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Free Practice Questions for CHSE Odisha Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal)

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Key Facts: CHSE Odisha Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) Exam

Theory 40 + Practical 60

Official mark split per vocational trade paper under Part-III scheme

CHSE Odisha Vocational Courses Part-III (Part-1-3.pdf)

200 marks / year

Trade subject total with two papers (I–II or III–IV) each year

CHSE Odisha Part-III scheme of studies

~2 hours theory

Typical duration for each 40-mark theory paper

CHSE Odisha Part-III duration table

OP / Mardal

AHSE subject coding commonly lists Mardal (Odissi Pakhwaj) as OP

CHSE Odisha AHSE programme / question-paper requirement notices

Part-1-3 PDF

Official vocational syllabus host for Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) Papers I–IV

chseodisha.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Part-1-3.pdf

English MCQ adaptation

This free local bank is theory-only and not the official performance or full written-paper format

OpenExamPrep practice policy

CHSE Odisha +2 vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal): theory 40 + practical 60 per trade paper under Part-1-3 (confirm circular). Covers construction, bols, Odissi talas, compositions, layakari, sangat, and instrument comparisons. Free 2026 MCQ bank is a theory study adaptation—not a performance practical replacement.

Sample CHSE Odisha Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CHSE Odisha Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In classical Indian instrument classification (badya bibhagikaran), the Mardal belongs to which class?
A.Anaddha (avanaddha) vadya — membrane drums
B.Tat vadya — string instruments only
C.Susira vadya — wind instruments only
D.Ghana vadya — solid metallic idiophones only
Explanation: Treatises group instruments as tat (strings), susira (winds), anaddha/avanaddha (membrane drums), and ghana (solid/metallic). The Mardal is a two-headed membrane drum, so it is anaddha (avanaddha) vadya.
2According to traditional Odisha construction guidance reflected in music treatises, which wood is especially ideal (uttama) for making a Mardal body?
A.Soft balsa wood only
B.Khaira (Acacia catechu / khadira) wood
C.Hollow bamboo tube only
D.Plastic composite only
Explanation: Traditional descriptions prize khaira (khadira, Acacia catechu) for the Mardal shell; raktachandana and certain other hardwoods are also praised. Soft balsa, bare bamboo tubes, and plastic are not classical shell materials.
3How is the overall body shape of a classical Mardal best described?
A.A perfectly spherical gourd with one open hole and no skins
B.A single-faced frame drum like a large tambourine only
C.A barrel-shaped wooden shell thicker at the middle than at the ends, with two unequal membrane faces
D.A metal kettle drum with pedals
Explanation: The Mardal is a horizontal barrel drum: the wooden shell bulges at the middle and narrows toward two playing faces covered with skins. Faces are unequal in diameter (left larger than right).
4In Mardal construction terminology used in Odissi practice, the chhappar (pudi) primarily refers to:
A.Only the wooden tuning pegs of a violin
B.Only the frets of a sitar
C.Only the metal bell of a wind instrument
D.The prepared drumhead / skin face mounted on the shell
Explanation: Paper-I theory specifically includes knowledge of making the chhappar (pudi)—the membrane face prepared and fitted to the Mardal. It is not a string-instrument fret or wind-instrument bell.
5On a traditional Mardal, how do the two playing faces typically compare in size?
A.The left face is larger in diameter than the right face
B.Both faces must be exactly equal in every measurement with no exception
C.The right face is always many times larger than a full dhol face
D.There is only one playing face
Explanation: Classical measurements describe unequal faces: the left face is larger (about twelve–thirteen angulas in treatise measures) and the right face is slightly smaller. Players exploit the two faces for different tonal roles.
6What is the traditional black/loading paste commonly associated with the right playing face of the Mardal called in Odia construction discussion?
A.Rosin for violin bows only
B.Kharali (syahi-type loading paste applied in rounds and dried)
C.Shellac for wood polishing only with no acoustic role
D.Only machine oil with no paste layer
Explanation: Treatise-based construction describes kharali applied in a round on the right face and sun-dried repeatedly to set tone (shruti). Ingredients classically include ash, geru, rice products, and related binders. It is not bow rosin or mere oil.
7The paste or packing applied on the left face to support a deep, pleasant tone is traditionally discussed as:
A.Only metal ghungroo strings
B.Only gut frets
C.Purika (left-face packing/paste preparation)
D.Only a piano felt damper
Explanation: Traditional making distinguishes right-face kharali from left-face purika packing (using rice/ash-type materials in classical descriptions). Purika supports the deeper left-face sound character.
8After face pastes are prepared, traditional Mardal finishing requires the instrument to be:
A.Left completely unbraced with loose skins floating free
B.Filled with water as a primary resonator permanently
C.Played only after removing both skins
D.Strongly braced/tied with leather strips or pata-suta and checked for shruti (tone)
Explanation: Classical process includes repeated sun-drying of pastes, assessing shruti, and strong lacing with leather strips or cloth/cord (pata-suta). Loose unbraced skins, water filling, or removing skins are not the finishing method.
9Among woods discussed in traditional grading, jackfruit wood for a Mardal shell is often classed as:
A.Adhama (inferior) relative to ideal hardwoods such as khaira
B.The single supreme wood above all others with no debate
C.Forbidden in every folk and classical context worldwide
D.Used only for flute making, never drums
Explanation: Traditional grading calls instruments from khaira and certain resonant hardwoods uttama, while jackfruit is often graded adhama (lower) for Mardal shells—even if sometimes used practically. It is not universally forbidden, nor the supreme choice.
10Why is Mardal Niraman Bidhi (construction system) included in CHSE first-year theory?
A.Because construction replaces all practical playing permanently
B.So students can describe shell wood, faces, chhappar/pudi making, pastes, and bracing as part of instrument knowledge
C.Because Mardal is classified only as an electronic synthesizer
D.Because the syllabus forbids naming any part of the drum
Explanation: Paper-I Unit IV explicitly lists construction system of Mardal and making of chhappar (pudi). Theory expects descriptive instrument knowledge alongside bols and talas—not a ban on naming parts or a claim that construction replaces performance.

About the CHSE Odisha Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) Exam

Odisha CHSE Higher Secondary Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) is the official +2 performing-arts trade subject listed in the Council’s Part-III vocational catalog (Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal); AHSE materials also use Mardal / OP coding). It trains classical Mardal knowledge and skill for Odissi music and dance contexts: instrument construction and classification; basic barnas and hasta sadhana; prescribed Odissi talas and layakari; composition families (dharana, khandi, gadi, arasa, ragada, mana); tala lipi notation; sangat/accompaniment principles; comparative study with Hindustani pakhawaj, tabla, and Karnatak mridangam; Odisha abanaddha instruments; and prescribed biographies. Official assessment is mixed theory and substantial practical performance evidence. The free 100 MCQs on this page are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for theory and judgment only—they are not a substitute for daily riyaaz, padhant, solo demonstration, accompaniment practice, practical records, viva, or the official written paper format.

Exam sponsor: Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha (CHSE Odisha). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Per CHSE Odisha Vocational Courses Part-III scheme of studies: each year the trade subject totals 200 marks with Paper I/III Theory 40 + Practical 60 and Paper II/IV Theory 40 + Practical 60. Theory duration for 40-mark papers is about 2 hours; practicals of 60 marks about 3 hours or as scheduled (confirm current timetable). Year-1 theory emphasizes basic barnas, hasta sadhana, Ekatali/Rupak/Khemta/Adital, mana and banis badya khand (khandi, arasa, ragada, mana), Mardal construction and chhappar/pudi, tala lipi, definitions (nada, swara, tala terms), instrument classification, historical study, dasa prana of tala, essays, and biographies (Singhari Shyamasundar Kar, Kelu Charan Mohapatra, Mahadev Rout, Chakradhar Sahoo). Year-2 theory adds Tripata/Jhampa/Kudula/Yati/Adataali, advanced layakari ratios, notation of ragada/arasa, mana/khandi composition ranges, chhanda prakarana, sangat principles, comparisons with pakhawaj/tabla/mridangam, Odisha abanaddha drums, kirtan contexts, mardalika lakshana, solo principles, and further biographies (Padmanav Panda, Banamali Maharana, Sudhakar Balakrishna Das, Bhikari Charan Bal). Practicals assess strokes, compositions, layakriya, ekaka badan, oral parichaya, and accompaniment. The 100 questions here are an English MCQ theory study adaptation only.

Time Limit

About 2.00 hours per 40-mark theory paper and about 3.00 hours per 60-mark practical under the Part-III vocational duration table (confirm the AHSE / college practical schedule for your sitting).

Passing Score

Confirm the current CHSE vocational / AHSE result circular for separate theory and practical minima and overall trade pass rules for your registration year. Do not rely on unofficial fixed percentage quotes.

Exam / Certification Fees

Included in the CHSE Higher Secondary / vocational examination form-fill-up fee as notified by the Council; see official fee notifications on chseodisha.nic.in for the examination year and candidate category.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

12%

Mardal Construction & Instrument Knowledge

Mardal niraman bidhi, ideal woods, barrel shape, unequal faces, chhappar/pudi making, kharali and purika, bracing, anaddha classification, and Odisha cultural setting.

14%

Barnas, Bols & Playing Technique Theory

Basic barnas, hasta sadhana bidhi, ukuta and bani, composite sanies, dharana, padhant, and tone-production principles.

22%

Odissi Tala Theory

Prescribed talas (Ekatali, Rupak, Khemta, Adital, Tripata, Jhampa, Kuduka, Yati/Jati, Adataali), matra/vibhag/chhanda, sam–tali–khali, laya, and dasa prana concepts.

14%

Compositions: Khandi, Arasa, Ragada, Mana

Identification and composition of khandi, gadi, arasa, bhauri arasa, ragada/chaugati ragada, mana subtypes, variations, and solo-building order.

12%

Layakari & Tala Lipi Notation

Ekgun, dugun, tinigun, chaugun, dedhagun, fractional ratios, tala lipi paddhati, and writing compositions on the matra grid.

10%

Accompaniment & Odissi Repertoire Context

Sangat principles, Odissi vocal accompaniment tala set, Champu/Chhanda/Bhajan/Janana/Geeta Govinda, chhanda prakarana, and mardalika lakshana.

8%

Comparative Instruments & Odisha Drums

Differentiate Mardal from pakhawaj, tabla, and mridangam; describe Khola, Khanjani, Jodinagara, Dhuduki, Changu, Dhol; Nadia and Ranihati kirtan context.

8%

History, Biographies & Fundamentals

Prescribed gurus, nada/sruti fundamentals, and awareness of official Theory 40 + Practical 60 structure.

Preparing for the CHSE Odisha Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Confirm the current CHSE vocational / AHSE result circular for separate theory and practical minima and overall trade pass rules for your registration year. Do not rely on unofficial fixed percentage quotes.
  • Assessment: Per CHSE Odisha Vocational Courses Part-III scheme of studies: each year the trade subject totals 200 marks with Paper I/III Theory 40 + Practical 60 and Paper II/IV Theory 40 + Practical 60. Theory duration for 40-mark papers is about 2 hours; practicals of 60 marks about 3 hours or as scheduled (confirm current timetable). Year-1 theory emphasizes basic barnas, hasta sadhana, Ekatali/Rupak/Khemta/Adital, mana and banis badya khand (khandi, arasa, ragada, mana), Mardal construction and chhappar/pudi, tala lipi, definitions (nada, swara, tala terms), instrument classification, historical study, dasa prana of tala, essays, and biographies (Singhari Shyamasundar Kar, Kelu Charan Mohapatra, Mahadev Rout, Chakradhar Sahoo). Year-2 theory adds Tripata/Jhampa/Kudula/Yati/Adataali, advanced layakari ratios, notation of ragada/arasa, mana/khandi composition ranges, chhanda prakarana, sangat principles, comparisons with pakhawaj/tabla/mridangam, Odisha abanaddha drums, kirtan contexts, mardalika lakshana, solo principles, and further biographies (Padmanav Panda, Banamali Maharana, Sudhakar Balakrishna Das, Bhikari Charan Bal). Practicals assess strokes, compositions, layakriya, ekaka badan, oral parichaya, and accompaniment. The 100 questions here are an English MCQ theory study adaptation only.
  • Time limit: About 2.00 hours per 40-mark theory paper and about 3.00 hours per 60-mark practical under the Part-III vocational duration table (confirm the AHSE / college practical schedule for your sitting).
  • Exam / certification fees: Included in the CHSE Higher Secondary / vocational examination form-fill-up fee as notified by the Council; see official fee notifications on chseodisha.nic.in for the examination year and candidate category. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CHSE Odisha Vocational Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal): Suggested Study Strategy

1Build one tala card per prescribed tala: matras, vibhag chhanda, sam/tali/khali, and a sample dharana outline.
2Drill hasta sadhana daily: single barnas before composites, then short khandi/mana phrases.
3Practice writing ekgun, dugun, and chaugun on paper—theory MCQs alone do not train tala lipi speed.
4Separate composition families: khandi/gadi vs arasa vs ragada vs mana subtypes (birama, abirama, bhauri, lagan).
5For comparisons, use structure + system + repertoire (Odissi Mardal vs Hindustani pakhawaj/tabla vs Carnatic mridangam).
6Memorise prescribed biographies with one landmark contribution each (Singhari Shyamasundar Kar, Kelu Charan Mohapatra, Mahadev Rout, Banamali Maharana, Bhikari Charan Bal, etc.).
7Pair theory drills with padhant and accompaniment practice—MCQs cannot earn the 60 practical marks.
8Use official Part-1-3 unit lists as your checklist; this bank accelerates theory recall but does not replace CHSE practicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the official CHSE Odisha Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) exam pure multiple-choice?

No. Official Mardal trade assessment under the Part-III vocational scheme uses theory papers (Full Marks 40) and practical papers (Full Marks 60) with performance demonstration, oral parichaya, and accompaniment elements as arranged by the college/Council. This page’s 100 MCQs are an English study adaptation for underpinning theory only.

What topics are covered in CHSE Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal)?

Basic barnas and hasta sadhana; prescribed Odissi talas and layakari; khandi, arasa, ragada, and mana; Mardal construction and chhappar/pudi; tala lipi; musical definitions; historical study; biographies; comparative study with pakhawaj, tabla, and mridangam; Odisha abanaddha instruments; sangat principles; and related essay topics—matching Part-1-3 Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal).

How are marks structured for the Mardal trade subject?

In the CHSE vocational Part-III scheme of studies, the trade subject is 200 marks per year with Theory 40 + Practical 60 for each of two papers (Papers I–II in first year; Papers III–IV in second year). Confirm any updated pattern notification for your examination year.

How long are the Mardal theory and practical examinations?

Under the published Part-III duration table, 40-mark theory papers are about 2.00 hours and 60-mark practicals about 3.00 hours (college practical schedules may specify demonstration segments). Always check the current CHSE timetable for your sitting.

What is the exam fee for CHSE vocational Mardal?

There is no separate open stand-alone “Mardal only” marketplace fee quoted on this page. Fees are included in the Council’s Higher Secondary / vocational form-fill-up notification for the year and candidate category. See chseodisha.nic.in for the official circular.

Can this free MCQ bank replace practical and accompaniment preparation?

No. Practical skill evidence is essential (strokes, dharana, compositions, layakriya, ekaka badan, oral parichaya, and Odissi vocal accompaniment). Use these MCQs for theory drills and still complete daily riyaaz, padhant, and college practicals.

Where is the official syllabus for Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal)?

See CHSE Odisha Vocational Courses Part-III (Humanities, Home Science, Visual Art & Performing Art), Odissi Pakhwaj (Mardal) section, hosted at https://chseodisha.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Part-1-3.pdf and the Council syllabus portal at https://chseodisha.nic.in/syllabus.