ODISSI LEVEL 1 EXAM

Pratham Tali is also known as Sam

What are the names of the Adiguru’s in Odissi?

1. Guru Pankaj Charan Das

2. Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra

3. Guru Debaprasad Das

4. Guru Mayadhar Raut

What is Chauka?

• Chauka literally means “square” and represents stability, balance, and Dharma.

• It is associated with Lord Jagannath/Krishna.

• It is a basic Odissi stance where weight is equally distributed on both sides.

• Heels face inward, toes point outward, knees are turned outward, and the thighs are bent.

• There are 10 steps in Chauka, corresponding to the 10 beats in each step.

What is Tribhangi?

• Tribhangi means “three breaks/bends.”

• The body is divided into three parts: head/neck, torso, and hips.

• It is one of the most distinctive poses of Odissi.

• The weight shifts slightly to one hip, while the torso and head bend to create three curves.

• It is a graceful and feminine posture, often compared to Lord Krishna playing the flute.

What is the meaning of Bhramahi?

Circular or turning movements of the body/dancer.

What is the meaning of Chari?

Movements or ways of walking/stepping using the feet and legs.

What is the meaning of Utplabna?

Jumping or leaping movements in dance.

What is a Tāla?

A Tāla is a rhythmic cycle.

It is a fixed pattern of beats (mātrās) that repeats throughout a piece of music or dance. In Odissi, tāla gives structure, timing, and discipline to both the dancer and the musician.

What is Matra?

Matra : Each unit in a phrase of syllables is called matra.

What is Sam?

Sam: The first Matra (syllable or note) from where the tala phrase begins is known as Sam. The symbol for Sam is an X.

What is a Guru?

Guru: The Sam in a tala phrase can be called guru, the first Matra (count) of the Tala.

Eg. In Ek Taal the matra Ta is the Guru Tali: The clap in a tala phrase is known as Tali. The Pratham Tali (first clap) in a tala phrase is also known Sam.

What is Khali?

Khali: In Odia, the word Khali means “empty space.” In rhythm (tāla), when we count mātrās or beats, sometimes we add a silent beat to keep the pattern balanced. Even though it is silent, it is still counted—and this empty, silent beat is called Khali. It is shown with the symbol O.

What is Bhaga?

Bhaga: Every Tala is made up of cyclical rhythmic patterns, subdivided into sections known as Bhaga

What is Chanda?

Chanda: The way in which syllables are grouped or divided within a tāla. Example: Rūpak Tāla – 2 + 4

What is Laya?

Laya: Laya refers to the speed or tempo in which a tala is recited or played on the mardala. The tempo of the recitation of the Bols (syllables) can be in Vilambit laya (Slow tempo), Madhya laya (Medium tempo) or Dhruta laya (Fast tempo Khandi is the smallest unit of dance. It comprises a phrase of syllables set to a particular Tala