RHYTHMIC SYSTEMS OF ODISHAN PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS AND TABLA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

Rhythm constitutes the structural foundation of Indian music, providing temporal organization to vocal, instrumental, and dance performances. While the tabla has emerged as the principal percussion instrument of Hindustani classical music, Odisha possesses an equally rich indigenous rhythmic heritage centred on the Mardala and supported by a diverse range of folk, tribal, and temple percussion instruments. Although these rhythmic traditions evolved in different socio-cultural environments, they share fundamental concepts of tāla, cyclical rhythm, improvisation, and oral pedagogy. At the same time, they differ significantly in instrument construction, rhythmic vocabulary, compositional structure, performance aesthetics, and pedagogical approaches. This study presents a comparative analytical examination of the rhythmic systems of Odishan percussion instruments and the tabla, exploring their historical development, theoretical foundations, performance practices, mnemonic syllables (bols), improvisational techniques, and contemporary interactions. The article argues that the rhythmic traditions of Odisha and the tabla represent complementary rather than competing systems, illustrating the diversity and unity of Indian percussion culture.