.
Life and contribution of the following 20th Century Composers:

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2. Papanasam Sivan

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Page 4 of 14

(B) Practical Max. Marks: 50

S.No Topics Marks
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1. Singing of Alankaras and Swara Exercise in a raga other 8
than Mayamalava Goula in three degrees of speed.

2. Rendering of at least one Varnams learnt in two degrees 10
of speed.

3. Question based on kriti. Rendition of Kriti learnt in Adi, 12
Roopak and Chapu talas. Swarajmanam test based on the
compositions learnt.
4. 8
Short bout of Kalpana Swaras in 1st speed for the
Compositions mentioned in the syllabus.

5. Any one item from Topic IV of theory syllabus. 7

6. Tuning of Tanpura 5
Total 50

* Teachers will refer to the distribution of marks while examine the candidate for
practical examination.

(C) Internal Assessment Max. Marks: 20

5

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CARNATIC MUSIC - MELODIC INSTRUMENTS
Subject Code - 032
Class IX- X (2025-26)

Introduction
The course in Carnatic Melodic Instruments at Secondary and Senior Secondary
level, is being offered for the students, who develop an aptitude and creative ability in
the art of playing melodic instruments and carry forward their capabilities in music
through education. The syllabus offered in this course envisages the holistic
development of the students by introducing to them, the intangible values and rich
cultural heritage of our country, which have been in coexistence with music and art
forms practiced through ages. The ethos and philosophical concepts that are mirrored
in the ancient system of Indian music, can be appreciated by the students who learn
this course. Along with the intricacies of music, this course induces a historical
consciousness among the students who wish to pursue higher studies in Music. To
some extent this course may even be considered as a stepping stone to vocational
studies.
Objectives
● To introduce to students, an understanding of certain principles related to the
origin and development of Indian music through ages and to familiarize
students with the rich history and diversity of Carnatic music and Melodic
instruments.
● To inculcate curiosity about the formation of grama, moorchana, jaati, and
further development to the raga system and intricate tala system etc.
● Music is very closely associated with many Science and Arts disciplines. One
of the objectives is to make the students focus on the interdisciplinary
approaches in various musical concepts.
● To develop the ability, techniques and skills of playing the instrument opted for,
thus grooming the students to become professional musicians.
● To motivate students to take up melodic instrumental music as a career as well
as to open avenues for different careers in related fields.
● To make students aware and efficient in other subjects through integrated
learning.
● Students not only learn a vital aspect of Indian culture but also develop skills
and qualities that benefit their overall growth and personality development.

Learning Outcomes
By learning this course, students:
● Will be able to understand the concepts of Melodic Instruments in Carnatic
music.
● Will be able to understand the ragas and talas in Carnatic music.
● Will be able to understand the art of playing techniques of melodic instrumental
music and other creative aspects of Carnatic music.
● Will be able to assimilate musical concepts with other disciplines.
● Will be able to develop a scientific approach in all aspects through the
systematic training opportunities offered during teaching – learning process.
● Will be able to appreciate Music as a career oriented subject.

1

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Subject Code - 032a
CARNATIC MUSIC - MELODIC INSTRUMENTS

Class IX (2025-26)

Assessment Design

S.No Component Marks

A Theory 30
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B Practical 50
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C
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Curriculum & Examination Structure

(A) Theory Max. Marks: 30
Time: 02 hours

S.No. Topics
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Brief history of Carnatic music with special reference to Saint
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Purandara Dasa, Saint Tyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Syama
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Sastry, Swati Tirunal, Annamacharya and Bhadrachala Ramadasa.

2.
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Brief lakshanas of athe following ragas: Mayamalavagoula, Kalyani,
Sankarabharanam, Hamsadhavani, Mohanam, and Suddha Dhanyasi.

3. Definitions of the following terms :
Sangeetam, Nada, Arohana, Avarohana, Shruti, Sthayi, Alankara,
Poorvanga, Uttaranga Laya - Vilamba, Madhya, Dhruta, Swara –
Suddha & Vikrita, Raga, Tala, Graha - (Sama, Atita, Anagata),Anya
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Swara.
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m .co Knowledge of Musical Forms :
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Alankaras, Geetam and Swarajati.

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Adi and Sooladi Sapta Talas

6. Notation of Gitams in Rupaka.

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(B) Practical Max. Marks: 50

S.No. Topics Marks
1. Introduction of Swara exercises and Sapta Talaalankaras in 6
two speeds.
2. Learning of 02 Pillari Geetams, 02 Sadharana Geetams/ 12
Sanchari Geetams, 01 Swarajati, 02 Adi Tala Varnams in
one speed.
3. Brief outline of Ragas: 10
Mayamalavagoula, Sankarabharanam, Hamsadhvaniand
Mohanam .
4. Basic techniques and construction of any one of the chosen 10
instrument.
a) Violin b) Veena c) Flute d) Mandolin
5. Rendering of any two of the following: 12
a) Devotional Song b) Patriotic Song c) Folk Song
Total 50
* Teachers will refer to the distribution of marks while examining the candidate for
practical examination.

(C) Internal Assessment Max. Marks: 20

1. Project- File (05 Marks)
 Writing in notation the musical compositions of all Ragas prescribed in the
syllabus.
 Identifying the Tala of Musical compositions.
 Draw and label any one instrument (Melodic).
 Identifying and interviewing neighborhood Artists.
 Knowledge about any one of the melodic Instrument artist.
2. Project (05 Marks)
Suggestive Topics* Interrelationship of the following:
 Music and Physics (Sound- Frequency, vibration, pitch, intensity, timbre)
 Music and Mathematics (Mathematical Calculation of laya.
 Music and History (Development of Music during the medieval period.
 Music and Geography (Development of Music in varied cultural zones e.g.
songs, instruments in mountainous or hilly areas)
 Music and Languages- Dialects in folk Music.
* Students may choose any one of the above topic for project in consultation with
the teacher.
3. Periodic practical Test, restricted to three in an academic year. (10 Marks)
Average of best two tests to be taken for final marks submission. Each test will
examine a candidate for one Raga from the syllabus, one Folk song or Patriotic
song.

3

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CARNATIC MUSIC - MELODIC INSTRUMENTS
Subject Code - 032
Class X (2025-26)

Assessment Design

S.No Component Marks
A Theory 30
B Practical 50
C Internal Assessment 20

Curriculum & Examination Structure
(A) Theory Max. Marks: 30
Time: 02 hours
S.No. Topics
1. Raga classification in General
2. Raga lakshanas of Suddha Saveri, Sriranjani, Kambhoji, Abhogi, Nata,
Hindolam and Hari Kambhoji
3. Writing notations of Adi tala Varna in two speeds andGitams set in
Roopaka tala.

4. An outline knowledge of 72 Melakartas
5. Detailed knowledge of musical forms Kriti, JatiSwaramand Varnam.
6. Life sketch and contribution of Lalgudi Jayaram and M.S.Gopala Krishnan,
S. Balachandar & T.R. Mahalingam
7. Basic knowledge of opted instrument

(B) Practical Max. Marks: 50
S. No. Topics Marks
1. One Adi tala Varnam in two speeds. 8
2. Three Kriti in the prescribed ragas - Sriranjani, Suddha 12
Saveri, kambhoji, Abhogi, Nata, Hindolam and
Harikambhoji
3. At-least one Jati Swaram and one Swarajati 8
4. Explanation of the details of the ragas prescribed. 14
5. Tuning of the instrument opted for 8
Total 50

(C) Internal Assessment and Project work Max. Marks: 20

4

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CARNATIC MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS
Subject Code- 033
Class IX-X (2025-26)
Introduction
The course in Carnatic music - Percussion Instruments at Secondary and Senior
Secondary level is being offered for the students, who develop an aptitude and
creative ability in the art of Percussion Instruments and carry forward their capabilities
in Percussion music through education. The syllabus offered in this course envisages
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the holistic development of the students by introducing to them, the intangible values
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and rich cultural heritage of our country, which have been in coexistence with music
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and art forms practiced through ages. The ethos and philosophical concepts that are
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mirrored in the ancient system of Indian music, can be appreciated by the students
who learn this course. Along with the intricacies as well as cadences of musical
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rhythm, this course induces a historical consciousness among the students who wish
to pursue higher studies in Music. To some extent this course may even be
considered as a stepping stone to vocational studies.
Objectives
● To introduce to students, an understanding of certain principles related to the
origin and development of Indian music through ages and to familiarize
students with the rich history and diversity of Carnatic music and Percussion
instruments.
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● To inculcate curiosity about the formation of Tala and its various Jaatis, angas
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etc and further development to the intricate tala system etc.
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● Music is very closely associated with many Science and Arts disciplines. One of
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the objectives is to make the students focus on the interdisciplinary approaches

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in various musical concepts.
● To develop the ability, techniques and skills of playing the instrument opted for,
thus grooming the students to become professional artists of their respective
fields.
● To motivate students to take up percussion instrumental music as a career as
well as to open avenues for different careers in related fields.
● To make students aware and efficient in other subjects through integrated
learning.
● Students not only learn a vital aspect of Indian culture but also develop skills
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and qualities that benefit their overall growth and personality development.

om Outcome
c. Learning em
e m By learning this course, students:
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Instruments in Carnatic
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● Will be able to understand the Tala and its various systems in Carnatic music.
● Will be able to learn the art of playing Carnatic percussion instruments, its
techniques and skills
● Will be able to assimilate musical concepts with other disciplines
● Will be able to develop a scientific approach in all aspects, through systematic
training opportunities offered during teaching – learning process
● Will be able to appreciate Percussion music as a career oriented subject.

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gl
Page 10 of 14

CARNATIC MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS
Subject Code- 033
Class IX (2025-26)

Assessment Design

Sr.no Component Marks
A Theory 30
B Practical 50
C Internal Assessment 20

Curriculum & Examination Structure
(A) Theory Max. Marks: 30
Time: 2 Hours

S.No Marks
Topic

6
1. Definition of the following terms :
Tala, Laya, Avartana, Kala, Kaala, Graha (Atita - Anagata -
Sama),Sangeetam, Swara, Raga, Alankara, Arohana,
Avarohana,

3
2. Brief history of Carnatic music with reference to Purandara
Dasa, Tyagaraja, Muthuswamy, Dikshitar and Syama Sastry.

3. Basic knowledge of opted instrument. Minute Nuances of 6
playingTechniques is deleted.

4. Description and writing notation of sollukattus in Tala - Adi, 6
Rupakam and its varieties.

Brief lakshanas of musical forms - Geetam Swarajati, Varnam. 3
5.

6. 6
Basic knowledge of Mohra, Korvai, Kuraippu & Pharan.

Total 30

2

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(B) Practical Max. Marks: 50

S.No. Topics Marks

1. Ability to recite Sollukattus for the prescribed one tala and in one 10
speed.
2. Ability to play Sollukattus (simple) in Adi, Rupaka. 10

3. Knowledge of Sapta Tala Alankaras in three degrees of speed. 10

4. Basic knowledge of the construction and playing techniques 8
adopted in the instrument opted.
5. Basic technical knowledge adopted for opted percussive 12
instrument and short bouts of accompanying in the format of
Tattakaramas for Janta Swaras, Pattern, alankarams, geetam.
Total 50
* Teachers will refer to the distribution of marks while examining the candidate for
practical examination.

(C) Internal Assessment Max. Marks: 20

1. Project- File (05 Marks)
 Writing the Sollukettu in Talam-Adi and Rupakam.
 Draw and label any one instrument (percusssion).
 Identifying and interviewing neighborhood Artists.
 Knowledge about any one of the percussion artist.

2. Project- Suggestive Topics* Interrelationship of the following: (05 Marks)
 Music and Physics (Sound- Frequency, vibration, pitch, intensity, timbre)
 Music and Mathematics (Mathematical Calculation of laya.
 Music and History (Development of Music during the medieval period.
 Music and Geography (Development of Music in varied cultural zones e.g.
songs, instruments in mountainous or hilly areas).
* Students may choose any one of the above topic for project in consultation
with the teacher.

3. Periodic practical Test, restricted to three in an academic year. (10 Marks)
Average of best two tests to be taken for final marks submission. Each test will
examine a candidate to perform Solo recital in prescribed Talas with Adi and
Rupakam.

3

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CARNATIC MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS
Subject Code - 033
Class X (2025-26)

Assessment Design

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Sr.no Component Marks

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A Theory 30

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B
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a Internal Assessment 20

Curriculum & Examination Structure
(A) Theory Max. Marks: 30
Time: 2 Hours
S.No.
o m Topics
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. structure and components of the
1.
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Detailed Knowledge about the
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instruments opted.
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2. Playing techniques a
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adopted for Sapta tala alankaras in three speeds.

3. 16 Angas of Talas, Korvai, Koraippu etc. In preparing Korvai and
Koraipu, only Adi and Roopka talas expected. Other talas are
deleted

4. Basic knowledge of Jaati and Gati Bhedas in detail.
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5. A brief outline of different schools of playing Mridangam.

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Deleted the detailed explanation of different schools of

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Mridangam but only Brief explanation is expected.

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Subramania Pillai

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Page 13 of 14

(B) Practical Max. Marks: 50

S.No. Topics Marks

1. Knowledge of tuning Mridangam. 6

2. To prepare and play Sollukattu for Adi, Rupaka, Triputa and 14
Chapu tala varieties.

3. Accompaniment for musical form like Varnam, and Tillana. 8
Deleted slow tempo accompaniment to Padam in
addition to jati swram and Kriti

4. Knowledge to prepare Mohra and Korvai in Adi, Rupaka, Chapu 12
and Triputa talas.

5. Play “Tani Avartanam” for at-least 6 to 8 avartanas in only Adi 10
and Roopaka tala are expected and other varieties of tala are
deleted.

Total 50

(C) Internal Assessment and Project Work Max. Marks: 20

5

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