CBSE Class 12 Hindustani Percussion Syllabus 2026-27

HINDUSTANI MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS Subject Code - 036 Class – XII (2026-27)

Introduction

The course in Percussion Instruments at Secondary and Senior Secondary level, is being offered to students for the holistic development of their personality. Percussion Instruments like Tabla/Pakhawaj are some of the finest Indian drum instruments around the world. Enriched with soulful acoustic sound and beautifully crafted features, these instruments produce sound based on scientific principles.

Inheriting the concept of Layas and Talas as the key features, Hindustani Music distinguishes itself from any other rhythmic patterns in the world, representing India's unique rich cultural heritage. It is one of the two major Tala traditions of Indian classical music, the other being the Carnatic tradition. Hindustani Percussion Instruments have developed in India with roots tracking back to the Vedic period, and evolved significantly during the medieval era. Initially being accompanying instruments to various musical forms, percussion instruments have established themselves as solo instruments today.

Objectives

It is important to carry forward the rich heritage and tradition of Hindustani Classical - Percussion Music to the next generation and to familiarize students with its rich history and diversity.

• To ensure the correct rendering of nuances of percussion syllables and Hindustani talas, pedagogical interventions involving the indigenous, traditional face-to-face Guru- Shishya (teacher – student) style are incorporated.

Students learn the techniques of performing Tala and its cycle (Theka), Kayada, Rela, Baant, Uthan, Peshkar, Tihai and various other compositions, keeping in mind the aesthetics of Tala presentation, playing style, clarity of bols and the overall performance.

Students not only learn a vital aspect of Indian culture but also develop skills and qualities that benefit their overall growth and personality development. Further the nerve endings of the performer get pressurize while performing Hindustani Classical - Percussion Music, which channelizes positive energy in the body. This may help students enhance their capabilities, both physically and mentally.

Music is very closely associated with many Science and Arts disciplines. The aim is also to focus on making students aware of the interdisciplinary approaches in various musical concepts.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding the concepts of Indian Tala system.

Ability to understand the concept of rhythm and the techniques of instrumental percussion music.

Ability to handle and perform solo recital on the percussion instrument opted for.

Ability to understand Laya, Tala, various compositions and Layakaris.

Developing a scientific approach in all aspects, through the systematic training adopted during the teaching – learning process.

Understanding other disciplines and their relation to various aspects of Hindustani Classical Percussion Music.

HINDUSTANI MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS Subject Code - 036 Class XII (2026-27)

<u>Assessment Design</u>

S.No Component Marks

Α Theory 30

В Practical 70

Curriculum & Examination Structure

(A)Theory:

Max. Marks 30

Time: 02 hours

1. Questions to be set with internal choice covering the entire syllabus unit wise
2. Candidate has to attempt at least one question from each unit.

Distribution of Marks

S.No Units Marks

Unit 1 06

1.1 Short notes of the following Uthan. 1.2 Comparative study of the following: Chautala-Ektala Jhaptala- Sultala Unit 2 06

2.1 Layakari and its varieties 2.2 Brief description of Gharanas of Tabla or Pakhawaj Unit 3 06

3.1 History of Tabla Unit 4 06

4.1 Biographies of Pandit Kishan Maharaj, and Ustad Zakir Hussain 4.2 Salient features of style and biography of Raja Chatrapati Singh, Guru Purushotam Das. Unit 5 06

5.1 Writing notation of the prescribed Talas and compositions 5.2 Recognition of Talas from given portion of the Thekas and compositions. Prescribe Talas: Teentala or Adi tala, Rupak or Tevra

(B) Practical

Max. Marks 70

1. Topics

1. Ability to Play Theka of Rupak on Tabla or Pakhawaj with simple elaborations.
2. Three Kaydas, One Rela, One Sadharan Tukra or Paran, One Chakradar

Tukra or Paran, One Farmaishi Chakradar in prescribed Talas

1. (a) Ability to play One Advance Kayada/ Rela with Two Paltas and Tihai, One simple Tukra, One Sadharan Chakradar Tukras or Paran,

Two Damdar Tihais and OneParan in Rupak or Tevra Tala

1. Recitation of the prescribed Talas and composition with Thah, Dugun and Chaugun Laya keeping Tala with hand beats.
2. A few simple laggis in Dadra on Pakhawaj
3. Knowledge of tuning of instrument opted for
4. Solo performance of any one Tala of choice from the prescribed syllabus for 10-15 minutes
5. Ability to accompaniment with Folk songs
6. Ability to accompaniment with classical music – vocal

(ii) Distribution of Marks

Time: 20-25 Minutes for each candidate

1. Examiners are requested to ask questions directly related to the syllabus.
2. Marks should be awarded in accordance with the marking scheme.

1. No. Value Points Marks
2. 2. 20

Uthan, Kayda, Rela, Tukra, Chakradar, Paran and Gat in any

prescribed Talas: Teentala /Aditala Rupak / Tevra

1. 4. 10
2. different layas
3. Practical file 05

• External examiner will refer to the distribution of marks while examining the candidate for practical examination.