--- url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/course/pakhawaj/intermediate' title: 'Intermediate pakhawaj course: relas and Dhamar | KalaSudha' author: name: rajeevk url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/user/fce96177fd193d3a' date: '2026-11-01T03:14:09+00:00' updated: '2026-11-01T15:27:37+00:00' type: website summary: 'Intermediate pakhawaj, prepared by KalaSudha: four thekas, relas and paltas, chakradar and stuti parans, 3:2 layakari and Dhrupad and Dhamar accompaniment.' tags: - Intermediate - Pakhawaj image: 'https://files.kalasudha.com/styles/d12_standard/public/mcp-imported/Pakhawaj-Course-Lesson-Online-Cohort-KalaSudha.jpg?VersionId=4_zf58621fa0f456059ae110919_f10715a592331c39c_d20261101_m024113_c003_v0312032_t0051_u01793500873038&h=82966a5b&itok=14YHxY8j' published: true og: site_name: KalaSudha 'image:url': 'https://files.kalasudha.com/styles/d12_standard/public/mcp-imported/Pakhawaj-Course-Lesson-Online-Cohort-KalaSudha.jpg?VersionId=4_zf58621fa0f456059ae110919_f10715a592331c39c_d20261101_m024113_c003_v0312032_t0051_u01793500873038&h=82966a5b&itok=14YHxY8j' 'image:secure_url': 'https://files.kalasudha.com/styles/d12_standard/public/mcp-imported/Pakhawaj-Course-Lesson-Online-Cohort-KalaSudha.jpg?VersionId=4_zf58621fa0f456059ae110919_f10715a592331c39c_d20261101_m024113_c003_v0312032_t0051_u01793500873038&h=82966a5b&itok=14YHxY8j' 'image:type': image/jpeg 'image:width': '1200' 'image:height': '675' 'image:alt': 'A pakhawaj player in a white kurta sits on a patterned rug with the barrel drum resting on a cushion, hands on both heads, a notebook on a low table behind' --- Intermediate Level — Pakhawaj Intermediate Levels 2A–2C Pakhawaj · Pakhawaj # Intermediate Pakhawaj Intermediate pakhawaj, prepared by KalaSudha: four thekas, relas and paltas, chakradar and stuti parans, 3:2 layakari and Dhrupad and Dhamar accompaniment. - 3 modules - 36 topics [ Show interest ](/en-gb/course/pakhawaj/intermediate/show-interest) [ View curriculum ](#curriculum) What you'll master ## Skills you will carry forward - Recite and play four thekas and explain the Dhrupad and Dhamar contexts with examples. - Play two relas with four paltas each, with audible bols and relaxed coordination. - Calculate a simple chakradar and play three tihais from different starting matras. - Recite, notate and play a 3:2 excerpt with its counted return to sam. - Accompany five continuous minutes each of Dhrupad and Dhamar with live partners. ## About this course 9–15 months **Intermediate pakhawaj** develops forms, layakari and two-role performance once you can play a six-minute solo and accompany a Dhrupad partner. You enter after Foundation or a placement against its outcomes. It is the second level of the pakhawaj course prepared by KalaSudha. Module 2A adds two cycles, the suggested Tevra and Dhamar, and the forms they accompany. You learn two relas with four paltas each, two uthans and six parans across two developed solo cycles, and tigun and chaugun against a steady base pulse. You also recognise reference swaras in two accompaniment ragas. Module 2B covers a simple **chakradar**, a stuti paran, three tihai designs, dedh layakari, a 3:2 relationship, and Bhatkhande and Paluskar notation. Module 2C prepares **accompaniment**: five minutes each of [Dhrupad](/en-gb/vocal/hindustani-classical/dhrupad) and Dhamar with live partners, comparison of schools and sources, instrument care and a fifteen-minute solo. Each module has nine electives, including one for each stream. In a cohort, you hear how other learners follow the same Dhrupad and Dhamar partner, and the guided rehearsal becomes a performance for the group. The level leads to a KalaSudha award (see [certificates](/en-gb/indian-classical-music-certificates)). [Ask about Intermediate in the Academy](/en-gb/academy). Your learning journey ## The three Intermediate modules Intermediate adds cycles and forms, then layakari and notation, then two-role performance. The last module closes with live Dhrupad and Dhamar accompaniment and a fifteen-minute solo. - ### Module 2A: rela and broader tala repertoire Tune without step-by-step prompts and agree a corrective practice plan. Add the suggested Tevra and Dhamar, learn two relas with four paltas each, two uthans and six parans, keep tigun and chaugun steady and recognise swaras in two ragas. - ### Module 2B: chakradar, layakari and notation Review your memorised works, learn a simple chakradar and a stuti paran and compare damdar and bedam tihais. Demonstrate a 3:2 relationship, compare Bhatkhande and Paluskar notation and develop a phrase through controlled variation. - ### Module 2C: Dhrupad, Dhamar and the integrated solo Audit your portfolio, recognise two ragas and transcribe a short passage. Compare schools and sources, accompany Dhrupad and Dhamar live, explain instrument care and resonance, and present a fifteen-minute solo. Your learning journey ## Curriculum 36 topics Antara · 2A Rela and Broader Tala Repertoire Antara · 2B Chakradar, Layakari and Notation Antara · 2C Dhrupad, Dhamar and the Integrated Solo ### Antara 2A · Rela and Broader Tala Repertoire 17 available topics; 12 on your path. #### Core topics Every learner takes these 8 1. Topic 01 #### Placement, Tuning and Practice Design Review Foundation evidence and agree a measurable corrective practice plan. **Ready to move on when:** Tune without step-by-step prompting, explain bass preparation and show seven days of measured improvement. 2. Topic 02 #### Four Cycles and Their Contexts Add two cycles and distinguish the forms they accompany. **Ready to move on when:** Recite and play all four proposed thekas; explain Dhrupad and Dhamar contexts with examples. 3. Topic 03 #### Rela and Palta Development Learn two relas with four paltas each at an agreed working pulse. **Ready to move on when:** Recite and play both relas and all paltas with audible bols and relaxed coordination. 4. Topic 04 #### Two Uthans and Six Parans Extend composition memory across two developed solo cycles. **Ready to move on when:** Present two uthans and six cumulative parans, including material in both developed cycles. 5. Topic 05 #### Tigun and Chaugun Maintain a base pulse while changing the density of a supplied phrase. **Ready to move on when:** Recite and play two cycles each in tigun and chaugun without moving the base pulse. 6. Topic 06 #### Reference Swaras in Two Ragas Recognise reference notes and melodic movement in two accompaniment ragas. **Ready to move on when:** Identify Sa, Ma, Pa and upper Sa in reference audio and recognise characteristic and altered phrases in both ragas. 7. Topic 07 #### Guided Rela and Cycle Review Compare recordings at two working speeds and correct one physical habit. **Ready to move on when:** Retain the corrected movement and bol clarity in both relas and document the evidence. 8. Topic 08 #### Module 2A Presentation Present expanded thekas, repertoire and melodic listening evidence. **Ready to move on when:** Meet C2-C6 criteria and explain why tempo alone cannot establish technical readiness. #### Electives Your teacher fills 4 open slots from these electives, their own topics or both. - Elective #### Extra Rela Palta Practise extra rela palta through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Develop two further paltas without losing the parent phrase. - Elective #### Tuning Clinic Practise tuning clinic through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Correct three deliberately altered tuning examples with teacher supervision. - Elective #### Padhant Recall Practise padhant recall through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Repeat and play four eight-matra phrases after one hearing. - Elective #### Notation and Structure Practise notation and structure through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Annotate the divisions, rests and returns of a supplied paran. - Elective #### Nana Panse Sound and Bol Entry Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Reproduce four practitioner-supplied phrases with the assigned sound and bol treatment. - Elective #### Nathdwara Sound and Bol Entry Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Reproduce four practitioner-supplied phrases with the assigned sound and bol treatment. - Elective #### Kudau Singh Sound and Bol Entry Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Reproduce four practitioner-supplied phrases with the assigned sound and bol treatment. - Elective #### Awadh/Ayodhya Supplied Bol Study Study an attributed practitioner-supplied excerpt without assuming an independent gharana classification. **Ready to move on when:** Reproduce a practitioner-supplied study and document its exact teaching source. - Elective #### Banaras: Amarnath Mishra-Shrikant Mishra-Aditya Dip Supplied Bol Study Study an attributed practitioner-supplied excerpt without assuming an independent gharana classification. **Ready to move on when:** Reproduce a practitioner-supplied study and document its exact teaching source. ### Antara 2B · Chakradar, Layakari and Notation 17 available topics; 12 on your path. #### Core topics Every learner takes these 8 1. Topic 01 #### Composition and Padhant Review Review memorised works and reproduce an unfamiliar heard bol phrase. **Ready to move on when:** Repeat four phrases after one hearing and retain the bols when playing them. 2. Topic 02 #### Chakradar and Stuti Paran Learn one simple chakradar and one stuti paran with structure and text explained. **Ready to move on when:** Recite and play both; calculate the chakradar arrival and explain the text-linked composition without inventing attribution. 3. Topic 03 #### Three Tihai Designs Compare damdar and bedam designs and vary the starting matra. **Ready to move on when:** Count, notate and play three cumulative tihais, including both gap treatments and two starts. 4. Topic 04 #### Dedh Layakari Demonstrate a 3:2 relationship while retaining the underlying tala. **Ready to move on when:** Recite, notate and play a teacher-approved excerpt and show its counted return to sam. 5. Topic 05 #### Two Notation Systems Compare Bhatkhande and Paluskar tala notation through the same composition. **Ready to move on when:** Write a theka in both systems and a paran in Bhatkhande notation with correctly aligned gaps. 6. Topic 06 #### Controlled Improvised Development Develop a taught bol phrase through variation and purposeful returns. **Ready to move on when:** Present four contrasting variations in each developed cycle and explain which features remain fixed. 7. Topic 07 #### Guided Rhythmic Rehearsal Integrate rela, chakradar and tihai work with a lehra or live partner. **Ready to move on when:** Keep continuity for eight minutes, respond to a changed cue and recover an entry. 8. Topic 08 #### Module 2B Rhythm Review Present the rhythmic studies and defend their calculations and notation. **Ready to move on when:** Meet C2-C6 criteria and correct any mismatch between notation, recitation and playing. #### Electives Your teacher fills 4 open slots from these electives, their own topics or both. - Elective #### Chakradar Calculation Clinic Practise chakradar calculation clinic through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Calculate two additional designs and verify their returns. - Elective #### Paluskar Extension Practise paluskar extension through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Write a supplied paran extract in Paluskar notation. - Elective #### Dynamic Rela Practise dynamic rela through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Play a rela at three dynamic levels with audible bols. - Elective #### Improvisation Limits Practise improvisation limits through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Vary a supplied phrase four ways and explain the fixed features. - Elective #### Nana Panse Attributed Composition Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Recite, notate and play a supplied composition with documented teaching provenance. - Elective #### Nathdwara Attributed Composition Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Recite, notate and play a supplied composition with documented teaching provenance. - Elective #### Kudau Singh Attributed Composition Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Recite, notate and play a supplied composition with documented teaching provenance. - Elective #### Awadh/Ayodhya Composition Comparison Study an attributed practitioner-supplied excerpt without assuming an independent gharana classification. **Ready to move on when:** Compare a supplied composition with a core work without claiming shared bols are exclusive. - Elective #### Banaras: Amarnath Mishra-Shrikant Mishra-Aditya Dip Composition Comparison Study an attributed practitioner-supplied excerpt without assuming an independent gharana classification. **Ready to move on when:** Compare a supplied composition with a core work without claiming shared bols are exclusive. ### Antara 2C · Dhrupad, Dhamar and the Integrated Solo 17 available topics; 12 on your path. #### Core topics Every learner takes these 8 1. Topic 01 #### Intermediate Portfolio Audit Review four tala records and prepare two developed solo studies. **Ready to move on when:** Document the complete cumulative repertoire and repair one recurring fault across seven days. 2. Topic 02 #### Two-Raga Recognition and Listening Compare taught melodic phrases and transcribe a short heard bol passage. **Ready to move on when:** Recognise both ragas through characteristic movement and produce a checked four-matra bol transcription. 3. Topic 03 #### Schools, Branches and Sources Compare the three principal schools and the two included branch contexts using attributed examples. **Ready to move on when:** Give one sourced observation per principal school and explain why a branch name does not establish an independent gharana. 4. Topic 04 #### Responsive Dhrupad Accompaniment Follow the singer's phrasing, balance and entry cues without imposing a solo sequence. **Ready to move on when:** Accompany five continuous minutes and complete four exchanges, including a changed cue and recovery. 5. Topic 05 #### Responsive Dhamar Accompaniment Adjust theka and variation to a taught Dhamar composition. **Ready to move on when:** Accompany five continuous minutes and explain the mukhda, text placement and final return. 6. Topic 06 #### Instrument Care and Comparative Theory Relate sound production, instrument classification and maintenance to played examples. **Ready to move on when:** Explain membrane resonance, approved care and one tabla-pakhawaj distinction with demonstrations and a written or dictated note. 7. Topic 07 #### Guided Fifteen-Minute Solo Rehearse a balanced solo drawing on the two developed cycles. **Ready to move on when:** Complete fifteen continuous minutes and explain the order, transitions and one recording-led revision. 8. Topic 08 #### Intermediate Portfolio and Viva Present the solo, accompaniment and complete sixteen-skill portfolio. **Ready to move on when:** Meet all Intermediate milestones, including notation evidence, both accompaniment studies and source-based explanations. #### Electives Your teacher fills 4 open slots from these electives, their own topics or both. - Elective #### Additional Solo Cycle Practise additional solo cycle through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Present five minutes of prepared repertoire in another taught cycle. - Elective #### Source Comparison Practise source comparison through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Compare two accounts of a composition and record uncertainty. - Elective #### Listening Log Practise listening log through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Verify four observations by replaying timestamped examples. - Elective #### Accompaniment Recovery Practise accompaniment recovery through a bounded teacher-approved assignment. **Ready to move on when:** Recover after three changed entries without restarting the partner. - Elective #### Nana Panse Integrated Study Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Present eight minutes integrating the supplied bol treatment, composition and returns. - Elective #### Nathdwara Integrated Study Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Present eight minutes integrating the supplied bol treatment, composition and returns. - Elective #### Kudau Singh Integrated Study Develop the supplied study using practitioner-approved material and documented teaching provenance. **Ready to move on when:** Present eight minutes integrating the supplied bol treatment, composition and returns. - Elective #### Awadh/Ayodhya Accompaniment Choices Study an attributed practitioner-supplied excerpt without assuming an independent gharana classification. **Ready to move on when:** Perform a supplied five-minute accompaniment study and explain two taught choices. - Elective #### Banaras: Amarnath Mishra-Shrikant Mishra-Aditya Dip Accompaniment Choices Study an attributed practitioner-supplied excerpt without assuming an independent gharana classification. **Ready to move on when:** Perform a supplied five-minute accompaniment study and explain two taught choices. Intermediate pathway ## How this level progresses 3 structured modules, taken in order. Modules are taken in sequence 1. 2A Level 2A ### Antara 2A · Rela and Broader Tala Repertoire Topics 12 topics Activities 85 activities 2. 2B Level 2B ### Antara 2B · Chakradar, Layakari and Notation Topics 12 topics Activities 85 activities 3. 2C Level 2C ### Antara 2C · Dhrupad, Dhamar and the Integrated Solo Topics 12 topics Activities 85 activities ## Inside Intermediate - ### Dhrupad and Dhamar partners Follow a singer's phrasing, balance and entry cues in Dhrupad, then adjust theka and variation to a taught Dhamar composition. - ### Relas and new cycles Add the suggested Tevra and Dhamar, and learn two relas with four paltas each at an agreed working pulse. - ### Choose a stream Take electives in one stream after Foundation, with attributed material your teacher supplies and documents. ## Before you begin - Complete Foundation pakhawaj or show its outcomes in a placement with your teacher. - Be able to play Chautal and Sultal thekas, three parans and a six-minute solo. ## Frequently asked questions How do I learn to accompany dhrupad singing on the pakhawaj? Dhrupad accompaniment on the pakhawaj starts at Foundation, where you hold theka under a partner for three minutes and answer their cues. Intermediate develops it in module 2C: you follow the singer's phrasing, balance and entry cues without imposing a solo sequence. You accompany five continuous minutes with a live partner, including a changed cue and recovery. Can I learn the pakhawaj to play for kirtan or haveli sangeet? The KalaSudha pakhawaj course centres on Dhrupad and Dhamar, with devotional accompaniment as an option. A Foundation elective introduces accompaniment of a devotional excerpt your teacher approves. Nathdwara is one of the optional streams from Intermediate. Ask your teacher about devotional repertoire when you choose your electives. What should I be able to play before Intermediate pakhawaj? Intermediate pakhawaj starts after Foundation or a placement against its outcomes. You should play the Chautal and Sultal thekas, an uthan, three parans and a simple tihai with clear bols. You also need a six-minute solo, three minutes of Dhrupad accompaniment and four live cue exchanges. How is the Intermediate level of the pakhawaj course assessed? The Intermediate level of the pakhawaj course ends with fifteen continuous solo minutes and five minutes each of Dhrupad and Dhamar accompaniment with live partners. Four of the exchanges change a cue, and you show your recovery. Your portfolio counts too, with written or dictated explanations. Each study is continuous, with both hands visible and the partner audible. Have more questions? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to help! Next steps ## Ready to begin Intermediate? Begin Intermediate Level. [Explore Advanced Level](/en-gb/course/pakhawaj/advanced) [Show interest](/en-gb/course/pakhawaj/intermediate/show-interest) [Back to Pakhawaj](/en-gb/course/pakhawaj)